Scientists from Kumamoto University found that traditional Japanese matcha tea helped improve mood and mental performance, and they explained the mechanism of its antidepressant effect in mice. The research was published in the journal nutrients.
Matcha (or matcha) powder from leaves camellia sinensistraditionally used to make drinks in Japan.
In a new study, scientists evaluated the effect of oral administration of the powder on mice stressed by social isolation. They found that matcha reduced depression and anxiety in mice that were naturally stress-sensitive. This was demonstrated by results in tail suspension tests, which are commonly used to assess depression in mice. However, the effect of the powder was much weaker among animals that experienced fewer symptoms of depression.
Although there are various hypotheses about the development of depression, most of the time the disease is associated with a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays an important role in boosting mood motivation.
The scientists found that this effect was associated with activation of the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. These areas are critical for controlling dopamine levels in the brain. Scientists have shown that their activation increases dopamine levels. This was further confirmed by another experiment: administration of a dopamine D1 receptor blocker to stress-sensitive mice nullified all antidepressant-like effects of the powder.
Additional studies like this could help develop effective antidepressants.