Modulation of 6-gingerolin Antidepressant-like Effects: An Investigation of Serotonergic System in Mice Model

Abstract

Background: It has been reported that ginger is involved in serotonergic system. It seems that ginger effect could be attributed to its active compound or gingerol. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of gingerol on antidepressant-like effects by investigation of serotonergic system in mice model. Materials and Methods: Following pilot study and selection of doses, mice were divided into 4 groups. Receptor antagonists were injected, gingerol was administrated and a trial suspension test was conducted. Results: Administration of gingerol could induce antidepressant-like effect (P<0.001), without induction of changes in spontaneous locomotor activity in the open-field test. Pretreatment of mice with pCPA (preventor of serotonin synthesis), WAY100135 (receptor antagonist), ketanserin (5HT2A receptor antagonist), and cyproheptadine (5HT2 receptor antagonist) prevented the antidepressant-like effect induced by the gingerol (P<0.05). Conclusion: It could be stated that gingerol is involved in antidepressant-like effects through serotonergic system in mice model. It could be recommended to use the gingerol in commercial preparations for prescription as an antidepressant agent.