Antidepressant Effect of Crocin in Mice with Chronic Mild Stress

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant property of crocin (Crocetin digentiobiose ester) using a chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depression model in experimental mice. The tail suspension test (TST) and the sucrose preference test were used to evaluate the antidepressant effect on albino mice of either sex after three weeks of CMS. The period of immobility in the TST and percentage preference for sucrose solution were recorded. By monitoring brain malondialdehyde (MDA) level, catalase (CAT) activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH) level, the antioxidant potential was assessed. Three dosages of crocin (4.84, 9.69, and 19.38 mg/kg) were evaluated. When compared to controls, animals that received crocin administration during three periods of CMS had considerably shorter immobility times during the TST. Crocin treatment also raised the percentage preference for sucrose solution in a dose-dependent manner, bringing it to parity with the conventional antidepressant, imipramine. Animals that received a high dose of crocin had a much greater spontaneous locomotor activity. Furthermore, a high dose of crocin remarkably lowered plasma corticosterone and nitrite levels brought on by CMS. Additionally, high doses of crocin given during CMS greatly enhanced reduced glutathione levels while considerably reducing the brain’s MDA and catalase activities. In conclusion, high doses of crocin may have an antidepressant effect in an animal model through several mechanisms. However, further studies should be carried out to explore the role of neurotransmitters for their antidepressant property.

Research progress on the pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and biosynthesis of crocins

“…Alsanie et al found that the therapeutic effect of C. sativus extract on mild and moderate depressive disorder is comparable to antidepressants, such as imipramine and fluoxetine [ 10 , 60 – 61 ]. The antidepressant activity of C. sativus extract was exerted by regulating the serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain [ 62 – 64 ].…”

“…Crocins are utilized extensively as colorants and flavoring agents in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries [ 5 ]. They exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity, including antitumor [ 6 ], anti-inflammatory [ 7 ], hepatoprotective [ 8 ], nephroprotective [ 9 ], antidepressant [ 10 ], antioxidant [ 11 ], and antidiabetic [ 12 ] properties. The Saffron Multi-glycoside Tablet (Xihonghua Zonggan Pian) ameliorates myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction induced by coronary ligation.…”

Potential Antioxidant Activity of Apigenin in the Obviating Stress-Mediated Depressive Symptoms of Experimental Mice

“…The remaining substances needed for this research came from reputable vendors, and the labels were saved for later reference. The doses of apigenin [16] and imipramine [36] were selected based on our earlier findings.…”

“…All treatments were given orally for three weeks before subjecting the animals to their respective stress pattern of CMS. A sucrose preference test was conducted on day 21 at 60 min following CMS [36].…”

“…On day 23, blood was drawn from the retro-orbital, and plasma was separated using a centrifuge to assess the levels of nitrite and corticosterone [40,41]. This was carried out an hour after the therapy [36].…”