The effects of resveratrol and silymarin on learning, memory and some biochemical parameters in reserpine induced depression in rats

The Effects Of Resveratrol and Sılymarın on Learnıng, Memory and Some Bıochemical Parameters in Reserpıne Induced Depressıon in Rats Student's Name and Surname: Erhan DİNCER Adviser of Thesis: Prof. Dr. Basra DENİZ OBAY Department: Department of Physiology Abstract Aim: The fact that the pathophysiological mechanisms of depression have not been fully elucidated and the inadequacy of responses to current treatments have brought new treatment approaches to the forefront. In this study, the aim was to investigate the effects of resveratrol and silymarin, which have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, on learning, memory, serum serotonin, dopamine, total antioxidant level (TAS), and total oxidant level (TOS) in a depression model induced by reserpine. Material and Method: In this study, 50 male Wistar Albino mice (n=10) were randomly divided into five groups. The groups were: Control, Reserpine, Reserpine+Resveratrol, Reserpine+Silymarin, and Reserpine+Resveratrol+Silymarin. In the depression model, reserpine was administered intraperitoneally (IP) at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Treatment included resveratrol (30 mg/kg/day, IP), silymarin (100 mg/kg/day, IP), and both agents were given simultaneously at the same dose in the ratio group for 14 days. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the Forced Swim Test (FST), Passive Avoidance Test (PAT), Open Field Test (AAT), and Elevated Plus Maze (ELM). After the tests, blood samples were taken from the animals for serum serotonin, dopamine, TAS, and TOS levels. Results: The depression model induced by reserpine administration led to significant changes in behavioral and biochemical parameters compared to the control group. Significant positive differences were observed in all treatment groups compared to the reserpine group (p<0.05). More positive changes were observed in the resveratrol group in serotonin, dopamine, TAS, and TOS levels compared to the silymarin group. Significant changes were observed in the ZYT, PAT, AAT, and YAL tests in the resveratrol+silymarin group compared to the reserpine group (p<0.01). Furthermore, serum serotonin, dopamine, and TAS levels in this group increased significantly compared to the other groups, while serum TOS levels decreased significantly (p<0.01). Conclusion: The obtained data demonstrate that resveratrol and silymarin exhibit therapeutic effects at the neurochemical and behavioral levels in the reserpine-induced depression model. In particular, it is thought that Resveratrol+Silymarin treatment may produce synergistic effects and be considered as a complementary treatment approach. These findings support the potential of natural compounds as alternative agents in the treatment of depression. Keywords: Depression, reserpine, resveratrol, silymarin, learning, memory