Antidepressant Effects of White Ginger (Mondia whitei) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Composite Tea in Wistar Rat Model of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

Abstract

Monoaminergic dysfunction, cellular oxidative damage, hyperkinesis of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis as well as neuroinflammation are relevant to chronic unpredictable mild stress model (CUMS)-induced depression. This study evaluates the possible depression-reducing effects, mechanistic pathways, sedative interaction and sensory acceptability of Mondia whitei–Curcuma longa composite tea in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS)-exposed rats. Male Wistar rats were placed under chronic unpredictable mild stress conditions for a period of 3 weeks, followed by oral administration of functional tea blends (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100; w/w) for 21 days. Forced swim, Tail suspension, and open field tests were used as behavioral analysis.

Sedative modulation was assessed by measuring the diazepam-induced sleeping time. The neurochemicals (dopamine, monoamine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase), oxidative stress (GSH, GST, GPx, SOD, CAT), corticosterone and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10) were assessed. CUMS Group showed increased immobility time, MAO and AChE activities, corticosterone and pro-inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05), and decreasing dopamine & antioxidant enzyme activities. Mondia whitei–Curcuma longa treatment significantly inhibited depressive-like behaviors and corrected biochemical changes, with the 50:50 mixture showing the greatest antidepressant-like effect. Composite formulations also prolong the duration of diazepam-induced sleep and exhibit suitable sensory acceptability. The findings provide preliminary preclinical evidence supporting further investigation of the composite tea in experimental models of stress-related depressive-like behaviors.