Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Assessing Burrowing, Nest Construction, and Hoarding in Mice
Published on: January 5, 2012
Effect of Hypericum perforatum on marble-burying by mice
L L Skalisz1, V Beijamini, R Andreatini
1Departamento de Farmacologia, Laboratório de Fisiologia e Farmacologia do Sistema Nervoso Central, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Abstract:
The effect of Hypericum perforatum extract (LI 160) at a dose that exerts an antidepressive-like effect was studied in mice in the marble-burying test. Acute Hypericum perforatum (150, 300 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test. The number of marbles buried, but not locomotor activity, was reduced by acute treatment with Hypericum perforatum (150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.). However, this effect was not seen after chronic treatment (21 days) with Hypericum perforatum (300 mg/kg, p.o.). Thus, Hypericum perforatum extract, at antidepressant dose, exerts an acute anxiolytic drug effect on the marble-burying test, which could indicate a potential anti-obsessive effect, although the development of tolerance could be an important drawback.
Insights
Hypericum perforatum extract showed acute anxiolytic effects in mice, reducing behaviors related to anxiety and obsession. However, this effect diminished with chronic use, suggesting potential tolerance development.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is a medicinal herb traditionally used for mood disorders.
- Its extract, LI 160, has demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models.
- Understanding its broader behavioral effects, including anxiolytic and anti-obsessive potential, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute and chronic effects of Hypericum perforatum extract (LI 160) on anxiety-like and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors in mice.
- To determine if the antidepressant-like dose of the extract possesses anxiolytic properties.
- To assess the development of tolerance to these effects with repeated administration.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized the marble-burying test to assess anxiety and repetitive behaviors in mice.
- Mice were treated acutely with varying doses of Hypericum perforatum extract (150, 300, 500 mg/kg, p.o.).
- Locomotor activity was monitored, and a chronic treatment group received 300 mg/kg daily for 21 days.
Main Results:
- Acute administration of Hypericum perforatum extract (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of marbles buried, indicating anxiolytic and anti-obsessive-like effects.
- The extract also reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test, consistent with antidepressant-like activity.
- However, chronic treatment (300 mg/kg for 21 days) did not produce the same reduction in marble burying, suggesting tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Hypericum perforatum extract (LI 160), at doses exhibiting antidepressant-like effects, demonstrates acute anxiolytic and potential anti-obsessive properties in mice.
- The development of tolerance to these behavioral effects with chronic administration is a significant limitation.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings, particularly regarding tolerance.
