Morin Can Reduce Reserpine-induced Depression in Mice via Strengthening Antioxidant Defense.

Abstract

Background: Depression is one of the most common mood disorders that greatly disrupt the lives of affected individuals. Due to the numerous side effects associated with chemical antidepressants, researchers have turned their attention to natural compounds. This study investigated the effects of Morin on Reserpine-induced depression in mice.

Methods: In this study, 48 male mice were divided into six groups. The Vehicle group received normal saline, while the negative and positive control groups received Reserpine (5 mg/kg) and Reserpine (5 mg/kg) + Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), respectively. Eighteen hours after Reserpine injection, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg Morin were administered to treatment groups. Forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and light-dark box tests were done as behavioral tests. Finally, brain tissue was isolated. The activity of Superoxide Dismutase enzyme and the levels of Reduced Glutathione and Malondialdehyde in the brain were measured.

Results: Morin could significantly increase the duration of activity in FST and TST in Reserpine-treated mice. In the light and dark box tests, Morin significantly decreased the latency to the first entry to the light chamber while increasing the number of entries and total time to last in the light chamber in Reserpine-treated mice. In the brain, Morin significantly enhanced the activity of the Superoxide Dismutase enzyme and the amount of "Reduced Glutathione" while reducing the levels of Malondialdehyde.

Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that Morin has a dose-dependent antidepressant effect by increasing the antioxidant capacity in the brains of rats.