ArticlePsychopharmacology2025
Asiatic acid potentiates the activity of common antidepressant drugs in mice.
Article in Psychopharmacology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Depression-Related Mechanistic and Translational Evidence forLife (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
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Authors and funding
12 authors.
Funding
Abstract
rationaleConventional pharmacotherapy for depression faces numerous challenges, including side effects. Moreover, less than 50-70% of patients fully respond to treatment, and 20-30% experience recurrence. This has led to a growing interest in alternative treatments, particularly phytotherapy. Among various plant-based compounds, asiatic acid has gained attention due to its multidirectional therapeutic properties.
objectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether asiatic acid could enhance the antidepressant effects of conventional drugs (imipramine, reboxetine, and escitalopram).
methodsThe antidepressant-like effect was tested by the forced swim test and in the tail suspension test in male Albino Swiss mice. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies and biochemical analyses were carried out.
resultsAccording to obtained results, asiatic acid at a sub-active dose (5 mg/kg) significantly potentiates the antidepressant activity of imipramine (15 mg/kg), reboxetine (2.5 mg/kg), and escitalopram (2 mg/kg). It was demonstrated that asiatic acid (5 mg/kg) did not increase serum or brain levels of the tested antidepressants. However, when given concurrently with escitalopram (2 mg/kg) it elevated concentrations of catalase and glutathione peroxidase as well as decreased levels of TBARS in mice brains. Co-administration of asiatic acid with imipramine (15 mg/kg) and reboxetine (2.5 mg/kg) reduced concentrations of TBARS in the tested tissue.
conclusionsOur findings give a new light on the potential use of asiatic acid in the management of depression. The terpenoid has antidepressant properties, potentially making it a valuable addition/adjunct to conventional treatment.
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