Abstract
An aqueous extract of <em>Ocimum sanctum</em> (Tulsi) and <em>Elettaria cardamomum</em> (Cardamom) was administered to elderly subjects suffering from depression living in selected old age home. Geriatric Depression Assessment Scale was used to assess the level of depression; based on the scale, 40 subjects were selected for the study. The subjects were divided into two groups of twenty each. Experimental group received aqueous extracts of<em> Ocimum sanctum</em> and <em>cardamom</em> for eight weeks, similarly, control group received aqueous extract of <em>green tea leaves.</em> Post assessment was done after eight weeks of treatment in both the control and experimental groups. Aqueous extracts of <em>Ocimum sanctum</em> and <em>cardamom</em> were found to have a significant anti depressive effect on experimental group after 8 weeks, while control group did not show any significant change. Preliminary data of the study showed a significant antidepressive activity of <em>Ocimum sanctum</em> and <em>cardamom</em> extracts.
Highlights
Depression is a mental condition in which the feeling of despondency and dejection
Total 52 participants were screened by using Standardized Geriatric Depression Assessment Scale
Remaining 40 participant were randomly divided into two groups: Group-I (Experimental group) and Group-II (Control or Placebo group), both having 20 participants in each group
Summary
Depression is a mental condition in which the feeling of despondency and dejection. It is a most common and serious medical condition, which negatively affects feeling, thinking and behaviors. It is not a sign of weakness, but it can lead to physical and emotional problem[1]. Depressive persons have decreased ability to work at home or job place. The most prominent symptoms of depression are usually sadness or depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once he/she enjoyed[2]. Older people are susceptible to depression and decline in mental ability, which makes them dependent[3]
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