Antidepressant Potential of PROSPLE: Spinach (Amaranthus sp.) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Probiotic Drink with Antioxidant Properties

Abstract

As many as 39% of global suicides were found in Southeast Asia, with depression being the most common psychiatric disorder in suicide offenders. Depression clinically can be caused by free radicals that disrupt the balance of the monoaminergic and glutamatergic systems. Recent studies have suggested that spinach and pineapple are beneficial for mental health (antidepressants) due to their antioxidant content, active amino acids (L-tryptophan), and epicatechin. Probiotics, also known as psychobiotics, are microorganisms that can improve the balance of gut microbiota when consumed adequately and have the potential to be antidepressants. This study processed spinach and pineapple into probiotic drinks (PROSPLE), then determined the best formula based on antioxidant activity and vitamin C content. All ingredients were mixed using a blender and then inoculated with Lactobacillus paracasei 5% w/v for 14 days under anaerobic conditions. The content of vitamin C was determined using the iodometric titration method, while antioxidant activity was expressed as a percentage of inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Statistical analysis consists of a normality test (Shapiro-Wilk) and a comparison test (Analysis of Variance). S3 was the best formula with a vitamin C content of 127.40 ± 0.28 mg/100 g and antioxidant activity of 37.24 ± 0.19% which was significantly different from the other two formulas (p<0.05). The content of vitamin C may regulate the monoaminergic and glutamatergic systems as well as intracellular acidification and produce antidepressant and neuroprotective effects. Antioxidants can attenuate inflammation and prevent nerve cell apoptosis. The potential of PROSPLE antidepressants may also be influenced by the content of serotonin and probiotics that modulate the gut-brain axis mechanism. PROSPLE contains vitamin C and has antioxidant activity so it can be developed as a probiotic drink with antidepressant potential.