PURPOSE: The main biologically active constituents of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) are polyphenolics, amongst them proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and phenolic acids. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) on anxiety in subchronically treated (21 and 30 days) male Wistar rats utilizing the social interaction test.
MATERIA AND METHODS: AMFJ was applied orally through an orogastric cannula once daily at doses of 2.5 ml/kg, 5 ml/kg and 10 ml/kg for periods of 21 and 30 days to the respective experimental groups. The social interaction test was carried out 1 hour after the treatment on the 21st and 30th day. The time of social interaction between the test partners was used as a measure of anxiety. The longer time for social contacts showed lower degree of anxiety.
RESULTS: In rats treated with AMFJ for 21 days, the time of social contacts between the test partners increased dose-dependently and at the dose of 10 ml/kg it was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control time. Applied for 30 days, AMFJ did not increase the time of social interaction between the rats which might be attributed to the fact that at such duration of treatment AMFJ could decrease the general locomotor activity of the animals.
CONCLUSION: The findings from the present study suggest an anxiolytic-like effect of AMFJ in rats which could be due to its polyphenolic ingredients.
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