Antidepressant effect of Stillen

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Neuroinflammation is implicated in depression.
• Stillen possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is used for gastric ulcers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antidepressant-like effects of Stillen.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms of Stillen's action in the brain.

Main Methods:

• Forced swimming test (FST) in mice.
• Measurement of neurotransmitters (serotonin), neurotrophic factors, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and estrogen receptor-β expression.
• Analysis of Nissl bodies in hippocampal neurons.

Main Results:

• Stillen and eupatilin significantly reduced immobility in the FST.
• Increased hippocampal serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were observed.
• Reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in the hippocampus and serum.
• Increased Nissl bodies and estrogen receptor-β mRNA expression in the hippocampus.

Conclusions:

• Stillen exhibits antidepressant-like effects in a mouse model.
• The mechanism involves modulation of serotonin, BDNF, and inflammatory pathways.
• Stillen shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for depression.