Plumbagin Attenuates Depression-Like Behavior in Mice by Modulating Dopamine Levels

This research was done to investigate the antidepressant properties of plumbagin using a chronic mild stress induced depression model in experimental animals. Albino mice of either sex were given 3 weeks of chronic mild stress and their antidepressant properties were assessed using the tail suspension test and sucrose preference test. The period of immobility in the tail suspension test and the percentage preference for sucrose solution were both recorded and compared. Plumbagin was given in three doses (4, 8, and 16 mg/kg). The immobility time in the tail suspension test was significantly decreased in the animals that received plumbagin administration during the three phases of the chronic mild stress when compared to control. Further, plumbagin administration dose dependently increased the percentage preference for sucrose solution on par with the standard antidepressant, imipramine. The spontaneous locomotion count was significantly higher in the animals that received a high dose of plumbagin. Further, a high dose of plumbagin significantly reverses the chronic mild stress induced plasma corticosterone and nitrile levels. Additionally, a high level of dopamine was found in the prefrontal and nucleus accumbens parts of the brain. To summarize, plumbagin, in addition to its antioxidant characteristics, has potential antidepressant action at high doses, potentially by raising the dopamine levels.