THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF THEOBROMA CACAO IN DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS MODEL ON MICE.

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic role of Theobroma cacao in depressive disorders model on mice. The parameters used were forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Theobroma cacao is locally known as chocolate, cacao or cocoa. Methodology: Fifty male mice were divided into 5 groups (n=5). Group 1 served as control group (vehicle treated), [N (F)] that exposed to FST and [N (T)] that exposed to TST. Group 2 was given antidepressant drug, Amitriptyline Hydrochloride (dose = 15mg/kg BW/day) that exposed to FST [Ax (F)] or TST [Ax (T)]. Group 3 treated with low concentration of Theobroma cacao extract (dose = 10 mg/kg BW/day) and exposed to FST [Tx1 (F)] or TST [Tx1 (T)]. Group 4 was treated with medium concentration of Theobroma cacao extract (dose = 30 mg/kg BW/day) and exposed to FST [Tx2 (F)] or TST [Tx2 (T)]. Group 5 was treated with high concentration of Theobroma cacao extract (dose = 100 mg/kg BW/day) and exposed to FST [Tx3 (F)] or TST [Tx3 (T)]. Anti-depressant drug and the three dosages of extract were fed for seven successive days by force-feeding. Results: Analysis of variance showed that [Ax(F)] and [Tx3(F)] reduced immobility time significantly as compared to control [N(F)] in FST group. While in TST, [Ax(T)], [Tx1(T)] and [Tx3(T)] reduced the immobility time significantly compared from the control [N(T)]. Conclusion: These findings showed that Theobroma cacao intake was able to reduce immobility time in animal model of depression, similar to Amitriptyline Hydrochloride. Thus, Theobroma cacao may have potential therapeutic value for the management of depressive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]