Griflola frondosa (GF) produces significant antidepressant effects involving AMPA receptor activation in mice
Since Griflola frondosa (GF) is a medicinal mushroom that may be of interest in mood disorder therapy, this 2017 study examined the antidepressant action of GF in a sample of mice. The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) since AMPA receptors are the central mediator for the treatment of depression. In this animal-model study, CD-1 mice were given food containing either GF or Pleurotus ostreatus (PO). The tail suspension test involved sticking the tail of the mice in such a way that the mouse cannot escape or hold on to nearby surfaces. Treatments with 20%, 33% or 50% of GF-containing food significantly decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test. The 33% of GF-containing food seemed to have significantly stronger antidepressant effects compared with 33% of PO-containing food. GYKI 52466, a specific blocker of the AMPA receptor, was able to inhibit the antidepressant activity of GF-containing food. In conclusion, GF demonstrated its potential as a safe medical food supplement for patients with depression. [NPID: depression, antidepressant, AMPA, Griflola frondosa, GF, mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, edible mushrooms]
Year: 2016
