Neuroprotective effects of Theobroma cacao against reserpine-induced depression in male Wistar rats

The current study investigates the potential antidepressant properties of Theobroma cacao ethanolic extract using a reserpine-induced depression model in male Wistar rats.The research aims to assess behavioral, neurochemical, and neuroanatomical parameters relevant to depression, with a focus on hippocampal structure and function.Before being randomly split into six groups-five rats apiece-thirty mature male Wistar rats were acclimatised for seven days.The treatment schedule included groups receiving fluoxetine (20 mg/kg/B.W), cocoa seed ethanolic extract (1000 mg/kg/B.W), or their combinations with reserpine, a negative control group treated with reserpine (0.5 mg/kg/B.W), a control group getting placebo water.While neurochemical tests gauged oxidative stress indicators (MDA and GSH) and dopamine levels, behavioural evaluations were performed utilising the open field test and forced swimming test.Hemotoxic and eosin and cresyl violet staining allowed histological assessments of the hippocampal tissue.Results showed that groups treated with fluoxetine and cocoa extract showed notably different body weights than control and reserpine groups.Consistent with depressed-like symptoms, neurobehavioral studies found reduced exploratory behaviour and increased immobility time in rats treated with reserpine.While oxidative stress indicators indicated a tendency towards lowered MDA levels, neurochemical studies revealed lowered dopamine levels in treatment groups.Histological study revealed changes in hippocampus cytoarchitecture, suggesting that therapies as well as reserpine affected hippocampal structure.In conclusion, Theobroma cacao ethanolic extract demonstrated potential antidepressant properties by mitigating depressive-like behaviors, reducing oxidative stress, and preserving hippocampal structure in reserpine-induced depressed male Wistar rats.