Combined hepatoprotective and antidepressant effects of resveratrol in an acute model of depression

There are numerous herbal medicines that have been introduced into psychiatric practicebecause of greater compliance and milder side effects. Polygonum cuspidatum is a native Asianplant; known for its medicinal properties and traditionally used in the treatment of neuropsychiatricdisorders, such as psychosocial stress, dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Resveratrol is the activeingredient of P. cuspidatum. Researchers have suggested that the trans-isomer of resveratrol demonstratesa variety of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepaticand neuroprotective properties. In this study we examined the hepatoprotective and antidepressanteffects of trans-resveratrol against fluoxetine in an acute reserpine model of depression in rats. Mainmethods: depression-like behaviors were induced by single reserpine intraperitoneal injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.). Trans-resveratrol (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg bwt) and fluoxetine (24 mg/kg bwt) were administeredorally for the following 3 days. Behavioral effects namely open field test (OFT) and forcedswimming test (FST) and biochemical parameters namely neurotransmitters levels and antioxidantcontents were assessed. Liver histopathological examination was performed. Key findings: Resultsrevealed that resveratrol (60 mg/kg bwt) showed a potential hepatoprotective and an antidepressant-like effects compared to those of fluoxetine.