Antidepressant-like effect of aqueous extract of Channa striatus fillet in mice models of depression

A.M. Saleem 1, M. Taufik Hidayat 1,3, A.M. Mat Jais 2, S. Fakurazi 1, M.A. Mohamad Moklas 1, M.R. Sulaiman 2, Z. Amom 1

¹ Department of Human Anatomy and ² Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor (Malaysia)
³ Laboratory of Physical Performance and Skill Analysis, Sports Academy, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor (Malaysia)

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• Pharmacology

Background and Objectives: Channa (C.) striatus (Malay-Haruan), is a fresh water snakehead fish, consumed as a rejuvenating diet in post-parturition period in local Malay population. The aqueous extract of C. striatus fillet (AECSF) was reported to act through serotonergic receptor system in a previous study. There is no scientific report on neuropharmacological effects of C. striatus. Based on these data, the antidepressant-like effect of C. striatus was evaluated in mice models of depression.

Materials and Methods: AECSF was prepared by steaming the fillets as described previously. Antidepressant activity was studied in male ICR mice using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Open-field test was used to evaluate any psychomotor stimulant activity. AECSF was administered intraperitoneally at the concentrations of 30%, 40% and 50% w/v at the dosage of 10 ml/kg. Amitriptyline (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control.

Results: All the three concentrations of AECSF (30%, 40% and 50% w/v) significantly reduced the immobility time (p < 0.001) in FST and TST. All the three concentrations of AECSF (30%, 40% and 50% w/v) significantly (p < 0.001) reduced locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner in open-field test.

Conclusions: AECSF produced significant reduction of immobility time in both FST and TST. Amitriptyline produced a significant reduction of immobility time in both FST and TST similar to previous findings. The AECSF produced a dose-dependent decrease in locomotor activity in the open-field test. This hypolocomotion effect indicated the absence of any psychomotor stimulant activity thereby supporting the antidepressant-like effect of the AECSF. The pharmacological mechanisms of the observed antidepressant-like effect and hypolocomotion effect are not understood from our study. Hence, further studies are required.

Corresponding Author: Mohamad Taufik Hidayat, Ph.D; e-mail: taufik@medic.upm.edu.my

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