The effect of hesperetin on depression and anxiety induced by reserpine injection in male rats

Background and Objective: Hesperetin is a citrus skin active ingredient with neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. In this study,we evaluted the therapeutic effect of hesperetin on depression and anxiety induced by reserpine injection according to behavioral tests in rats. Materials and Methods: For this evaluation, 60 male rats weighing 230250 mg / kg were divided into six groups, control group receiving saline for 14 days , groups receiving hesperetin (20 and 10 mg / kg for 7 days) , depressed group with reserpine (0.2 mg / kg for 14 days) and depressed groups receiving hesperetin (20 and 10 mg / kg for 7 days). After taking the drugs, the effect of hesperetin was evaluated in behavioral tests.on depression and anxiety.    Results: The results showed that hesperetin significantly reduced the anxiety of depressed animals in Open Field and Elevated Plus Maze Tests (P 0.05). In Forced Swimming Test, hesperetin 20 mg / kg caused a significant decrease in immobility time (P 0.001), and also, hesperetin could decrease the immobility time in depressed groups(P 0.05).According to Sucrose Preference Test’s data, rats that received 20 mg / kg of hesperetin were more prone to sweet water in compared with reserpine received group. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, hesperetin is effective in reserpineinduced depressive symptoms in rats.