Investigation of noradrenaline and serotonin mediated antidepressant action of Mucuna pruriens (L) D.C seeds using various experimental models

Abstract

The effect of antidepressant treatments have traditionally been discussed primarily in terms of effects on noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. Mucuna Pruriens L (D.C) (Leguminoseae) is widely used in Indian folk medicine in variety of disease conditions. Based on nervous protective action of Mucuna Pruriens seeds, investigation of noradrenaline and serotonin mediated antidepressant action of hydroalcoholic extract of the M. Pruriens seeds (MPE) (200 mg/kg, p.o) was carried out using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Further, combination of MPE with Reboxetine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), Prazosin (62.5 μg/kg, i.p.), Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and p-chlorophenyl alanine (p-CPA 100 mg/kg, i.p.) were also studied in both the tests. Noradrenaline and serotonin neurotransmitters were measured in whole brain of mice after 14 days treatment of MPE. Result of the present study indicated that 7 days and 14 days treatment of MPE produced significant reduction of the immobility time in the FST and TST respectively. Further, antidepressant like activity of MPE was significantly reduced by Prazosin and enhanced by Reboxetine in the FST and TST. Antidepressant like action of MPE was also significantly reduced by p-CPA and enhanced by Fluoxetine in the both FST and TST. The neurotransmitter estimations revealed the levels of noradrenaline and serotonin were increased with 14 days MPE treatment. Reboxetine potentiated and Prazosin reversed MPE mediated rise of noradrenaline level. Similarly, Fluoxetine potentiated and p-CPA reversed MPE mediated rise of serotonin level. From the results of the present study, it is concluded that hydroalcoholic extract of M. Pruriens seeds possess antidepressant like property which may be mediated via interaction with the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems.