Gentiana olivieri is a flowering plant that belongs to the Gentian family (Gentianaceae) of plants. The plant is native to parts of Asia. The plant possesses trumpet-like flowers and is often a vibrant blue colour. The antidepressant effects of Gentiana olivieri have been investigated in comparison to the antidepressant drug imipramine. Rats were administered extracts of Gentiana olivieri or imipramine, and then exposed to experimental stress. The results of the study showed that both Gentiana olivieri and imipramine attenuated the depressive-like behaviour of the rats. In addition the treatments improved feeding habits that were affected negatively by the application of stress. The treatments also significantly increased serotonin and noradrenaline levels in the hippocampus of the animals, suggesting that this may have been partly responsible for the antidepressant effects on behaviour. The flavonoid isoorientin is present in the plant and it has been suggested that this may be partly responsible for the mood elevating effects of the plant.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
