Sargassum horneri Extract Attenuates Depressive-like Behaviors in Mice Treated with Stress Hormone

Abstract

Sargassum horneri, a brown seaweed, is known for its various health benefits; however, there are no reports on its effects on depression. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of S. horneri ethanol extract (SHE) in mice injected with corticosterone (CORT) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Behavioral tests were conducted, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and CORT levels were measured. A fluorometric monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme inhibition assay was performed. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels were determined. Moreover, the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was evaluated. Behavioral tests revealed that SHE has antidepressant effects by reducing immobility time and increasing time spent in open arms. Serum CRH, ACTH, and CORT levels decreased in the mice treated with SHE, as did the glucocorticoid-receptor expression in their brain tissues. SHE inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B activities. In addition, SHE increased levels of neurotransmitters. Furthermore, SHE activated the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These findings suggest that SHE has antidepressant effects in CORT-injected mice, via the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and monoaminergic pathway, and through activation of the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Thus, our study suggests that SHE may act as a natural antidepressant.

Angelica keiskeileaves extract attenuates psychosocial stress in overcrowding-subjected rats

“…The Caryophyllus aromaticus extract with a total flavonoid content of 9381.70 mg QE-Eq/g provides antidepressant effects in albino rats [52]. Sargassum horneri and Zataria multiflora extracts have also been shown to reduce depressive-like behaviors in animal models of stress [53,54]. Lychee peel extract with 90.05 ± 0.26 mg QE-Eq/g total flavonoid content reduces depressive-like behavior in chronic restraint stress-subjected rats [48].…”

Mitochondrial protective potential of fucoxanthin in brain disorders

“…(94) In animal models, treatment with extract from the brown seaweed Sargassum horneri (500 mg/kg) for 3 weeks prevented the loss of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the mouse brain, as well as improvements in depressive-live behaviours caused by an intraperitoneal injection of corticosterone. (95) The authors performed a quantitative analysis and verified the presence of fucoxanthin in the extract. That study further revealed that the underlying mechanism involved the activation of the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathways by the brown seaweed extract.…”