The Biology of Cox-2 Enzyme Activity and Oxidative Radicals as a Therapeutic Agent (s) of Xylopia Parviflora in Depression Management

Background: Xylopia parviflora, a plant species in the Annonaceae family, has a long history of use in traditional African medicine, where it is valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Traditionally, it has been used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the plant is reputed for its effectiveness in managing neurological conditions, particularly anxiety and depression. Aims and Objective: To investigate antidepressant-like activity of hydroethanol leaf extract of Xylopia parviflora in mouse model and its possible mechanisms of activity. Methods: Mice were administered distilled water (10 ml/kg), Xylopia parviflora at doses of 50, 100, 200, mg/kg, or Fluoxetine at 20 mg/kg. One hour after treatment, the mice were subjected to behavioral assessments using the forced swim and tail suspension tests, with relevant parameters observed for five minutes. Following these tests, mice were euthanized using ethyl ether; the brains harvested and were subsequently analyzed for COX-2 enzyme activity and oxidative stress markers activities, including malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Result: In both the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), Xylopia parviflora significantly increased the latency of immobility and decreased the duration of immobility. Xylopia parviflora significantly decreased COX-2 enzyme activity in the brain compared to the group treated with distilled water. The extract X. parviflora significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while increasing levels of Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Conclusion: Xylopia parviflora demonstrates antidepressant-like activity in mice through inhibition of COX-2 enzyme and oxidative radical activities. Keywords: Xylopia parviflora, Antidepressant, Fluoxetine, Neurological disorders, Ethno-botanical.