Julia S S Reis1, Gedeão B Oliveira1, Marta C Monteiro2, Christiane S Machado3, Yohandra R Torres3, Rui D Prediger4, Cristiane S F Maia5. 1. Pharmaceutical Science Post-graduation Program, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Brazil. 2. Pharmaceutical Science Post-graduation Program, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Brazil; Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology of Teaching and Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Brazil. 3. State University of Midwest/UNICENTRO, Departament of Chemistry, Guarapuava, Paraná 85010-990, Brazil. 4. Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88049-900, Brazil. 5. Pharmaceutical Science Post-graduation Program, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Brazil; Neuroscience and Celular Biology Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Pará, Brazil; Laboratory Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém, Pará, Brazil. Electronic address: crismaia0301@hotmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Propolis biological effects are mainly attributed to its polyphenolic constituents such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that were recently described in the chemical composition of an extract of propolis obtained with edible vegetal oil (OEP) by our group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of OEP on the behavior of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vivo open field (OF), elevated Plus-maze (EPM), and forced swimming (FS) tests were performed to evaluate locomotor activity, anxiolytic- and antidepressant effects of the extract. Besides, oxidative stress levels were measured in rat blood samples after the behavioral assays by evaluation of the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and nitric oxide levels. RESULTS: OEP increased locomotion in the OF test (50mg/kg) and central locomotion and open arm entries in the OF and EPM tests (10-50mg/kg) and decreased the immobility time in the FS test (10-50mg/kg). Moreover, OEP reduced nitric oxide levels in response to swim stress induced in rats. CONCLUSION: OEP exerted stimulant, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects on the Central Nervous System and antioxidant activity in rats, highlighting propolis as a potential therapeutic compound for behavior impairment of anxiety and depression.
PURPOSE: Propolis biological effects are mainly attributed to its polyphenolic constituents such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that were recently described in the chemical composition of an extract of propolis obtained with edible vegetal oil (OEP) by our group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of OEP on the behavior of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vivo open field (OF), elevated Plus-maze (EPM), and forced swimming (FS) tests were performed to evaluate locomotor activity, anxiolytic- and antidepressant effects of the extract. Besides, oxidative stress levels were measured in rat blood samples after the behavioral assays by evaluation of the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and nitric oxide levels. RESULTS:OEP increased locomotion in the OF test (50mg/kg) and central locomotion and open arm entries in the OF and EPM tests (10-50mg/kg) and decreased the immobility time in the FS test (10-50mg/kg). Moreover, OEP reduced nitric oxide levels in response to swim stress induced in rats. CONCLUSION:OEP exerted stimulant, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects on the Central Nervous System and antioxidant activity in rats, highlighting propolis as a potential therapeutic compound for behavior impairment of anxiety and depression.