Harmaline Attenuates Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behaviour and Biochemical Alterations in Mice
Khush Jain, Fariah Rizwani, Nisarg Sawant et al.
In a mouse model of depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress, harmaline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor from Peganum harmala, reversed depression-like behaviors. Mice given daily oral doses of harmaline (15 mg/kg) for 21 days showed improved performance in behavioral tests and, compared to stressed controls, had lower serum corticosterone and higher brain levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Harmaline also reduced oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These effects were comparable to those of the standard antidepressant imipramine (30 mg/kg). The findings suggest harmaline may mitigate stress-induced depressive disorders by modulating monoamines, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.