Abstract:
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which serves as first line of defense against stress but unfortunately has numerous side effects. Fagonia indica has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. The study is designed to evaluate if ethnopharmacological properties of Fagonia indica are able to counteract side effects of Fluoxetine. Female BALB/c mice, were given restrained stress daily 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. Biochemical tests were performed to evaluate functionality of critical organs e.g., liver, kidneys and heart. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in stressed mice (129.3 ± 22.2, n.s) were increased compared to control (64.3 ± 17.1). Fluoxetine monotherapy group resulted in elevated ALP (189.3 ± 22.1, p=0.05) whereas, Fagonia indica monotherapy (124.7 ± 6.8) and combination therapy (133.0 ± 4.7, n.s) lowered ALP levels back to normal reference range (122-148 U/L). Alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were also elevated in stressed mice (43.3 ± 4.3) compared to control (14.0 ± 6.7). Both monotherapies and combination therapy managed to bring ALT within normal range (22-32 U/L). No significant change was seen in urea levels of stress group (3.4 ± 0.3) compared to control group (3.6 ± 0.06). Fluoxetine monotherapy group resulted in high urea levels (4.6 ± 0.3, n.s) which was counteracted by Fagonia indica in combination therapy, (1.6 ± 0.5, p=0.1). Lipid profile revealed normal levels for total cholesterol (81-208 mg/dl) and LDL: HDL among the groups except Fagonia indica groups where elevation was observed. Overall, Fagonia indica was able to counteract liver and kidney dysfunction as a result of Fluoxetine administration. But, high cholesterol and LDL: HDL levels in response to Fagonia indica requires further investigation before it can be prescribed to cardiac dysfunction patients.
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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