In-vitro antidepressant property of methanol extract of Bacopa monnieri

Abstract

ObjectivesThe present investigation was aimed to analyze the antidepressant activity of methanol extract of Bacopa monnieri using albino rats. MethodsThree doses of methanol extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), and standard (imipramine hydrochloride, 25 mg/kg) were administered to albino rats. Methanol extract was subjected to use forced swimming test, tail suspension test and locomotor activities. ResultsAt 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses, immobility time decreased at 49.6%, 59.5% and 69.9%, respectively than control (p value < 0.0001). Tail suspension test increased immobility time at higher doses of methanol extract. Locomotor activities were statistically significant at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg (p value = 0.005), and non significant at 100 mg/kg (p value = 0.781) in experimental animal. The experimental animals treated with plant extract showed varying levels of monoamine oxidase - A (MAO-A) activity. MAO - A level of the control animal was 2.87 ± 0.021 ng/mL and it reduced in the experimental albino rats treated with imipramine hydrochloride (2.73 ± 0.09 ng/mL). The amount of MAO-A in the experimental animals treated with methanol extract at 25 mg/kg (p = 0.01), and 50 mg/kg (p value = 0.0001) showed significant decrease in MAO-A activity in rats brain than control. ConclusionsThe present finding revealed antidepressant effect of methanol extract of B. monnieri in Albino rats.