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Effect of inhalation of EOAH on TH expression in the locus coeruleus in mice subjected to the FST. Photographs represent the distribution of TH-immunoreactive cells in the locus coerleus of normal (A, n = 8), control (B, n = 9), EOAH 0.5 g (C, n = 9) and EOAH 1.0 g (D, n = 9) groups. The number of the TH-immunostained neurons among the groups (E) was analyzed by one-way ANOVA post-hoc Newman-Keuls test. Each value represents the mean ± S.E.M. ### p < 0.001 compared to the normal group, **p < 0.01 compared to the control group. Sections were cut coronally at 30 μm and the scale bar represents 200 μm. Arrowheads indicate TH immunopositive neurons.
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Psychological stressors may cause affective disorders, such as depression and anxiety, by altering expressions of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), serotonin (5-HT), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the brain. This study investigated the effects of essential oil from Asarum heterotropoides (EOAH) on depression-like behaviors and brain expressio...
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Major depression has various types of symptoms and disease courses with inconsistent response to monoamine-related antidepressants. Thus, monoamine theory may not be the only pathophysiologic pathway relevant to depression. Recently, it has been suggested that regulatory T cell (Treg) is associated with depression. Based on our previous study that...
Citations
... This suggests that the terpenoids present in the essential oil may interact with GABA receptors, leading to anxiolytic effects. Similarly, essential oils extracted from Asarum heterotropoides have demonstrated the ability to attenuate depressive behavior and increase the expression of serotonin (5-HT) in animal models of stress-induced depression (Park et al., 2015). This indicates that the terpenoids in these essential oils may impact the brain's serotonin system, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation. ...
Cannabis sativa L. is an annual plant from the Cannabaceae family. In Morocco, it has a long-standing traditional use as a sedative and in the treatment of various neurological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Cannabis sativa essential oil (CSEO) in a mouse model of depression induced by unpredictable chronic stress. Mice were exposed to various stress paradigms to induce depression-like behaviors and were subjected to the Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress (UCMS) protocol for 30 days. The mice received intraperitoneal doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight of CSEO daily. Anhedonia, a key symptom of depression, was assessed using a sucrose preference test, while anxiety and depression-related behaviors were evaluated. Additionally, the oxidative parameters of CSEO, including lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase activity, and catalase, were measured. Results demonstrated that chronic administration of CSEO at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, effectively reversed the behavioral changes induced by UCMS. CSEO reduced the immobility period and increased sucrose preference in stressed mice, indicating an improvement in depressive symptoms. Moreover, CSEO administration positively impacted the biochemical changes associated with chronic stress, including reduced lipid peroxidation and increased levels of gluta-thione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities.
... In the current study, the forced swim test showed that the immobility time of the A. galanga essential oil group was significantly lower than the negative control (Table 4), indicating its potential to reduce depressive behavior. Meanwhile, it was not significantly different from the positive control group Sur et al., 2019;Park et al., 2015;Won et al., 2005). The medicinal properties of essential oils in aromatherapy is due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aromatic compounds (Zhang et al., 2021). ...
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to maintain body and mental health. In aromatherapy, the inhalation of essential oil provides physical and psychological benefit due to its volatile bioactive compounds. The current study was aimed to determine the effect of the inhalation of Alpinia galanga essential oil in mice using forced swim test. The refractive index, solubility, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) profile of AGEO were also investigated. The essential oil from Alpinia galanga showed an anti-depressive-like effect and it was as strong as the positive control (Lavandula angustifolia essential oil). The GC-MS analysis discovered some antidepressant compounds in the oil such as eucalyptol, fenchone, and α-terpineol.
... Asarum heterotropoides var.mandshuricum, from the Aristolochiaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicine called Xixin or wild ginger which is used for pain and inflammation. The essential oils extracted from A. heterotropoides effectively attenuated depression-like behavior and increased brain expression of serotonin (5-HT) under forced swimming or immobilization stress [48]. Melissa officinalis L (lemon balm) is a traditional herbal medicine native to the Eastern Mediterranean region, Western Asia, and tropical countries, such as Brazil. ...
Terpenoids are widely distributed in nature, especially in the plant kingdom, and exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. In recent years, screening has revealed a wide variety of new terpenoids that are active against different psychiatric disorders. This review synthesized the current published preclinical studies of terpenoid use in psychiatric disorders. This review was extensively investigated to provide empirical evidence regarding the neuropharmacological effects of the vast group of terpenoids in translational models of psychiatric disorders, their relevant mechanisms of action, and treatment regimens with evidence of the safety and psychotropic efficacy. Therefore, we utilized nine (9) electronic databases and performed manual searches of each. The relevant data were retrieved from the articles published until present. We used the search terms “terpenoids” or “terpenes” and “psychiatric disorders” (“psychiatric disorders” OR “psychiatric diseases” OR “neuropsychiatric disorders” OR “psychosis” OR “psychiatric symptoms”). The efficacy of terpenoids or biosynthetic compounds in the terpenoid group was demonstrated in preclinical animal studies. Ginsenosides, bacosides, oleanolic acid, asiatic acid, boswellic acid, mono- and diterpenes, and different forms of saponins and triterpenoids were found to be important bioactive compounds in several preclinical studies of psychosis. Taken together, the findings of the present review indicate that natural terpenoids and their derivatives could achieve remarkable success as an alternative therapeutic option for alleviating the core or associated behavioral features of psychiatric disorders.
... A pronounced anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant effect in the study of Ferulago angulata essential oil in rats was recorded with inhalation use (Bagci et al., 2016). The antidepressant EO effect of the Asarum heterotropoides was studied (Park et al., 2015). ...
An application of natural antioxidants remains the focus of research groups. The effect of Satureja montana L. essential oil in various doses on the main biological characteristics of Wistar rats was the main aim of the study. The intensification of protein metabolism in the blood plasma of rats on the background of the use of Satureja montana L. essential oil was noted. Total protein increases by 17.9 – 19.7%, and albumin by 27.6% in rats of the experimental group received the essential oil at a dose of 0.6 ml per kg of feed. A significant increase in the AST level in control group rats to 207.3 U.L-1 was revealed. Its one to a certain extent indicates the hepatoprotective effect of mountain savory oil and a decrease in inflammatory processes in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract in the conditions of cell maintenance of rats of the experimental groups. Gastric epithelium thickness of rats of both experimental groups was lower than the control animals. But it did not bear any signs of atrophy. The difference of this indicator in comparison with control was 12.75 μm (p ≤0.05) in the second group and it was reliable. The number of chief stomach cells increases in animals of the experimental groups, which may indicate a greater enzymatic activity. An increased dose of mountain savory oil contributes to the formation of more damage to hepatocytes on the periphery of the liver lobule. Thus, the relationship between liver enzymes and the state of peripheral hepatocytes was noted.
... In another study, which used compound anshen EO, the inhalation of the EO improved sleep quality and promoted 5-HT increase in experimental mice [82]. An increase of 5-HT-expressing neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus was found in animals that inhaled EO from asarum heterotropoides for 3 h [45], suggesting that the positive effect of EO inhalation may occur in both acute and chronic conditions. ...
... Similar findings were reported in a study that used musk for inhalation [96] and another one that used methyl jasmonate (MJ) [113]. However, another animal study brought out that the corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), which regulates the release of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in the HPA axis, could increase via the inhalation of EOs from asarum heterotropoides [45]. ...
Essential oils (EOs) are extracted from plants and contain active components with therapeutic effects. Evidence shows that various types of EOs have a wide range of health benefits. In our previous studies, the potential of lavender EO for prevention and even treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms was demonstrated. The favourable outcomes may be due to multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of monoamine level, the induction of neurotrophic factor expression, the regulation of the endocrine system and the promotion of neurogenesis. The molecules of EOs may reach the brain and exert an effect through two distinctive pathways, namely, the olfactory system and the respiratory system. After inhalation, the molecules of the EOs would either act directly on the olfactory mucosa or pass into the respiratory tract. These two delivery pathways suggest different underlying mechanisms of action. Different sets of responses would be triggered, such as increased neurogenesis, regulation of hormonal levels, activation of different brain regions, and alteration in blood biochemistry, which would ultimately affect both mood and emotion. In this review, we will discuss the clinical effects of EOs on mood regulation and emotional disturbances as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Emphasis will be put on the interaction between the respiratory and central nervous system and the involved potential mechanisms. Further evidence is needed to support the use of EOs in the clinical treatment of mood disturbances. Exploration of the underlying mechanisms may provide insight into the future therapeutic use of EO components treatment of psychiatric and physical symptoms.
... Studies proved that the disruption of negative feedback regulation of the HPA axis will further impair the function of the hippocampus, which is closely involved in memory and emotion, and eventually lead to lower levels of neurotransmitters and aggravate depression (Mahar et al., 2014;Cao, 2019a). Through inhaled administration, volatile compounds can bind to olfactory receptors, trigger electrophysiological responses, stimulate the brain and alleviate depression-like behavior (Park et al., 2015;Zhang et al., 2019). In addition, it may prevent excessive activation of the HPA axis and stimulate the brain to achieve antidepressant effects by increasing concentrations of neurotransmitters (Watanabe et al., 2011;Lv et al., 2013;Zhang et al., 2019). ...
The Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg (CX)–Aucklandia costus Falc. (MX) herbal pair is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for treating depression. The volatile oil from CX and MX has been shown to have good pharmacological activities on the central nervous system, but its curative effect and mechanism in the treatment of depression are unclear. Therefore, the antidepressant effect of the volatile oil from CX–MX (CMVO) was studied in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. The suppressive effects of CMVO (25, 50, 100 μL/kg) against CUMS-induced depression-like behavior were evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT) and sucrose preference test (SPT). The results showed that CMVO exhibited an antidepressant effect, reversed the decreased sugar preference in the SPT and prolongation of immobility time in the FST induced by CUMS, increased the average speed, time to enter the central area, total moving distance, and enhanced the willingness of rats to explore the environment in the OFT. Inhalational administration of CMVO decreased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone in serum and the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in the hypothalamus, which indicated regulation of over-activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, CMVO restored levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine in the hippocampus. The RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry results showed that CMVO up-regulated the expression of 5-HT1A mRNA. This study demonstrated the antidepressant effect of CMVO in CUMS rats, which was possibly mediated via modulation of monoamine and cholinergic neurotransmitters and regulation of the HPA axis.
... The immobility was defined as the lack of motion of the whole body, except for small movements that were necessary to keep the mice's heads above the water. 25 ...
BACKGROUND
Male Kunming mice were divided into a normal diet group (control group) and a high‐fat diet group (HF group) (185 g·kg⁻¹ protein, 600 g·kg⁻¹ fat and 205 g·kg⁻¹ carbohydrate). After 8 weeks' feeding, behavioral indicators and biochemical indicators in serum were determined. The double‐bottle preference experiment was used to study the preferences of mice for five sweeteners. The monoamine neurotransmitter content, gene expression related to dopamine (DA), and opioid receptors were also determined.
RESULTS
The body weight of the mice in the HF group increased significantly (P < 0.05) after 36 days compared with the control group. The feed intake of the HF group increased sharply in the first 12 days, and then it became basically unchanged. The preference of the HF group for all of the five sweeteners was highly significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that of the control group. Depression‐related behavior was observed in the HF group mice. The triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) content in the HF group were very much higher (P < 0.01) than those of the control group. The gene expression related to DA and opioid receptor in the HF group was significantly lower than that of the control group, except for preproenkephalin (PENK).
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, this study suggested that a long‐term high‐fat diet could result in a decrease in the preference for sweeteners and could result in a state of reward hypofunction in mice. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
... Previous studies have reported that aroma inhalation of essential oils exhibits various positive psychophysiological effects by regulating the central nervous system function. 13,14 For example, peppermint aroma enhances memory, visual attention, task performance, and alertness, and lavender aroma promotes behavior commitment and interpersonal trust. 15 The influence of fragrances on brain function has been determined by using an electrophysiological technique called the electroencephalography (EEG). ...
... 16 The EEG study is comparatively simple, non-invasive and could serve as an objective tool for determining the olfactory system. The EEG power spectra bands were classified into five major bands such as delta (0-4 Hz), theta (4)(5)(6)(7)(8), alpha (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13) Hz) beta (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30) and gamma (>30 Hz) waves. 14 These brain waves naturally appear during the active as well as resting states. ...
... 16 The EEG study is comparatively simple, non-invasive and could serve as an objective tool for determining the olfactory system. The EEG power spectra bands were classified into five major bands such as delta (0-4 Hz), theta (4)(5)(6)(7)(8), alpha (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13) Hz) beta (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30) and gamma (>30 Hz) waves. 14 These brain waves naturally appear during the active as well as resting states. ...
The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of exposure of Cambodian black pepper essential oil on the human electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. In the EEG study, 20 men and 20 women healthy volunteers participated. The EEG readings were recorded from 32 electrodes placed on the scalp according to the International 10‐20 system and 25 EEG indices were analyzed. The essential oil of black pepper mainly contains β‐caryophyllene (30.53%), 3‐carene (19.85%), limonene (14.26%), β‐pinene (9.45%), and α‐pinene (5.25%). The EEG data showed that the exposure of black pepper essential oil exhibited different brain wave activity according to the gender. In women, a significant increase of spectral edge frequency 50% of alpha at C4 region was observed due to the exposure of black pepper essential oil. In the case of men, relative gamma, the ratio of sensorimotor rhythm to theta, spectral edge frequency 50%, spectral edge frequency 90%, and spectral edge frequency 50% of alpha significantly increased during the exposure of black pepper essential oil. The result revealed that the gender variation plays a major role in the EEG activity of black pepper essential oil and the exposure of black pepper essential oil may improve the cognitive functions. The essential oil of black pepper mainly contains β‐caryophyllene (30.53%), 3‐carene (19.85%), limonene (14.26%), β‐pinene (9.45%), and α‐pinene (5.25%). In the EEG study, the aroma of black pepper essential oil exhibited different brain wave activity according to the gender. When compared with women, relative gamma, the ratio of sensorimotor rhythm to theta, spectral edge frequency 50%, spectral edge frequency 90%, and spectral edge frequency 50% of alpha significantly increased during the exposure to black pepper essential oil aroma in men. The changes in EEG power spectrum values may associate with the improvement of certain cognitive functions.
... β-Asarone, another volatile oil of Asarum, has been proved to have antidepressant effect in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice by regulating neurogenesis through the ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway [62]. In brief, the essential oil from Asarum heterotropoides (EOAH) could inhibit depression-like behavioral responses [63]. Besides, sesamin, as a nonvolatile chemical constituent of Asarum, also improved CUMS-induced depression via inhibiting neuroinflammation [64]. ...
Evidence suggests that inflammation and neurogenesis play an important role in major depressive disorder (MDD). Mahuang-Fuzi-Xixin decoction (MFX), as the traditional Chinese prescription, has been widely applied for asthma, migraine, and MDD in clinics. However, the effects of MFX on the potential mechanism in MDD are still unclear. Hence, the present study is aimed at exploring whether the antidepressive effect of MFX is connected to the anti-inflammatory and promoting neurogenesis. Besides, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria can induce depressive-like behaviors. We demonstrated that administration of MFX corrected the depressive-like behaviors in LPS-induced mice and significantly decreased the expression of IL-1 β in the hippocampus. LPS injection induced a significant increase in the levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 p20, and ASC in the hippocampus, as well as Trx-interacting protein (TXNIP), and MFX could reverse this change. What is more, treatment of MFX increased the level of doublecortin (DCX), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus which means that MFX could promote the neurogenesis. In conclusion, the study indicates that MFX relieves a depressive-like state in LPS-induced mice through the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the enhancement of the neurogenesis pathway.
... Mice were considered immobile when they ceased struggling, and only made those movements necessary to keep their head above the water. 13 Then mice were removed from the water and dried in a warmed enclosure before being returned to their home cages. ...
This study was intended to examine the effects of navel orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) essential oil (OEO) on depression in the reserpine‐treated mice. And the chemical composition of OEO was analysed by gas chromatography (GC) analysis. The results indicated that the major compounds of OEO were terpenes. And OEO treatment produced an antidepressant‐like effect in mice, as indicated by the increased locomotor activity in the open field test (OFT) and attenuated dyslipidemia, but it had no effect on duration of immobility in the forced swim test (FST). Dietary OEO counteracted the reserpine‐induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, OEO treatment increased the levels of serotonin (5‐HT) and dopamine (DA) in the mice brain. These antidepressant‐like effects of OEO are essentially similar to the effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine. And the action of OEO may be mediated by the central serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.
