Ziziphi spinosae lily powder suspension in the treatment of depression-like behaviors in rats

Abstract

BackgroundDepression is a chronic, recurring and potentially life-threatening illness. Current treatments for depression are characterized by a low success rate and associated with a wide variety of side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the behavioral anti-depressant effect of a novel herbal compounds named ziziphi spinosae lily powder suspension, as well as to investigate its potential mechanisms.MethodsExcept for body weight, depressive-like behaviors were also evaluated using forced swimming test, sucrose consumption test and open field test. In order to investigate the underlying potential mechanisms, serum 5-HT and brain 5-HIAA were measured using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively.ResultsResults showed that the herbal compounds ziziphi spinosae lily suspension could alleviate depressive symptoms in rat model of chronic depression. Biochemical analysis revealed that the herbal compounds elevated serum 5-HT and brain 5-HIAA.ConclusionZiziphi spinosae lily powder suspension could alleviate depressive behaviors in depression model animals. The underlying mechanisms may be related to the increase of serum 5-HT in peripheral blood and 5-HIAA in brain. The study provides important mechanistic insights into the protective effect of the herbal compounds against chronic depressive disorder and suggests that the herbal compounds may be a potential pharmacological agent for treatment of major depressive disorder.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1749-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Antidepressant mechanism of classical herbal formula lily bulb and Rehmannia decoction: insights from gene expression profile of medial prefrontal cortex of mice with stress‐induced depression‐like behavior

“…LBRD is composed of seven lily bulbs and one sheng of fresh Rehmannia root juice, and the yield after decoction is 1.5 sheng (300 mL). The lily bulb is cool in property and sweet in taste, and has a function of stopping cough, reducing heat and moistening the lung . Rehmannia root juice is sweet and bitter in taste, and has the benefits of generating fluid production, nourishing yin and reducing heat .…”

Methanol extract of semen Ziziphi Spinosae attenuates ethanol withdrawal anxiety by improving neuropeptide signaling in the central amygdala

“…For example, the bioactive component Sanjoinine A in a methanol extract of SZS (MESZS) [22] increases the number of entries into and the time spent in the open arms by naive mice in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and the latter also increases the time spent in the central zone of the open field (OF). Moreover, pharmacological probing in these studies has demonstrated that the anxiolytic effects are ameliorated by modulating central neurotransmitters, such as GABA and 5-HT [23–25]. In addition, we have shown that an aqueous extract of SZS blocks nicotine withdrawal-induced anxiety in rats by suppressing excess activation of the amygdaloid CRF/CRFR1 pathway [26].…”

The Chinese Herbal Formula PAPZ Ameliorates Behavioral Abnormalities in Depressive Mice

“…Z. spinosae Semen could improve learning and memory of mice [24]. It has been reported to have an antidepressant effect in a rat depressive model [25]. However, whether a formula of these herbs would have antidepressant effects, and the underlying molecular mechanism, remains unclear.…”