Noradrenergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems are implicated in antidepressant-like effect of flavonoids extracted from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench.) fruit in the forced swimming test

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 flavonoids extracted from okra have not yet been demonstrated.The present study was aimed at investigating the antidepressant-like eff ect of the flavonoids extracted from okra fruit(FOF)using the forced swimming test(FST)pattern and preliminary exploration its potential mechanism.We also used the open fi eld 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 eff ect of FOF involved in noradrenergic,glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems.