Evaluation Of Protective Effect Of Vinpocetine In Reserpine-Induced Depression In Wistar Rats

Abstract

Objective: Depression is a serious psychiatric disorder affects over 350 million peoples worldwide. The present study aimed to address the protective effect of vinpocetine in reserpine induced-depressed rats

Methods: The experimental protocol comprised of 4 groups (6 rats each), where rats received normal saline in group 1 and reserpine (0.5mg/kg, i.p) in group 2 for 14 consecutive days. Group 3 and 4 received the test drug, vinpocetine (6mg/kg) and the standard drug, fluoxetine (5mg/kg), before 30 minutes of reserpine administration for 14 days respectively. Then the effect on all groups was assessed on behavioral parameters by TST, open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST). While oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, GSH, SOD and CAT) were estimated in brain and Histopathological examination carried out by Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining of hippocampus and cortex of brain.

Result: Result indicates that Vinpocetine significantly reversed the depression induced by reserpine in rats by increasing locomotor activity in OFT, reducing immobility time in TST, and elevating swimming time in forced swim task. Vinpocetine also reduce the oxidative stress by elevating the content of GSH and antioxidant enzymes (SOD & catalase) and decrease malondialdehyde level in the brain. Moreover, In Histopathological examination, vinpocetine significantly reversed the Histopathological alteration of reserpinized rats in hippocampus and cortex region of the brain.

Conclusion: Our result suggests that, vinpocetine possess potent antidepressant properties and can be a potential alternative drug for the treatment of depression.