No abstract

Previous reports described the antidepressant-like action of the aqueous extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum: AEPG). Thus we evaluated the effect of AEPG and the main compounds found in the extract, punicalagin (PNCG) and ellagic acid (EA), on forced swimming test and the redox environment (reactive oxygen species [ROS] production, lipoperoxidation [LPX], and cellular function) in the brain of rats treated with 3 weeks post ovariectomy exposed ex vivo to pro-oxidants. Also, we selected PNCG and EA to study their antidepressant-like effects (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/kg) in the forced swimming test and their scavenging capacities in chemical combinatorial assays (expressed as IC50 values). We observed a 2-fold increase in the formation of ROS and LPX in the brain after exposure to FeSO4. However, these effects were significantly attenuated when rats were treated with AEPG, PNCG, and EA (1 mg/kg and 0.010 mg/kg for 14 days). AEPG and EA significantly increased the cellular function values of brains that had been affected by the effect of FeSO4 and with ONOO–. PNCG and EA significantly reduced immobility behavior at the lower doses used in this study. The capacity of scavenging compounds to eliminate radicals was for hydroxyl radical (⋅OH), superoxide anion (O2⋅⁣–), and peroxynitrite (ONOO–) as follows: AEPG > punicalagin > ellagic acid. In conclusion, the AEPG and their active compounds PNCG and EA promote antidepressant-like actions and antioxidant activity as they attenuate oxidative damage and prevent cellular dysfunction in ovariectomized rat brains.

Menopause transition is recognized as a vulnerable period in women life to develop or aggravate symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Several treatments including antidepressants and hormonal restitution with estrogens have been suggested to ameliorate the symptoms. Also, in this period of life is frequent the use of other drugs to treat is also frequent the use of other drugs to treat comorbid pathologies that might even increase the risk of drug-drug interactions. Literature reports that some phytochemicals with estrogenic activity have beneicial efects during menopausal transition without collateral events. This chapter shows evidence about the use of phytoestrogens as an alternative therapy for the treatment of some psychiatric symptoms associated with the menopausal transition. Data derived from preclinical research related to the use of classical phytoestrogens (isolavones), considering the beneicial efects, as well as adverse events, are discussed. Also, the use of polyphenols and organosulfurate compounds as an alternative for the treatment of anxiety-and depressive-like behavior as well as ibromyalgia is included. A narrative review was conducted using bibliography reporting the use of isolavones (genistein, daidzein, equol), coumestans or lignans for the reduction of depressive-like or anxiety-like behavior. Furthermore, it is described if the use of this compounds impact in other signs of menopause, i.e. vasomotor and osteoporosis. In addition, due to the high frequency of comorbid pathologies as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia or metabolic syndrome with psychiatric disorders, the use of these phytochemicals is discussed.