Effects of Marapuama in the chronic mild stress model: further indication of antidepressant properties.
BACKGROUND
Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham (PO) (Olacaceae), known as Marapuama, is regarded as a "nerve tonic" in the Amazon. Traditional uses include states of lassitude with noticeable lack of desire/motivation, and to manage particularly stressful (physical and/or psychological) circumstances. Suggestive of antidepressant activity, we have established that a specific PO ethanol extract (POEE) significantly decreases immobility in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to verify the effects of POEE in the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) depression model in mice, given the construct and face values of the UCMS as an experimental model of depression and the traditional use of this species.


METHODS
Over 6 weeks BALB/c mice were subjected to the UCMS protocol. The effects of POEE (50, 100, 300mg/kg, p.o.) and imipramine (20mg/kg, i.p.) were evaluated in relation to coat state, splash-test grooming, and corticosterone levels.


RESULTS
The coat state degradation, decreased grooming and increased serum corticosterone induced by UCMS were prevented by POEE and imipramine treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to supporting traditional claims and previously reported antidepressant properties for POEE, this study shows that POEE prevents stress-induced HPA hyperactivity.
Laboratório de Etnofarmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Sarmento Leite 500/202, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil. angelopiato@gmail.com
Angelo L
AL
Piato
Bernardo C
BC
Detanico
Jennifer F
JF
Jesus
Francisco Luiz Rodrigues
FL
Lhullier
Domingos S
DS
Nunes
Elaine
E
Elisabetsky
D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006120:Grooming / Q000187:drug effects; D019417:Hindlimb Suspension; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D031656:Olacaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D003345:Corticosterone