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2000
Volume 25, Issue 4
  • ISSN: 1871-5249
  • E-ISSN: 1875-6166

Abstract

Background and Aim

This study aims to investigate the antidepressant properties of Hispidulin, a flavonoid present in D. Don. The selection of Hispidulin stems from its notable inhibitory activity against Xanthine Oxidase (XO), a parameter in the pathophysiology of depression.

Material and Methods

Mice were subjected to a rigorous evaluation using a murine model of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) to induce depression for 21 days and antidepressant properties were rigorously assessed using the Tail Suspension Test (TST), Forced Swim Test (FST), and Open Field Test (OFT). Imipramine and fluoxetine were used as standard drugs. Additionally, neurochemical analyses were conducted to quantify serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) levels in the cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Further mechanistic insights were sought through the estimation of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and assessment of antioxidant enzyme levels in the brain. Plasma nitrite and corticosterone levels were also measured to delineate the underlying mechanism of action.

Results

Hispidulin demonstrated significant antidepressant effects, as evidenced by reduced immobility time in TST and FST and increased exploratory behavior in OFT. Neurochemical analysis revealed restoration of 5-HT, NE, and DA levels in key brain regions. Furthermore, Hispidulin modulated MAO activity and enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels in the brain. Plasma nitrite levels were elevated, indicating enhanced nitric oxide synthesis, while corticosterone levels were reduced.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that Hispidulin exerts potent antidepressant effects, potentially mediated through its influence on monoaminergic neurotransmitters, MAO activity, and antioxidant defenses. These results provide valuable mechanistic insights into the antidepressant action of Hispidulin, supporting its potential therapeutic application in depressive disorders.

© 2025 Bentham Science Publishers
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2025-11-08

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Antidepressant Potential of Hispidulin Present in S. barbata D. Don: Mechanistic Insights through Neurochemical and Behavioral Assessments
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 25, 568 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715249331487241021053730
/content/journals/cnsamc/10.2174/0118715249331487241021053730
/content/journals/cnsamc/10.2174/0118715249331487241021053730
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): behavioural analysis; depression; Hispidulin; mechanism of action; neurochemical and biochemical assessments; Scutellaria barbata D. Don

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