Antidepressant-like activity of the aqueous extract of Allium macrostemon in mice.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify the effects of water extracts of Allium macrostemon Bunge (AM-W), a traditional herb, in mice.


METHODS
The antidepressant-like activities of AM-W were evaluated through behavioral despair in forced swimming test and tail suspension test. To elucidate the mode of action of the antidepressant-like effects of AM-W, new born cells in the subgranular zone and the granule cell layer were analyzed by immunostaining for incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU). In addition, the effects of AM-W on the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were investigated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
The administration of AM-W reduced the immobility duration in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test (100 or 200 mg/kg, P<0.05). Sub-chronic administration of AM-W (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o., for 14 days) increased the number of BrdU-incorporating cells. The percentage of BrdU-incorporating cells co-localized with NeuN was significantly increased after AM-W administration (100 or 200 mg/kg, P<0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of BDNF which is reported to be associated with neurogenesis were significantly increased in the hippocampus after administration of AM-W.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that AM-W may be a good antidepressant, and that its mechanism of action may be related to its positive effects on neurogenesis and BDNF release.
Lee
Seungjoo
S
Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemoon-Ku, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Dong Hyun
DH
Lee
Chang Hwan
CH
Jung
Ji Wook
JW
Seo
Yong Taek
YT
Jang
Young Pyo
YP
Ryu
Jong Hoon
JH
D000490:Allium / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine / Q000378:metabolism*; D019417:Hindlimb Suspension; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018517:Plant Roots; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D013550:Swimming
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D010936:Plant Extracts; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine