Abstract
The present study was taken up to investigate the effect of petroleum ether extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers, on depression in mice. The extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for 14 successive days to Swiss young albino mice (either sex) and evaluated for antidepressant-like activity using tail suspension test and forced swim test. Petroleum ether extract at all three doses produced significant antidepressant-like effect in tail suspension test as well as in forced swim test and their efficacies were found to be comparable to imipramine (15 mg/kg, p.o.) and sertraline (20 mg/kg, p.o.). The extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg showed most potent effect and did not show any significant change in locomotor functions of mice as compared to control. The antidepressant-like effect of the extract was significantly reversed by pretreatment of animals with prazosin (a α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (a selective dopamine D2-receptor antagonist), p-CPA (a serotonin synthesis inhibitor) and baclofen (GABA-B agonist), when tested in tail suspension test. Moreover, petroleum ether extract also reduced the mouse whole brain monoamine oxidase (MAO-A and MAO-B) activities as compared to control, resulting in increase in the levels of brain monoamines. Therefore, the extract may have potential therapeutic value for the management of depressive disorders.
Highlights
Mental depression represents a major public health problem worldwide
The results of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, sterols and ßavonoids in petroleum ether extract
Effect of petroleum ether extract on immobility periods in TST and Forced swimming test (FST): Petroleum ether extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) administered for 14 successive days to mice signiÞcantly decreased the immobility periods in both
Summary
Mental depression represents a major public health problem worldwide. The high prevalence of suicide in depressed patients (up to 15%) coupled with complications arising from stress and its effects on the cardiovascular system have suggested that it will be the second leading cause of death by the year 20201. The use of alternative medicines is increasing worldwide day by day. A well known plant has been proven to be effective antidepressant in clinical studies[2]. Tinospora cordifolia (Family: Menispermaceae), a well known plant of Indian medicinal system, was selected for evaluating antidepressant-like activity in laboratory animals, since this plant has been reported to possess antistress activity[3,4]. According to the Ayurvedic System of Medicine, T. cordifolia is an antigout, analgesic, November - December 2008 www.ijpsonline.com
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