Phytochemical and Pharmacological Analysis of Commiphora mukul for Anti-depressant Activity in Albino Mice

Depression is a heterogeneous mood disorder that has been classified and treated in variety of ways. Although a number of synthetic drugs are being used as standard treatment for clinically depressed patient, they have adverse effects that can compromise the therapeutic treatment. In the traditional systems of medicine, many plants and formulations have been used to treat depression for thousands of years. Commiphora mukul is a commonly available plant throughout India and it has been claimed in traditional literature to be valuable plant against a wide variety of diseases. Till date no scientific data was available on the antidepressant activity of this plant. So, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Commiphora mukul (Family: Burseraceae), on depression in mice using tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). Hydro-alcoholic, Ethyl acetate and pet ether fractions (50 and100 mg/kg p.o.) of Guggul administered orally for 14 successive days had decreased the immobility periods significantly in a dose-dependent manner in both TST and FST, showing significant antidepressant-like activity. The activities of the fractions were found to be comparable to imipramine in both FST and TST. In conclusion, our results indicate the potential for use of Commiphora mukul as an adjuvant in the treatment of depression.