| abstract |
An application of a polyphenolic extract of Aronia melanocarpa leaves in the preparation of a drug, functional food, or supplement for preventing, regulating, or treating depression. The extract contains rutin, chlorogenic acid and an isomer thereof, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin and a derivative quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)β-D-glucopyranoside thereof, and caffeic acid and a derivative hyperoside thereof. The extract significantly increased BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels in the hippocampus of the brain of depressed mice by regulating the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora of the depressed mice to normal levels, and had a significant improving effect on depressive symptoms of the mice. The extract is a non-toxic and harmless natural ingredient and produces no side effects. |