Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effect of Hedyotis corymbosa extract on chronic stress-induced depression model of rat-A in vivo and ex vivo study

Abstract Background: Depression is a well-known mood disorder characterized by persistently low mood and loss of interest and a feeling of sadness. Plants and plant-derived agents have recently attracted the interest of researchers for their therapeutic effects against several illnesses, including mental disorders, and several herbal plants and herbal formulations are useful against experimental depression. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of Hedyotis corymbosa extract were investigated in rats induced with chronic mild stress.Methods: Animals were designated into the following groups: control, 0, 150, and 300 mg of extracts. The dose was given for 30 consecutive days via the oral route. Sucrose preference analysis, forced swim, and open field tests were performed, and serum cortisol and monoamine levels in brain tissue were determined. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was also examined.Results: Supplementation with extract increased the sucrose preference ratio, locomotor activity, and monoamines and decreased serum cortisol levels. The protein and mRNA expression of BDNF in the brain tissue was decreased by 62.58% and 73% in control rats. However, supplementation with extracts significantly increased BDNF mRNA expression (by 107% and 229.6% in groups 150 mg and 300 mg, respectively). Similarly, the protein expression of BDNF increased by 82.3% and 141.2% in groups 150 mg and 300 mg, respectively.Conclusion: In summary, experimental results suggest that supplementation with extracts of Hedyotis corymbosa may be effective against depression.