The genus Papaver is represented by 37 species in Turkish flora [1]. Some species have been used for the treatment of several diseases such as inflammation, diarrhea, and sleep disorders, as well as used as antidepressant in some regions of Anatolia [2 – 4]. Six Papaver species (P. lacerum, P. syriacum, P. macrostomum, P. glaucum, P. rhoeas and P. commutatum) were collected from different localities of Turkey. Methanolic extracts prepared from the aerial parts of the plants were first tested for the presence of alkaloids by using classical Dragendorff's reagent and TLC analysis. Methanolic extracts were then subjected to in vivo analysis for their antidepressant activity [5]. P. lacerum and P. syriacum extracts which may contain higher amount of alkaloids, at doses of 100 mg/kg p.o significantly antagonized the ptosis and motor depression (p < 0.001) induced by tetrabenazine and also shortened the immobility time in the forced swimming test (p < 0.01). Imipramine was used as positive control in both tests. In order to understand the mechanism of the antidepressant activity extracts will be subjected to SH-SY5Y cell lines and BDNF expression levels will be evaluated [6].
References:
[1] Davis PH. Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands. Volume 1. Edinburgh Press 1972; 219 – 236
[2] Zargari A. Medicinal Plants. 6th ed. Tehran University Press. 1995; 145 – 150
[3] Yildirim B, Terzioglu O. Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological uses of some plants in the districts of Karpuzalan and Adiguzel (Van-Turkey). J Anim Vet Adv 2008; 7: 877
[4] Baytop T. Therapy with Medicinal Plants in Turkey. 2nd ed. Istanbul, Turkey, 1999; 208 – 209
[5] Sánchez-Mateo C, Bonkanka C. Antidepressant activity of some Hypericum reflexum L. fil. extracts in the forced swimming test in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2007; 112: 115 – 121
[6] Amelia A., Christopher S. Biological determinants of depression following bereavement. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2011; 176
