Neuroprotective effects of goji berry polysaccharides on depressionlike behavior in ovariectomized rats: behavioral and biochemical evidence

• Published in: Croatian medical journal Vol. 64; no. 4; p. 231
• Main Authors: Soyturk, Hayriye, Bozat, Bihter Gokce, Karakas, Fatma Pehlivan, Coskun, Hamit, Firat, Tulin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sveuciliste U Zagrebu 01-08-2023
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Depression, Mental; Diagnosis; Goji berries; Health aspects; Polysaccharides; Properties; Psychological aspects; Risk factors; Croatia
• ISSN: 0353-9504
• DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2023.64.231

Aim To assess the protective effects of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) polysaccharides (LBP) on depression-like behavior in ovariectomized rats and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods One hundred female Wistar albino rats (three months old) were randomly assigned either to ovariectomy (n = 50) or sham surgery (n = 50). After a 14-day recovery period, the groups were divided into five treatment subgroups (10 per group): high-dose LBP (200 mg/kg), low-dose LBP (20 mg/kg), imipramine (IMP, 2.5 mg/kg), 17-beta estradiol (E2, 1 mg/kg), and distilled water. Then, rats underwent a forced swimming test. We also determined the levels of serum antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde), E2 levels, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5HT2A receptor, and transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. Results Both low-dose LBP and imipramine decreased depression-like behavior by increasing serum superoxide dismutase activity and by decreasing serum malondialdehyde level. Furthermore, low-dose LPB, high-dose LBP, and imipramine increased the number of 5-HT2A receptor- and BDNF-positive cells but decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus. Conclusion This is the first study to show the antidepressant effect of LBP. Although additional research is needed, LBP may be considered a potential new antidepressant.