Ameliorative effect of Betulinic Acid in CUMS induced depression in Swiss-albino mice 

Abstract

Depression is a widespread mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is an established method to induce depressive-like behavior in animal models, closely mimicking the human condition of depression. Betulinic acid, a naturally occurring triterpenoid found in the bark of Betula utilis, has shown promise in various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective effects. This study investigates the ameliorative effects of Betulinic acid on CUMS-induced depression in Swiss albino mice. Methods involved dividing mice into different groups: control, CUMS, CUMS + standard antidepressant (Imipramine), and CUMS + Betulinic acid. Mice in the CUMS groups were subjected to a variety of mild stressors over several weeks. Behavioral assessments, such as the sucrose preference test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test, were conducted to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Additionally, biochemical analyses were performed to measure oxidative stress markers and neuroinflammatory cytokines in the brain tissue. Results demonstrated that Betulinic acid significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in CUMS- induced mice, as evidenced by improved performance in behavioral tests compared to the untreated CUMS group. Biochemical analysis revealed a reduction in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation markers in the brain tissue of Betulinic acid -treated mice. These findings suggest that Betulinic acid exerts its antidepressant effects through the modulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation pathways. In conclusion, Betulinic acid shows potential as a natural antidepressant agent, offering a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of depression. Further studies are warranted to explore its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications.