Datura stramonium abrogates depression- and anxiety-like disorders in mice: possible involvement of monoaminergic pathways in its antidepressant activity

Abstract

Objectives Ethno-botanical surveys uncovered the use of Datura stramonium in the management of mental health abnormalities. Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities of hydroethanol leaf extract of D. stramonium (HLDS) in mice and its possible mechanism of action were investigated in this study. Methods The hole-board test (HBT), open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), and social interaction test (SIT) were used to investigate the anxiolytic-like activity while forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were employed for the antidepressant effect. Mice were pre-treated orally with purified water (10 mL/kg), bromazepam (1 mg/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) and D. stramonium (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg). One hour post-treatment, mice were subjected to the various tests. Results In HBT, D. stramonium increased the head dips and sectional crossings turnover. D. stramonium increased the number of square crossed and rearings/assisted rearings in OFT. DS increased the time spent in open arms of EPM. In SIT, D. stramonium increased the frequency/duration of interactions. In FST and TST, D. stramonium decreased the duration of immobility which were reversed by doxazosin (α1 adrenoceptor antagonist) and ondasentron (5-HT3 receptor antagonist). Conclusions HLDS has anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activities through modulation of serotoninergic and adrenergic neurotransmissions.

Phytoconstituents Targeting the Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor: Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Neurological Disorders

“…Hallea ciliate and Datura stramonium were studied for their anxiolytic activity using a hole board test, increased head dips, sectional crossings, squares crossed, rearing in OFT, and decreased immobility time in force swim test (FST) in mice. This behavior pointed out that Datura has substantial anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities through modulation of serotoninergic (5-HT 3 R) and adrenergic (α 1 ) neurotransmissions . In contrast, Hallea ciliate mediates its anxiolytic effects via GABA and 5-HT 3 R antagonism .…”

“…This behavior pointed out that Datura has substantial anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities through modulation of serotoninergic (5-HT 3 R) and adrenergic (α 1 ) neurotransmissions. 64 In contrast, Hallea ciliate mediates its anxiolytic effects via GABA and 5-HT 3 R antagonism. 65 The anxiolytic effect of petroleum ether extract of Zingiber off icinale (5−300 mg/kg p.o.)…”