Antidepressant effect of Nigella sativa in stress-induced depression

Abstract

Nigella sativa (NS) and its seeds have a long history of folkloric uses in all traditional systems of medicines globally for the treatment of various ailments. Therefore, the exploration of the antidepressant activity of this plant is to be the main aim. Nigella sativa seed powder was extracted with alcohol for 3 h in soxhlet. The extract was concentrated in the rotatory evaporator under reduced pressure. DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay, and ABTS assay were carried out for antioxidant activity. The antidepressant activity was performed in stressed mice followed by tail suspension, locomotor activity, and forced swim test. Results indicated the potential antidepressant effect of NS extract in stressed mice, exposed to 6 h immobilizations. Methylene blue and SB-203580 potentiated the effect of sub-doses of NS in stressed mice along with significant antioxidant properties. NS extract also significantly decreased plasma nitric oxide. Seed extract of NS may consider as a new herbal antioxidant and antidepressant agent.