Evaluating the neurotrophic and anxiolytic effects of dihydrohonokiol-B (DHH-B)

Benzodiazepines (BZs), including drugs such as diazepam, are used in the treatment of chronic anxiety disorders. However, dependence develops with long-term use. Much needed new antidepressant drugs with better safety profile include honokinol (extracted from Magnolia plants) and its derivative dihydrohonokiol-B (DHH-B). While honokinol requires chronic treatment to induce an anxiolytic effect in rodents, DHH-B is effective when administered acutely and at lower doses. We seek to determine whether DHH-B induces anxiolytic effects comparable to acute diazepam administration in rodents. We further seek to investigate the key central nervous system signaling pathways required for DHH-B anxiolytic effects.

Faculty Supervisor:

Argel Aguilar Valles

Student:

Partner:

BetterLife Pharma Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Carleton University

Program: