| Antidepressant Effects of Egyptian Leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. kurrat) on Behavioral and Neurochemical Responses in Chronic Unexpected Mild Stress Exposed Rats |
| Paper ID : 1077-ISCH |
| Authors |
|
Mai Mahmoud *1, Ahmed E. Abdel Moniem2, Ahmed H. I. Faraag3, Amina Essawy Essawy4, Mohamed A. Dkhil2 1Euro-Mediterranean in neuroscience and biotechnology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt 2Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt 3Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt 4Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt |
| Abstract |
| Depression is a common psychiatric disorder marked by persistent sadness and cognitive and physical symptoms. Current pharmacological treatments often have limitations, driving the search for alternative therapies. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Egyptian leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. kurrat) extract in modulating behavioral and neurochemical changes in rats exposed to chronic unexpected mild stress (CUMS), a recognized model for depression. leek extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoid, steroids, and saponins known for their neuroprotective and mood-regulating properties. Behavioral assessments, including open field test, were conducted to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of the extract. Neurochemical analyses measured neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers to elucidate mechanisms of action. Molecular docking studies explored interactions between the extract's bioactive components and target proteins related to depression, such as serotonergic receptors and NMDA receptors. Results showed significant behavioral improvements and restored neurochemical balance in stressed rats, with docking studies indicating strong interactions between bioactive compounds and target proteins. These findings suggest Egyptian leek extract as a promising natural therapeutic agent for depression, warranting further clinical investigation. |
| Keywords |
| Depression Psychiatric disorder Chronic unexpected mild stress (CUMS) Egyptian leek Allium ampeloprasum var. kurrat Bioactive compounds Flavonoids Alkaloids Terpenoids Steroids Saponins Neuroprotective Mood regulation Behavioral assessments Antidepressant-like effects Open field test Neurochemical analyses Neurotransmitters Serotonin Dopamine Norepinephrine Inflammatory cytokines Oxidative stress markers Molecular docking Serotonergic receptors NMDA receptors Natural therapeutic agent Clinical investigation |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |