Evaluation of the antidepressant activity of beta vulgaris alone and in combination with fluoxetine in mice

Abstract

Background and Objective: Beta vulgaris (BV) possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may play a vital role in mitigating mental disorders like depression. The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of BV using standardised mouse models of depression. Methodology: The extracts were analysed for phytochemical ingredients and in vitro experiments were done to determine antioxidant properties of BV extracts. After preliminary dose range finding studies for any adverse effects, the antidepressant activities of aqueous and methanolic extracts of BV were evaluated in mouse models of depression. Animals were randomly divided into 8 groups (6 animals per group): Group 1 and 2 served as vehicle control and fluoxetine (20 mg kg-1) standard control, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were given aqueous extract of BV orally at doses of 100 and 200 mg kg-1 day-1, respectively. Groups 5 and 6, received methanolic extract of BV at doses of 200 and 400 mg kg-1 day-1, respectively. Groups 7 and 8 received 200 and 400 mg kg-1 day-1 methanolic extract of BV, respectively, +10 mg kg-1 day-1 dose of fluoxetine. Following 14 days daily dosing, all animals were tested using behavioural tests of depression on day 15th using Forced Swim Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST) and Locomotor Activity Test (LAT). Results: In comparison with the control groups 1 and 2, marked changes were observed in all parameters in extract-dosed mice. Especially, significant antidepressant effects were found in mice given simultaneously combined doses of 200 or 400 mg kg-1 day-1 of BV methanolic extract+10 mg kg-1 day-1 fluoxetine, suggesting an additive serotonergic effect. Conclusion: Overall, the findings suggest that Beta vulgaris has a potential for developing an alternative plant-derived antidepressant therapy.