TÁC DỤNG CHỐNG TRẦM CẢM CỦA CAO CHIẾT TOÀN PHẦN TỪ TÂM SEN TRÊN MÔ HÌNH CHUỘT NHẮT TRẮNG GÂY STRESS BẰNG METHYLPREDNISOLON

Abstract

Background: Chronic elevation of corticosterone leading to dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis may negatively affect neuroregulation and contribute to depressive-like behaviors. Nelumbinis Semen (lotus plumule) is a traditional medicinal herb widely used for its sedative and anxiolytic properties and has demonstrated neuroprotective potential in several experimental depression models. Objectives: This study aimed to establish a methylprednisolone-induced depressive-like mouse model and investigate the antidepressant effects of the total extract of Nelumbinis Semen. Materials and methods: Male Swiss albino mice (22 ± 2 g) received subcutaneous methylprednisolone (20 mg/kg/day) for 21 days to induce depressive-like behaviors. Animals were subsequently treated for 14 days with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) or Nelumbinis Semen extract (200 mg/kg, oral administration). Behavioral assessments included the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze (EPM), and light–dark test (L/D). Results: Prolonged methylprednisolone administration significantly increased immobility time in both FST and TST compared with the control group (p < 0.05), indicating successful induction of depressive-like behavior. Treatment with Nelumbinis Semen extract at 200 mg/kg or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility time in FST and TST. Additionally, antidepressant-like effects were evidenced by increased time spent in the open arms of the EPM and in the light compartment of the light–dark test compared with the disease model group. Conclusion: Chronic subcutaneous administration of methylprednisolone successfully induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Concurrently, the antidepressant effect of Nelumbo nucifera embryo total extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg was demonstrated using this model.