ABSTRACT
Objective: Chronic stress arises from stressful situations in day-to-day life that are ignored or managed incorrectly. Long-term stress can have negative effects, especially when it plays a role in the development of neurological illnesses. Severe stress can also negatively impact emotional well-being. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has numerous health advantages. The aim of this study was to assess how VCO affected the biochemical and behavioral characteristics of Wistar albino rats exposed to chronic, unpredictable stress. Materials and Methods: Healthy Wistar albino rats (150-200 gm) were split into two groups: experimental group and control group. Based on stress exposure and treatment with VCO and antidepressants, they were further divided into various subgroups. A chronic, unpredictable stress procedure was given for 21 days. After the experimental procedure, the rats were anesthetized, and through a cardiac puncture, blood was collected. The liver and brain were dissected to estimate different biochemical markers. Results: VCO proved to be a protective agent against chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in the biochemical parameters, hepatic enzyme activity, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and cognition. Conclusion: VCO might be helpful as an effective natural treatment that can be utilized to effectively combat chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in brain and liver tissue.
ABSTRACT
Background: Proper nutrition and balanced diet have a profound influence on mental well-being. Nutritional psychiatry plays an important role in influencing a healthy mind and body. The animal model of chronic unpredictable stress has been considered the effective model to explore research on anxiety and depression. Aim: The present study aimed to explore the protective role of cod liver oil on various biochemical and neuronal analyses in the hippocampus tissue of the Wistar rat model of comorbid depression. Methods: Healthy adult albino rats of Wistar strain weighing (120-160 g) were divided into control groups and experimental groups. These groups were further categorized into various subgroups based on stress exposure, cod liver oil, and antidepressant treatment. Six animals were taken in each group. The duration of stress exposure was for 15 days. After the experimentation procedure, the animals were anesthetized and hippocampus was dissected for the estimations of various biochemical and neurological parameters. Results: The combination of cod liver oil with the antidepressant significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the lipid peroxidation level. Total antioxidant (TAO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the hippocampus. Treatment of cod liver oil during the stress exposure increased (p < 0.001) the neuronal count. Conclusion: Cod liver oil proved to be an effective antidepressant agent by increasing the antioxidants and promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampus.