PURPOSE: Polyphenols are bioactive substances found in many plants. Aronia melanocarpa fruits are one of the richest sources of polyphenols, amongst them proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Some of the polyphenols are reported to cross the blood-brain barrier and thus they can act centrally. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) on depressive- like behavior in subchronically treated (21 and 30 days) male Wistar rats utilizing the forced swim test (FST).
MATERIAL 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 FST was carried out 1 hour after the treatment on the 21st and 30th day.
RESULTS: AMFJ applied for 21 days decreased significantly (p < 0,05) the immobility time in the FST at the doses of 2,5 ml/kg and 10 ml/kg. In rats treated with AMFJ for 30 days, the immobility time was dose-dependently decreased and at the dose of 10 ml/kg it was significantly lower (p < 0,05) than the control one.
CONCLUSION: The decreased immobility time in the FST suggests an antidepressant-like effect of AMFJ in rats which could be due to the polyphenolic ingredients of the juice.
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