The stimulant behavioral effects of anthocyanin-rich juice of Aronia melanocarpa in rats

Abstract

The fruits of Aronia melanocarpa are rich in anthocyanins, plant pigments with a number of registered beneficial effects on human health (e.g. antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory). Some limited studies have also shown their effects on behavior and cognitive functions in experimental animals. This study was designed to explore the effects of unlimited consumption of diluted aronia juice on rat behavior. Young male Wistar rats were divided into control group (CTL; N=12) with tap water provided ad libitum, and 3 experimental groups (N=8) supplied with drinking solutions of 20% mixtures (m/m) in tap water: (ARO) 100% master aronia juice; (MIX) 25% master aronia juice + 75% placebo solution (juice reconstruct without flavonoids); (PLC) 100% placebo. Rats were being allowed to drink these solutions without limits for 34 days, where on days 31-34 three behavioral tests were performed. These tests revealed that only ARO group exhibited significant behavioral changes: augmented locomotion in an open field test, anxiolytic-like action in elevated plus maze, as well as an increase in active swimming in forced swimming test (which is relevant to antidepressant-like action). These results suggest that everyday drinking of diluted aronia juice (between 6 and 12 g of master aronia juice daily per rat) with high flavonoid content (about 0.12%) for about a month, may induce several stimulant behavioral actions in experimental animals.