Antidepressant-like Effect of Piperine in Mice

Objective:To investigate antidepressant-like effects and mechanisms of piperine.Methods:The behavioral studies were performed in two depressive models:forced swimming test(FST) and tail suspension test(TST) .To further explore the mechanisms underlying their antidepressant-like activities,the brain monoamine levels were also determined.Results:The research results indicated that after one week of chronic administration,piperine(20,40mg·kg-1 ) could significantly reduce the duration of immobility in both FST and TST,and reduce the spontaneous activity of mice.In the monoamine assay,chronic piperine administration significantly elevated 5-HT levels in mice brain.Conclusion:In the present study,we demonstrated that the antidepressant-like effects of piperine might be dependent on the augmentation of 5-HT levels in mice brain.