Development of a plant-based beverage with anxiolytic-like effects evaluated in zebrafish (Danio rerio) model

Abstract

With the scenario of COVID-19 pandemic, cases of depression, anxiety and ther stress-related problems have increased, leading to an increase in the consumption of controlled-use drugs, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics. On the other hand, many studies indicate that some foods and medicinal plants can be used as an alternative to improve neurological and cognitive properties, alleviating the effects of stress and promoting a sense of well-being. Several studies attribute these effects to the composition of the raw materials used, due to the presence of bioactive compounds, amino acids and other constituents with this potential. The development of foods, which in addition to the nutritional function, seek to contribute with aspects directly related to health, is one of the main trends for the coming years, with an important emphasis on functional beverages. Based on the above, this research aimed to develop a composite functional beverage, with anxiolytic-like effect, produced with matcha (Camellia sinensis) and sugarcane juice, with the addition of medicinal plants (chamomile and lemon balm). For this, the work was carried out in two stages, the initial stage being dedicated to the scientific study of the raw materials involved and the intended market, which makes up the first chapter of this dissertation, and, in the second stage, which comprises the second chapter, are the analyzes to obtain the product. Initially, the beverage's base formulation was created from different combinations of matcha and sugarcane juice in order to test the total soluble solids content, the total antioxidant activity (by the ABTS method) and the anxiolytic-like effect through the in vivo test, using the anxiolytic model for the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). After choosing the promising base formulation, the medicinal plants chamomile and lemon balm were added to it and the analyzes of bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds, profile of phenolic compounds by HPLC, total antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds), as well as how the in vivo tests were carried out with adult zebrafish to prove the anxiolytic effect of the developed drink.