The Involvement of Dopaminergic, Serotonergic and Noradrenergic Receptors in the Antidepressant Effect of Methanol Extract of Asystasiavogeliana in the Tail Suspension Test Using Mice

Background: Research shows that significant deficiencies in monoaminergic transmitters can lead to severe depression. Asystasiavogeliana (AV) has been shown to improve neuropsychological injuries by regulating the action of monoamine transporters. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role of monoaminergic systems in the antidepressant-like effect of AV extract using the tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Materials and Methods: The mice were pretreated with AV extract (125-1000 mg/kg, i.p) one hour before they were subjected to the tail suspension test. To establish the role of monoaminergic systems in the antidepressant-like effects of the extract, the mice were administered receptor antagonists 15 minutes before receiving the AV extract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg (i.p.) and one hour prior to the TST. Conclusion: This study revealed that the antidepressant-like effect of the methanol extract of Asystasiavogeliana is mediated through interactions with the dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways. These results support the traditional use of this plant extract in managing depression.