The antidepressant-like effects of paeoniflorin in mouse models

Qiu,Fengmei; Zhong,Xiaoming; Mao,Qingqiu; Huang,Zhen

doi:10.3892/etm.2013.925

The antidepressant-like effects of paeoniflorin in mouse models

Authors:
- Fengmei Qiu
- Xiaoming Zhong
- Qingqiu Mao
- Zhen Huang
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Affiliations: College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China, School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong 999077, SAR, P.R. China
Published online on: January 25, 2013 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.925
Pages: 1113-1116

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Abstract

Peony is often used in Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of depression-like disorders. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the total glycosides of peony exert antidepressant-like effects in animal models. Paeoniflorin is the main active glycoside of peony. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of paeoniflorin in mice, as well as its active mechanisms. The results revealed that intraperitoneally injected paeoniflorin significantly reduced the duration of immobility in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. The doses that affected the immobility response did not affect locomotor activity. Furthermore, paeoniflorin antagonized reserpine‑induced ptosis, akinesia and hypothermia. Paeoniflorin also significantly increased the levels of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the hippocampus. These results suggest that the upregulation of serotonergic systems may be an important mechanism for the antidepressant-like effects of paeoniflorin in mice.

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