Antidepressant-like Effects of Aqueous Extract of Salvadora persica in Rat Model of Depression

Abstract

Salvadora persica (SP) has been used as a medicinal purpose among global Muslim community. Various phytochemical studies on SP reported the presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols and tannins. Flavonoids are responsible for antimicrobial, antiallergic, antioxidant, antiradial, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of SP on forced swimming test on male albino rats after four weeks treatment. The effect was assessed by immobility time, body weight, vital organ weight, blood glucose, and degree of DNA fragmentation that might happen in leukocyte due to depression. These activities were tested at dose of 900 mg/kg extracts of SP administered orally for 28 successive days. Rats were divided into two groups (12 animals/group): control group (distilled water) and extract group (SP aqueous extract at 900 mg/kg PO for two weeks. On day 14, animals will be further classified into four equal groups (six animals each): Undepressed control, depressed rats, extract plus undepressed rats and extract plus depressed for next two weeks. The samples were administered via gavage through oral route. The weight of the animals will be measured every week. It was found that extract significantly (p<0.001) increases mobility time in rats. It also showed significant (p<0.001) decreased in blood glucose and DNA fragmentation as compared to depressed group. The obtained results revealed that SP extract has got significant anti depressant activity. Hence, aqueous extract of SP may be explored further for the management of mental depression.