Antidepressive Effects of Taraxacum Officinale in a Mouse Model of Depression Are Due to Inhibition of Corticosterone Levels and Modulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1 (Mkp-1) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) Expression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common disorder linked with high levels of chronicity, psycho-social and physical problems, and suicide. Here, we assessed the antidepressant effects of the hydromethanolic extract of Taraxacum officinale and investigated the underlying mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS Antidepressant effects were examined by use of the tail suspension test (TST). Concentrations of corticosterone, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline were examined by biochemical assays. The mRNA expression was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Phytochemical analysis was performed by LC/MS. RESULTS The results showed that the extract at the dosage of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly (p