Abstract:
Chronic stress causes structural modifications in brain, ultimately impacting emotions, behaviors, and cognition. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is the first line of defense against stress but unfortunately, is associated with numerous side effects. Fagonia indica has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties but its neuroprotective potential is yet to be discovered. Therefore, present study evaluates cumulative effects of Fluoxetine and Fagonia indica on social behavior in stressed mice. Study was conducted on 48 non-pregnant female BALB/c mice, aged 8-12 weeks. Restrained stress was daily induced for 4 hours for 30 days. Fluoxetine (18 mg/kg/day) and Fagonia indica plant extract (400 mg/kg/day) were administered orally either alone or in combination. Behavior tests were conducted to assess anxiety, sociability, recognition memory, intrinsic inquisitiveness and motor coordination. Marble burying test revealed significantly (p=0.05) increased anxiety levels of stressed mice (12.25 ± 3.4) compared to control group (4.5 ± 1.6). Significant improvement was observed under treatment, with Fluoxetine monotherapy (4.8 ± 1.1, p=0.05), Fagonia indica monotherapy (4.5 ± 0.6, p=0.05) and combination therapy (2.75 ± 0.25, p=0.01). Beam balance test revealed impaired motor coordination in stressed mice (2.25 ± 0.75, p=0.05) compared to control group (0.75 ± 0.25). Significant improvement (p=0.05) was seen in Fagonia indica monotherapy group (0.75 ± 0.25) and combination therapy group (0.5 ± 0.3). Interestingly, no drastic changes among the groups were seen with regards to sociability, recognition memory and intrinsic inquisitiveness. Combination therapy was found to be slightly superior to both monotherapies, though a significant additive effect was not observed, (St+Flx+Fag = St+Fag = St+Flx). Further investigations with a vast dose range and biochemical testing of combined therapy of Fluoxetine and Fagonia indica is required to elucidate its efficacy and side effects, before it is recommended as an alternative and/or complementary option for stress management.
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DOI:
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Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on 9th Annual Neuroscience Conference (ANC-23) August 12-13, 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023