Pharmacological and biochemical evidence for the antidepressant effect of the herbal preparation Trans-01

In this study, Trans-01, a polyherbal formulation, was explored for its antidepressant properties, using the forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming stress (FSS)-induced alterations in serum corticosterone levels. For this purpose, the effect different doses of Trans-01 (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg; PO) were studied. Trans-01 was found to safe up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg since no mortality was observed within 48 h of administration. In TST, Trans-01 showed a dose-dependent decrease in immobility time, which is an indication of its antidepressant effect; this finding was further reinforced in the FST, where a significant effect on immobility was witnessed. However, to explore the possible mechanism of action of Trans-01, the FSS was used to induce corticosterone levels; Trans-01 significantly attenuated the elevated corticosteroid levels. A locomotor activity test was carried out to ascertain whether the antidepressant effect of Trans-01 included general body stimulation. These results indicate that Trans-01 can be a potential candidate for managing depression. However further studies are required to substantiate the same which are underway in our lab.

Keywords
Corticosterone, forced swim test, herbal formulation, stress, tail suspension test