Protective Effects of Bacopa monnieri Extract, Mixed Thai Berry Extract and Their Combination Against Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Behavioral Changes in Rats.

Background/

Objectives

Chronic stress contributes to anxiety disorders and cognitive impairment, while effective multi-target therapeutic strategies remain limited. This study investigated the effects of a standardized extract prepared from the aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Brahmi) extract and an anthocyanin-rich mixed Thai berry extract, administered individually and in combination, in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model.

Methods

Extracts derived from Morus alba L. (mulberry), Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn. (mamao), and Syzygium nervosum DC. (ma-kiang) were characterized for anthocyanin and phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside levels using HPLC. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a 14-day CUMS protocol and treated with Brahmi extract, mixed Thai berry extract, or their combinations. Behavioral assessments included the open-field test, elevated plus maze, and novel object recognition test. Histopathological evaluation of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was also performed.

Results

Brahmi extract and mixed Thai berry extract attenuated selected anxiety-related behaviors and improved recognition memory-related parameters in CUMS-exposed rats. The low-dose berry extract produced the most consistent behavioral improvements, whereas combination-treated groups showed greater histological preservation. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced neuronal degeneration and improved tissue organization in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of treated animals.

Conclusions

These findings support the potential therapeutic relevance of Bacopa monnieri and anthocyanin-rich Thai berry extracts under chronic stress conditions, with differential effects observed between individual and combination treatments.