Affiliation:
1. Department of Physiology, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, The University of Madras,
Taramani, Chennai, 600113, India
Abstract
Background:
Bromelain is a complex mixture of protease enzyme extract from the fruit or
stem of the pineapple plant and it has a history of folk medicine use. It is known to have a wide range
of biological actions and it is most commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent, though scientists
have also discovered its potential as an anticancer and antimicrobial agent, it has been reported to have
positive effects on the respiratory, digestive, circulatory systems and potentially on the immune
system.
Objective:
This study was designed to investigate the antidepressant potential of Bromelain in the
chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model of depression.
Methods:
We studied the antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective effect of Bromelain by analyzing
the fear and anxiety behavior, antioxidants, and neurotransmitter levels, and also by analyzing the
histopathological changes. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups, Control;
Bromelain; CUS; CUS + Bromelain, CUS + fluoxetine. Animals of the CUS group, CUS + Bromelain
group, and CUS + Fluoxetine group were exposed to CUS for 30 days. Animals of the Bromelain
group and CUS + Bromelain group were treated orally with 40 mg/kg Bromelain throughout the
period of CUS whereas, the positive control group was treated with fluoxetine.
Results:
Results showed a significant decrease in oxidative stress marker (lipid peroxidation), and the
stress hormone cortisol, in Bromelain-treated CUS-induced depression. Bromelain treatment in CUS
has also resulted in a significant increase in neurotransmitter levels, which indicates the efficacy of
Bromelain to counteract the monamine neurotransmitter changes in depression by increasing their
synthesis and reducing their metabolism. In addition, the antioxidant activity of Bromelain prevented
oxidative stress in depressed rats. Also, hematoxylin and eosin staining of hippocampus sections has
revealed that Bromelain treatment has protected the degeneration of nerve cells by chronic
unpredictable stress exposure.
Conclusion:
This data provides evidence for the antidepressant-like action of Bromelain by preventing
neurobehavioral, biochemical, and monoamine alterations.
Funder
University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Biochemistry,General Medicine,Structural Biology
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