Antidepressant-like activity of dehydrozingerone: Involvement of the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems

Dehydrozingerone (DHZ) is a phenolic compound isolated from ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale). It is known for its diverse spectrum of biological activities as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor compound. The present study was designed to assess the antidepressant effect of DHZ and the involvement of the monoaminergic system and to evaluate its in vitro antioxidant activity in the hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum of mice. For this study, the tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST) and yohimbine lethality test were performed. DHZ administered orally 30 min prior to testing reduced the immobility time in the TST (1-40 mg/kg) and the FST (10-40 mg/kg), with no change in locomotor activity in the open field test. The antidepressant-like effect of DHZ (1 mg/1