Antidepressant-like effect of Cuminum cyminum essential oil on the forced swim and tail suspension tests in male mice

Several pharmacological and biological activities have been attributed to Cuminum cyminum L. (CC), including analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-epileptic effects. In this regard, the present study evaluated the antidepressant-like effects of the CC essential oil (EO) on the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in male mice.

The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) apparatus was used for detecting the chemical compounds of CC EO. In the present study, 72 male NMRI mice were randomly allocated to 12 groups (each containing 6 animals) including control or vehicle (10 mL/kg, i.p.), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.), imipramine (30 mg/kg, i.p), and the CC EO (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, i.p.). Then, several parameters were measured and recorded, including immobility time, swimming time, and climbing time in FST, along with immobility time in TST, respectively.

Cuminaldehyde followed by cymene, γ-terpinene, phenylglycol, 2-caren-10-al, 2-β-pinene, acoradiene, and cuminic acid were the major components of the CC EO. Based on the results, all doses of the CC, fluoxetine, and imipramine reduced immobility time in both FST (P<0.001) and TST (P<0.001). On the other hand, all doses of the CC and fluoxetine increased swimming time (P<0.001) although climbing time was only increased by 200 and 300 mg/kg of the EO (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) and imipramine (P<0.001).

Based on the findings of the present study, the components of the CC induced antidepressant-like activity similar to that of fluoxetine and imipramine in both tests. However, further studies are required to confirm the role of different active components and the exact mechanism of action.