EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE IN EXPERIMENTAL DEPRESSION MODEL OF MICE

Authors : Arslan Say, Nuri İhsan Kalyoncu

Pages : 176-187

Doi:10.55895/sshs.1804132

View : 23 | Download : 233

Publication Date : 2025-12-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Depression has a prevalence of approximately 5%. The pathophysiology of depression is reported to involve monoamine deficiency, elevated cortisol levels, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) deficiency, increased glutamate, and inflammation. To date, no effective treatment protocol has been developed for cortisol elevation and inflammatory factors, which are proposed to play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a flavonoid derivative that occurs naturally in green tea. Numerous studies have shown that the substance possesses both antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has also been demonstrated to possess anxiolytic properties. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential antidepressant effect of EGCG through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. To this end, the mice were divided into seven groups (n=10) and the \\\"Porsolt\\\'s forced swimming test\\\" was administered to compare the effects of EGCG with those of classic antidepressant drugs (paroxetine, venlafaxine, moclobemide). Furthermore, cortisol and IL-6 levels were measured in mice before and after treatment with the effective EGCG dose (100 mg kg⁻¹). In contrast to the effects observed with conventional antidepressants, EGCG doses of 25 mg kg⁻¹ and 50 mg kg⁻¹ did not demonstrate a significant impact, while the 100 mg/kg dose exhibited a substantial antidepressant effect. A subsequent comparison of corticosterone levels between the control and EGCG 100 mg/kg groups (9387.7 pg mL⁻¹ and 6147.0 pg mL⁻¹ respectively) revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in corticosterone levels in the EGCG 100 mg kg⁻¹group. In a similar manner, a comparison of IL-6 levels between the control and EGCG 100 mg kg⁻¹ groups (159.0 pg mL⁻¹ and 128.3 pg mL⁻¹, respectively) revealed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in IL-6 levels in the EGCG 100 mg kg⁻¹ group. In conclusion, the inhibitory effect of EGCG on corticosterone and IL-6 levels in Porsolt\\\'s forced swimming test can be interpreted as an antidepressant effect. The potential antidepressant effect may be mediated by anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Further studies in this area are required.
Keywords : Kortikosteron, Depresyon, Epigallokateşin gallat (EGKG), Zorunlu Yüzme Testi, IL-6

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