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Title: Antidepressant-like activity of the aqueous extract of Allium macrostemon in mice.
Author: Lee S, Kim DH, Lee CH, Jung JW, Seo YT, Jang YP, Ryu JH.
Journal: J Ethnopharmacol; 2010 Sep 15; 131(2):386-95. PubMed ID: 20637276.
Abstract:
AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of water extracts of Allium macrostemon Bunge (AM-W), a traditional herb, in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antidepressant-like activities of AM-W were evaluated through behavioral despair in forced swimming test and tail suspension test. To elucidate the mode of action of the antidepressant-like effects of AM-W, new born cells in the subgranular zone and the granule cell layer were analyzed by immunostaining for incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU). In addition, the effects of AM-W on the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were investigated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The administration of AM-W reduced the immobility duration in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test (100 or 200 mg/kg, P<0.05). Sub-chronic administration of AM-W (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o., for 14 days) increased the number of BrdU-incorporating cells. The percentage of BrdU-incorporating cells co-localized with NeuN was significantly increased after AM-W administration (100 or 200 mg/kg, P<0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of BDNF which is reported to be associated with neurogenesis were significantly increased in the hippocampus after administration of AM-W. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that AM-W may be a good antidepressant, and that its mechanism of action may be related to its positive effects on neurogenesis and BDNF release.

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