Investigating the Efficacy of Cichorium Intybus L. as a Therapeutic Agent for Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression in Mice

Background: Oxidative stress, which is tightly linked to free radical generation, is cited as contributing to depression. Cichorium intybus L. (CI) is widely known as a viable source of abundant substances with antioxidant properties. In this study, we evaluated the possible antidepressant properties of CI in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Method: Swiss albino mice were subjected to CUMS induction procedure for 14 days and then treated with imipramine (15 mg/kg) and CI (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 10 days. The treatment was followed by several behavioral parameter evaluations, such as sucrose preference test, forced swim test, open field test, and tail suspension test. Antioxidant enzyme levels, lipid peroxidation degree, and brain serotonin content of the sacrificed animals were assessed. Results: The neurochemical analysis of the mice exposed to CUMS revealed significantly decreased serotonin and antioxidant enzyme levels as well as heightened lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001). The mice with CUMS underwent significant behavioral changes, marked by protracted immobility, decreased exploratory behavior, and decreased preference for sucrose solution (p < 0.001). However, these behavioral changes could be reversed by administering CI, which also resulted in elevated antioxidant enzyme levels, diminished lipid peroxidation, and ultimately increased serotonin levels in the brain (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that CI holds immense promise as a therapeutic agent for depression by strengthening the antioxidant defense system to mitigate oxidative stress, decrease lipid peroxidation, and preserve serotonin levels in the brain.