Journal Of
Polyphenols

Abstract: Abstract Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench.) is one of the most frequently used herbals in East or West Africa, and its various biological activities have been widely studied. Flavonoids extracted from many plants are reported to have neurological properties, e. g antidepressant and antifatigue. However, its neurological protect in antidepressant-like effect of fl avonoids extracted from okra have not yet been demonstrated. The present study was aimed at investigating the antidepressant-like effect of the fl avonoids extracted from okra fruit (FOF) using the forced swimming test (FST) pattern and preliminary exploration its potential mechanism. We also used the open field test (OFT) to estimate the spontaneous locomotor activity. We found that oral administration (p. o.) of FOF (300 mg/kg) alone signifi cantly reduced the immobility time in the FST without changes in locomotor activity in the OPT. The experimental data indicated the antidepressant-like effect of FOF involved in noradrenergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems.

Key words: okra, antidepressant, forced swimming test (FST), mechanism, flavonoid compound