Rhizomes of Gastrodia elata B_L Possess Antidepressant-Like Effect via Monoamine Modulation in Subchronic Animal Model

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that affects over 10% of individuals. However there is no desirable therapeutic approach nowadays. Thus, looking for an alternative treatment is important. The objectives of this study are to investigate the antidepressant effects of the rhizomes of Gastradia elata B(L), a traditional Chinese medicine, in the animal model forced-swimming test (FST), and to analyze the monoamine content in the rats' brain regions in order to better understand the possible mechanisms of the water extract of the rhizomes of Gastrodia elata B(L) (WGE). Subchronic administration of 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg bw WGE by gavage for 21 consecutive days significantly reduced the immobility duration of rats in the test session of FST as compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with the equivalent effects as the antidepressant drug fluoxetine. The concentration of serotonin (5-HT) in the frontal cortex and dopamine (DA) in striatum were significantly increased after WGE administration (p < 0.05). The ratio of 5-HIAA/5-HT and (DOPAC + HVA)/DA, i.e. the turnover of 5-HT and DA respectively, were also significantly lowered in WGE groups (p < 0.05). In summary, the present study showed that the WGE possesses antidepressant-like effect on rats in the animal model FST, and the possible mechanism may be via regulating both the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.

<i>Gastrodia elata</i> modulates amyloid precursor protein cleavage and cognitive functions in mice

“…The dry tuber of Tianma has long been officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is used in treating headaches, dizziness, tetanus, epilepsy, infantile convulsions, numbness of the limbs and also for the improvement of cognitive functions (4,(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36). From scientific investigations, Tianma possesses anti-oxidative and free radical scavenging (37), neuroprotective (38), and antidepressant effects (7,39,40). Tianma, huperzia serrata and other herbs have recently also been discussed as a relevant source of potential therapeutic remedies that target AD symptoms or the primary pathogenic processes of AD especially as researchers are now exploring the possibility of a connection between AD, VD, diabetes mellitus (type 2, DMT2), and CD (5,41,42).…”

Antidepressant-like Effects of the Gastrodia elata Bl Extract in Mice

“…In this model, the concentrations of serotonin and dopamine were elevated, while the turnover of these two monoamines was decreased after orally GE treatment 71) . Furthermore, the water extract of GE attenuated memory impairment loss by the animals as measured by the inhibitory avoidance task and the Morris water maze in rats 73) .…”

“…In both the forced-swimming test and tail-suspension test, animal models used for evaluation of antidepressant activity, the water and the ethanol extract of GE demonstrated a significant antidepressant effect [70][71][72] .…”

“…There are many scientific evidences supporting the biological activities of GE. GE treatment exerts an effective inhibition of diverse diseases and disorders, including convulsion [40][41][42][43] , oxidative stress 41,44,45) , mental disorders [46][47][48][49] .…”

Parishin C Attenuates Phencyclidine-Induced Schizophrenia-Like Psychosis in Mice: Involvements of 5-HT1A Receptor

“…Recently, it was demonstrated that GE significantly decreased immobility duration in a forced-swimming test in rats, primarily by modulating the serotonergic system (1).…”