Ficus sycomorus extract reversed behavioral impairment and brain oxidative stress induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress in rats

Abstract

BackgroundStress, regardless of its nature is nowadays recognized as one of the major risk factors for neuropsychiatric diseases, such as mood and anxiety disorders. The brain compared with other organs is more vulnerable to oxidative damage mainly due to its high rate of oxygen consumption, abundant lipid content, and relative insufficiency of antioxidant enzymes. Thus, the identification of neural mechanisms underlying resistance and vulnerability to stress is of crucial importance in understanding the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders and in developing new treatments, since the existing ones are for several reasons subject to increasing limitations. This study was aimed to assess the effects of hydromethanolic extract of Ficus sycomorus stem bark on depression, anxiety and memory impairment induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) in rats.MethodsThese effects were studied using anxiety-related behavior, depression-related behavior, anhedonia-like behavior and the Y maze task. Sucrose test was performed twice (before and after UCMS) to assess anhedonia in rats. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the extract were performed. The antioxidant activities of the extract were assessed using total glutathione (GSH) content and malondialdehyde (MDA) level (lipid peroxidation) in the rat temporal lobe homogenates.ResultsThe extract of F. sycomorus in a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly increased the sucrose consumption and the swimming time which had been reduced by the unpredictable chronic mild stress (p < 0.001). The extract also significantly reduced (p < 0.01) the latency time in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. In the elevated plus-maze, the extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced (p < 0.01) the time and the number of entries into the closed arms. The treatment with the extracts also significantly increased alternation in the Y-maze (p < 0.01 for 100 mg/kg). The extract significantly increased the total GSH content and reduced MDA level in rat temporal lobe. For the LC–MS analysis, the major compound in the extract was a flavonoid with formula C22H28O14.Conclusions F. sycomorus reversed the harmful effects of UCMS on mood and behaviors in rats and it possesses an antidepressant property that is at least in part mediated through the oxidative pathway.

UPLC-QToF Nanospray MS and NMR Analysis of Ficus sycomorus Stem Bark and Its Effects on Rabbit

“…In contrast, no difference was recorded in the body weight, testicular size, and scrotal diameter of albino rats orally dosed with 0, 200, 400, 600 mg/kg of crude stem bark aqueous extract of F. sycomorus for 30 days [9]. Besides, a decrease in body weight was reported during the first week in rats orally dosed with methanolic extract of F. sycomorus stem bark [26]. This decrease was followed by an increase in weight; however, this increase was not significant compared to the control over time.…”

“…Starting from the third week, the F. sycomorus crude extract was weighed and dissolved in distilled water to form a 100 mg/mL solution. Within each rabbit breed, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rabbit groups were subjected to oral dosing with F. sycomorus extracts 0, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW [26], respectively, for the next 60 days. Feed intake and body weight were estimated, and daily body gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency were calculated.…”

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist, rosiglitazone, ameliorates neurofunctional and neuroinflammatory abnormalities in a rat model of Gulf War Illness

“…The CUS procedure was adapted from previous studies [64][65][66][67][68]. The CUS procedure involved the daily application of various stressors for a period of 33 days.…”

Correction to: Ficus sycomorus extract reversed behavioral impairment and brain oxidative stress induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress in rats

“…After the publication of this article [ 1 ] it came to our attention that Harquin Simplice Foyet was incorrectly included as Harquin Simplice Harquin Foyet. The corrected name is included in the author list.…”