The antidepressant activity of alcoholic extract of Withania coagulans fruits in Swiss albino mice by tail suspension test

Abstract

Background: There are many antidepressant drugs used today have the adverse drug reactions. Withania coagulans – a species to be extinct, is not explored much for its effects on mood except in late seventies. As a result, it was thought worthy to explore antidepressant activities of alcoholic extract of W. coagulans fruits in Swiss albino mice (SAM) using tail suspension test (TST). Aim and Objective: This study aims to study the alcoholic extract of W. coagulans fruits’ antidepressant effect in SAM by TST. Materials and Methods: TST was used for evaluating the antidepressant action of W. coagulans fruits alcoholic extract. If the extract had antidepressant action, then it was estimated that the period of mobility would rise and immobility would reduce. This reduction in immobility, if found statistically significant, was considered for antidepressant action. Results: There was statistically substantial (P < 0.001) association observed between alcoholic extract of W. coagulans fruits with depressant action on mood in SAM by TST. Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of W. coagulans fruits did not prove antidepressant action in SAM. On the other hand, it showed depressive effect on the mood in the TST.