Title:Role of Allicin in Combination with Fluoxetine for the Treatment of Major
Depressive Disorder in Rodents: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic
Study
Volume: 20
Issue: 2
Author(s): Ashish Mishra, Sanjeev Kumar Sahu*Nilesh Jain
Affiliation:
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
Keywords:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM), D-β-hydroxybutyrate (DBHB), fluoxetine, allicin.
Abstract:
Background: Depression is one of the most common neurological disorders for which
only symptomatic treatment is available with synthetic drugs with serious side effects. Allicin [S-
(2-propenyl)-2-propene-1-sulfinothioate] is a bioactive component derived from Allium sativum L.
(Garlic). It has the property to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which reveals its neuroprotective
property. A synthetic drug named fluoxetine (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) was introduced
for the clinical treatment of depression. It is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor that is
well absorbed after oral administration.
Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-depressant effect of fluoxetine alone
and in combination with allicin.
Methods: A pharmacokinetic study of allicin alone as well as in combination with fluoxetine was
conducted to evaluate peak concentration, peak concentration time, and area under the curve in
blood plasma. Furthermore, the biochemical analysis of neurotrophin levels of brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF), serotonin, and dopamine was also performed to determine the antidepressant
activity with synergism effect of allicin and fluoxetine.
Results: The results of a pharmacokinetic study for co-administration of fluoxetine with allicin and
enhanced neurotrophins and monoamines levels confirmed their effectiveness against depression.
They may also be effective in suicidal risk associated with anti-depressant drugs. Conclusion: A
combination of synthetic drugs with herbal compounds may be an alternate and effective therapy to
overcome harmful effects.