Thymol reverses depression-like behaviour and upregulates hippocampal BDNF levels in chronic corticosterone-induced depression model in female mice

Abstract

Objectives Based on this, the central therapeutic effects of thymol were verified in the neurotrophic pathway. Methods Female swiss mice were divided into four groups: control, corticosterone (Cort), thymol (Cort + thymol) and fluvoxamine (Cort + Flu). The administration of corticosterone was used to induce depressive symptoms for 23 days. After the treatment, the animals were exposed the behavioural tests, such as forced swimming test, tail suspension test, sucrose preference test, light/dark test, social interaction test, Y-maze test, plus-maze test and hole-board test. The hippocampus was also removed, and BDNF was measured by ELISA and Western blot. Key findings As a result, thymol and fluvoxamine were able to reverse the depressive symptoms, as well as to improve the anxious frame. The anhedonic and short-term memory was restored with the treatment. In the neurochemical tests, both thymol and fluvoxamine restored BDNF levels, improving the depressive condition. Conclusions This work opens up new investigations aiming at the use of this molecule as a therapeutic alternative for treating depression disorders.

Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil Protects Zebrafish against Cognitive Dysfunction by Regulating Cholinergic and Antioxidants Systems

“…For instance, Asadbegi et al [30] demonstrated that thymol decreased the effect on memory damage caused by intrahippocampal injection of the Aβ peptide in high-fat diet-fed rats and could be found as neuroprotective. Additionally, Capibaride et al [31], confirmed the marked antidepressant-like effect of thymol, as demonstrated by its ability to reverse chronic corticosterone-associated behavior and a decrease in BDNF levels in female mice. Furthermore, Formiga et al [32] suggested the intestinal anti-inflammatory function of p-cymene and rosmarinic acid involving the cytoprotection of the intestinal barrier, the preservation of the mucus layer, and the conservation of communicating junctions, as well as the regulation of the antioxidant and immunomodulatory processes.…”

Taurine and Ginsenoside Rf Induce BDNF Expression in SH-SY5Y Cells: A Potential Role of BDNF in Corticosterone-Triggered Cellular Damage

“…The neuroprotective effects of BDNF are well-known [21,24,36,37], including against CORT-mediated damage in cellular and animal models of brain injury [38][39][40]. In addition, BDNF demonstrates neuroprotective effects in a CORT-induced model of depression in female mice [38]. Thus, the upregulation of BDNF by ginsenosides represents a mechanism by which they may exert their therapeutic effects.…”

“…BDNF plays a critical role in multiple pathological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and psychiatric disorders [ 35 ]. The neuroprotective effects of BDNF are well-known [ 21 , 24 , 36 , 37 ], including against CORT-mediated damage in cellular and animal models of brain injury [ 38 , 39 , 40 ]. In addition, BDNF demonstrates neuroprotective effects in a CORT-induced model of depression in female mice [ 38 ].…”

Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Riparin I in a Model of Depression Induced by Corticosterone in Female Mice

“…The immobility time in the FST was increased in the CORT group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Figure 4 presents that the administration of RIP I (p < 0.001) induced a reduction of the immobility time in stressed animals (F [3,32] = 43.74).…”