Scope Ferulic acid (FA), a natural phenolic phytochemical abundantly present in whole grains, herbs, and dried fruits, exhibits anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, the antidepressant‐like effects of FA in male ICR mice using tail suspension test (TST) are investigated and its molecular mechanisms are explored. Methods and Results Oral administration of FA at a dose of 5 mg kg–1 for 7 days significantly reduces immobility of mice compared to vehicle‐administered control group. Microarray and real‐time PCR analyses reveal that FA upregulates the expression of several genes associated with cell survival and proliferation, energy metabolism, and dopamine synthesis in mice limbic system of brain. Interestingly, it is found that FA, unlike antidepressant drug bupropion, strongly promotes energy metabolism. Additionally, FA increases catecholamine (dopamine and noradrenaline), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and ATP levels, and decreases glycogen levels in the limbic system of the mice brain. Conclusion The research provides the first evidence that FA enhances energy production, which can be the underlying mechanism of the antidepressant‐like effects of FA observed in this study.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
334 Leonard St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.