DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2025.v13i11.010

Pages: 1548-1557

This study evaluates the Anti-depressant potentials of Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced depression in mice. A total of 36 Wistar albino mice weighing 25-30g, randomly categorized into six groups of six mice each were used for the study. Group 1 (control) received vehicle only (Normal Saline). Groups 2-4 were treated with MEAA (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. p.o, respectively) while Group 5 received imipramine (10mg/kg b.w.i.p) as the reference drug. The test groups and group 6 received LPS (0.5mg/kg i.p) 30 minutes after treatment with MEAA and IMP respectively. Test was carried out 24 hours after respective treatment of mice. The anti-depressant potentials of bread fruit on LPS-induces depression was studied using Open Field Test (OFT) and Forced Swimming Test (FST)experimental procedures and by means of brain neurochemicals evaluation. Depression-like behaviors such as line crossing (OFT)and duration of time spent immobile (FST) were observed. The test groups were compared with the control and LPS groups in both studies. The amount of protein, nitrite, reduced glutathione (GSH), Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also evaluated. The result showed that oral administration of MEAA and imipramine (10mg/kg b.w.i.p) caused significant (p< 0.05) increased line crossing and reduces immobility time in mice. It also increased the level of GSH, SOD, and NO while it decreased TBARS when compared to the groups 6 animals treated with LPS (0.5mg/kgb.w.i.p) alone. In conclusion, MEAA, similarly to imipramine, has antidepressant effects in LPS-induced animal model of depression. This further implies that fruits of Artocarpus altilis can induce an Anti-depression like effects.