Fish Oil and Flaxseed Oil Tested for Mood and Memory Effects in a PCOS Mouse Model

This study looked at mice with a lab-induced version of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition often linked to anxiety, low mood, and memory problems. Researchers wanted to see whether fish oil, flaxseed oil, or the diabetes drug metformin could influence these behavioral and cognitive changes.

Thirty female mice were split into five groups: untreated controls, PCOS-induced mice, and PCOS mice treated with either metformin, flaxseed oil, or fish oil. The animals went through standard behavior tests measuring anxiety, depression-like behavior, activity levels, and spatial memory (maze navigation).

Mice with PCOS showed more anxiety- and depression-like behavior and worse memory performance than healthy controls. Fish oil improved some measures, particularly reducing signs of behavioral despair and supporting normal activity levels, though its effect on memory was inconsistent. Flaxseed oil and metformin produced modest improvements across several behaviors, but no treatment fully reversed all the changes.