Evaluation of antidepressant properties of ethanolic extract of root of in Swiss albino mice

Mental health has always been given a prime importance along with physical health by the World Health Organization (WHO). Depression contributes to significant disease burden at global level and is ranked by WHO as the single largest contributor to global disability. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many neurological conditions such as depression. is known to possess antioxidant properties; hence, this study has been conducted to evaluate the antidepressant activity of Rubia cordifolia root extract in rodent models. Ethanolic extract of root powder (EERC) was used for evaluating the antidepressant activity in Swiss albino mice. EERC was used in two doses – 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Antidepressant activity was evaluated by performing Forced swim test and Tail suspension test with Imipramine (10mg/kg) as the standard drug. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA (analysis of variance) followed by Tukey Krammer test. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Forced swim test and tail suspension test showed significant decrease in the period of immobility by EERC treated groups indicating its antidepressant property. There is no significant difference observed between the two doses of the extract i.e.; 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg (inter-group comparison). The period of immobility and period of mobility were not significantly different from the standard group. This study shows that ethanolic extract of root powder possess significant antidepressant properties. However, this is just a preliminary study. Further studies have to be carried out to find out the exact mechanism responsible for antidepressant activity by isolating the active constituents and performing neurotransmitter studies.