Evaluation of the Neurobehavioral Properties of Naringin in Swiss Mice

Objectives This study was carried out to investigate the neurobehavioral properties of naringin, a flavonoid compound formed from naringenin on behavioral models in mice. Method The neurobehavioral property of naringin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) was assessed on novelty-induced rearing, locomotor behavior using open field test; anxiolytic effect was evaluated using hole-board, light and dark box, and elevated-plus maze paradigms. The anti-depressant-like property was also assessed using forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and social interaction test (SIT). The cognitive enhancing effect of naringin was evaluated using Y-maze test. Results Intraperitoneal administration of naringin (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) increase in rearing behavior but not the spontaneous motor activity in comparison to control. In the anti-depressant test, naringin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased the duration of immobility in the FST and TST, and increased the % social interaction preference in the SIT relative to controls, suggesting anti-depressant-like and increased social behaviors. Moreover, naringin also exhibited anxiolytic and memory enhancing properties in mice. Conclusion These findings suggest that naringin possesses anti-depressant-and anxiolytic-like activities as well as memory enhancing effect in mice.