The Comparative Effect Of Aqueous Extract Of Phoenix dactylifera L. and Salvadora Persica In Depression Rat Model

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of aqueous extracts of miswak (Salvadora persica), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and their combination on depression-like behaviors using a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model of depression and to suggest their underlying mechanisms. Results showed that CUMS induced depression-like behavior and anxiety in male rats, as determined by behavioral tests (FST, EPM, and OFT). CUMS significantly increased the levels of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), cortisol, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), in addition to enhancing acetylcholinesterase activity (ACHE). Plasma total antioxidant capacity, and serotonin level were reduced. In the prefrontal cortex, CUMS decreased the expression of CREB and BDNF mRNA. However, aqueous extracts of miswak, date palm and their combination effectively ameliorated depression-like behaviors, body weight loss, and oxidative stress induced by CUMS and restored neurotransmitter and hormone secretion to normal levels. Furthermore, the studied extracts improved the levels of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines and CREB and BDNF mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of miswak and date palm have significant antidepressant-like effects on depression-like behaviors in CUMS model in rats. Moreover, their combination has higher antidepressant-like effects than either extract alone, suggesting that it may be an effective treatment for stress-induced depression-like behaviors acting through modulating Pro-inflammatory cytokines and CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex.