Elucidating the Effect of hesperidin on Behavioral and biochemical markers of liver and kidney function in Sprague Dawley Rats

Background: Hesperidin is a naturally occurring Bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic and vasodilator activities. Hesperidin’s effect on normal behavioral is not clear. Hence the present study is aimed to elucidate the effects of hesperidin on behavioral and biochemical markers of liver and kidney function in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Method: Healthy, adult, male SD rats were used for the study. Animals were divided into 5 groups (n = 6) viz., Group I: Control, Group II: Vitamin C(200mg/kg), Group III: Hesperidin (25mg/kg), Group IV: Hesperidin (50mg/kg) and GroupV: Hesperidin (100mg/kg). The standard and test drugs were suspended in 0.5% w/v carboxymethyl cellulose and administered once daily through oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. Throughout the study changes in behavioral functions (locomotor activity, muscular strength, learning and memory) and body weight were monitored at regular intervals. Blood samples were collected from all the experimental rats and used for biochemical parameters analysis. Results: Vitamin C and hesperidin did not show any significant alterations in locomotion, grip strength, muscular strength and spatial memory when compared with normal control. Both vitamin C and hesperidin improved the normal anxiety behavior without affecting regular body weight gain and biochemical markers of liver and kidney function. Conclusion: The experimental rats administered with hesperidin at the dose levels of 25, 50and100 mg/kg did not show any changes in psychomotor behavior and significantly improved their alertness without affecting the biochemical markers of liver and kidney function.