Evaluation of the Antidepressant Effect of Propolis in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression Model in Rats

Aim: In this study, the antidepressant effect of propolis was investigated in a model of chronic unpredictable depression in rats. Materials and Methods: Wistar-Albino male rats were used in the study and were divided into four groups as propolis, stress, stress + propolis, and control groups. Eight animals were assigned to each group. The experimental protocol was applied to the stress groups for 60 days, and the animals were exposed to different stressors. Propolis extract (100 mg/kg) was administered orally to propolis and stress + propolis groups throughout the experimental protocol. As a result of depression modeling, the Forced Swimming Test, Sucrose Preference Test, and Elevated Plus Maze Test were applied for behavioral evaluation. Twenty-four hour urine samples were collected for quantitative analysis of serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The animals were sacrificed as a result of the experiment process. Results: It was seen that there was a statistical difference for behavioral tests between the groups (p0.05). Conclusion: The findings have shown that propolis extract may help to prevent depression, thanks to its antidepressant-like effects.