Bacopa monniera Treatment Reverses Chronic Unpredictable Stress Induced Depressive like Behavior by Increasing Expression of Neurotrophins in Rat Brain

Role of Bacopa monniera in retaining memory & learning is well known. Some recent observations have also indicated its possible role as antidepressant. However, conclusive evidences are still lacking. Therefore, in the present investigation we aim to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Bacopa monniera in alleviating the symptoms of stress related disorders in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress. Graded doses of Bacopa monniera were applied on CUS exposed rats. Sucrose preference test and open field exploratory behavioral test were used to assess the stress related behaviors. Furthermore, the physiological response of stress effects assessed by measuring plasma corticosterone level by RIA and ELISA was carried on to estimate endogenous BDNF and NGF protein levels in hippocampus and pre frontal cortex. Following exposure of 4 weeks chronic unpredictable stress and treatment with different doses of Bacopa monniera showed 120 mg/kg body weight to be significantly effective in ameliorating the behavioral and biochemical responses of chronic stress in rats. Therefore, the present study indicates the antidepressant property of Bacopa monniera and it also shows translational value