Oyster contains much nutrients such as taurin, glycogen and zinc as called “marine milk”. A supplementary food containing oyster extract is reported to possess several physiological effects including anti-oxidative activity and supplementation of zinc. It is also known that “mental disorder” is caused by zinc deficiency, therefore oyster extract containing abundant zinc is expected to show some physiological effects on nervous systems.
Then, we assessed anxiolytic-like effect of Oyster Extract (prepared by Japan Clinic Co., Ltd.) in naïve mice and psychological stressed mice using Hole-Board test method, commonly used in the evaluation studies of anxiolytic activities of chemicals.
As a result, head-dipping behavior in naïve mice was significantly increased by oral administration of Oyster Extract for 28 days. On the other hand, head-dipping behavior in psychological stressed mice was significantly decreased from naïve mice. Oral administration with Oyster Extract significantly increased the number of head-dipping behavior in psychological stressed mice. Psychological stress induced anxiety-like behavior was suppressed by administration of oyster extract.
These results suggest that Oyster Extract have a potential of anxiolytic-like effect.
