Evaluation of selected indicators of depression in mice administered ethanol seed extract of Monodora myristica (nutmeg)

Abstract

Depression affects approximately 5% of the global population and ranks as the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. This study aimed at investigating the potential antidepressant effects of an ethanol seed extract of Monodora myristica (ESEMM) in Swiss mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Thirty adult Swiss mice of both sexes were randomly assigned to six groups (n=5 per group). Group I (normal control) was not exposed to stress, while Groups II–VI underwent CUMS. Group II received no treatment, serving as the negative control. Groups III, IV, and V were treated orally with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of ESEMM, respectively, for five consecutive days. Group VI received 15 mg/kg of imipramine as a standard antidepressant. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated through immobility time in the forced swim test and anhedonia using the sucrose preference test. ESEMM treatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced immobility time and improved sucrose preference compared to the stressed untreated group. These findings suggest that Monodora myristica seed extract possesses antidepressant-like properties and may offer therapeutic potential for the treatment of depression.