Phytochemical Analysis of Lens Culinaris Extract and Development of Depression Model in Mice Using Chronic Restraint Stress

Abstract

This report summarizes the author’s internship project conducted at Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L). Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the prominent causes of disability worldwide due to its recurrent and highly chronic nature. The diagnosis of MDD is difficult due to the co-occurrence with other mental conditions. The unknown disease pathophysiology contributes to the complexity of treating this disorder. Antidepressant is the most commonly used treatment for MDD, however there are still some drawbacks, such as side effects and longer time to elicit the desired effect. Therefore alternative treatment for MDD should be searched. One of the proposed pathogenesis is due to oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This raises the idea to use natural products with high antioxidant activity as a possible treatment of MDD. Numerous studies have proven that Lens culinaris contain high amounts of antioxidants. Therefore, the phytochemical properties of L. culinaris were investigated during the internship. Phytochemical screening was performed by Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia (LIPI). The total flavonoid (TFC) and antioxidant activity was evaluated. The result showed a very low amount (TFC) and inactive antioxidant activity. To further investigate MDD, a mice model of depression was developed by conducting chronic restraint stress (CRS). The CRS effectivity to induce depression in the mice model was assessed through forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT). The result showed that CRS conducted for 3 hours for one week is sufficient to produce significant differences in FST and SPT causing behavioral despain and anhedonia, which are the hallmarks of MDD.