In Vivo Evaluation of the Antidepressant Activity of a Novel Polyherbal Formulation

Abstract

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-depressive activity of a polyherbal formulation (PF) after 28 days administration by using a rat forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Methods: Animals were divided into six groups (n=6/group): Group 1: The control rats received injections of 0.5% CMC solution only; Group 2: FST+vehicle; Groups 3: FST+SER (10 mg/kg, i.p.); Group 4: FST+200 mg/kg; Group 5: FST+400 mg/kg; Group 6: FST+800 mg/kg and drugs were administrated once daily for 28 days treatment. To assess the effect of PF on immobility activity through FST and TST were used to take as a measure of antidepressant activity. The probable mechanism of action of the anti-depressive effect of PF was also investigated by measuring the level of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, homocysteine, IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels in the blood of the stress rats. Results: PF significantly reduced the immobility time of rat in both the FST and TST. However, might explain the results. In addition, PF decreased the homocysteine, IL-2 and IFN-gamma level while it increased the levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the blood. PF with 200 mg/kg treatment have shown the more significant improvement in stress rats. Conclusion: After 28 days administration, PF produced antidepressant-like effects. The mechanisms of action of anti-depressive effect of PF seemed to involve an increase of the monoamines level while decreasing the inflammatory marker and homocysteine in the stress of rats.