Research Articles

2017  |  Vol: 3(3)  |  Issue: 3(May-June)

Antidepressant like activity of Piperine in immobilization induced stress in mice

Harshita Jain¹*, Prateek Jain², Bharti Ahirwar³, Dheeraj Ahirwar¹

¹School of Pharmacy, Chouksey Engineering College, Bilaspur C.G. India 495004

²ADINA Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sagar  M.P. India 470002

³Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University Bilaspur, C.G India  495009.

*Corresponding Author

Harshita Jain

School of Pharmacy,

Chouksey Engineering College, Bilaspur C.G. India 495004

                         

Abstract

Objective: Present study aimed to evaluate antidepressant like activity of Piperine in unstressed and stressed condition and to explore possible underlying mechanism for this activity. Methods: Piperine (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and fluoxetine per se was administered to the unstressed and stressed mice; immobility periods were observed using forced swim test and tail suspension test. Effect of CRF-1 antagonist on antidepressant like activity was also evaluated. The mechanism of action was also explored by measuring plasma corticosterone levels. Results: Piperine (10, 20 mg/kg) and fluoxetine per se significantly decreased immobility periods in stressed mice indicating significant antidepressant like activity under stress. There was no significant effect on locomotor activity of the mice on treatment with Piperine and fluoxetine per se. It significantly decreased plasma corticosterone level. Antalrmin (a CRF-1 receptor antagonist) significantly attenuated pipierine induced antidepressant like effect in both FST and TST. Conclusion: Piperine significantly produced antidepressant like activity in mice possibly through inhibiting CRF activity and decreasing plasma corticostreone levels.

Keywords: Immobilization, piperine, corticosterone