We explored the effects of vitamin E on anxiety and depression, particularly in the context of menopause-related mood disorders. To conduct this research, we studied ovariectomized mice—an animal model representing estrogen deficiency.
Our findings indicated that ovariectomized mice exhibited behaviors linked to depression and anxiety. Notably, these mice had higher levels of corticosterone, a hormone that signals stress, compared to a control group. We observed that administering α-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E) and tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract significantly reduced these mood disturbances over a two-week period.
While both treatments helped alleviate anxiety and depressive behaviors, tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract showed a more pronounced effect, particularly in mice under chronic stress. Additionally, both forms of vitamin E were effective in lowering elevated corticosterone levels, suggesting that they may help modulate the body’s stress response.
Overall, our research supports the potential of vitamin E as a promising treatment for mood disorders associated with menopause, highlighting its role in improving psychological well-being.
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Vitamin E alleviates anxiety symptomsCoenzyme Q10 and vitamin E alleviate heat stress-induced mood disturbances in male mice: Modulation of inflammatory pathways and the HPA axis.
Combination treatment complicates effects
In our exploration of how vitamin E affects anxiety, we studied male mice that were exposed to heat stress, which is known to trigger symptoms of anxiety and depression. We divided the mice into five groups: a control group, a heat stress group, and three treatment groups that received either vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, or a combination of both.
Over the course of 14 days, the heat-stressed mice underwent daily treatments, and we conducted various behavioral tests to measure signs of anxiety and depression. Remarkably, we discovered that both vitamin E alone and in combination with coenzyme Q10 provided significant relief from anxiety-related behaviors.
This was evident as we observed lowered anxiety levels and decreased despair behaviors in the treated groups compared to those that only experienced heat stress. Additionally, we noted a reduction in serum levels of corticosterone, a hormone associated with stress, which further supports the beneficial effects of vitamin E.
By modulating inflammatory pathways and influencing brain function, vitamin E, along with coenzyme Q10, appears to help counteract the negative emotional impacts of environmental stressors like heat.
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