European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EVALUATION OF ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF LEAF EXTRACT OF TERMINELIA CATAPPA IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Gopala Krishna Ch*, Vardhini K., Nagamani J., Sri lakshmi G., Raghu Ram N. and Tharun B.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Terminalia catappa (combretaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant known as almond tree. This plant has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. The leaves of Terminalia catappa showed anti microbial, anti sickiling, anti ulcer activities. Methods: This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible antidepressant effect of Terminalia catappa leaf extract (AETC) using Tail suspension test(TST) & Forced swim test (FST). 24 albino mice of either sex weighing between 18-25gm were randomly selected and divided into 4 equal groups. Group-I (control) received 1%CMC (10ml/1000gm), Group-II, standard(25mg/kg fluoxetine) III & IV received AETC in doses of 250,500 mg/kg orally (P.O.) respectively. Drug treatment was given before 30 minutes. 30 minutes after last dose of drug or standard the immobility period was recorded. Results: AETC produced significant antidepressant like effect at dose of 500 mg/kg as indicated by reduction in immobility times of mice in TST & FST. The efficacy of AETC at 500mg/kg was found to be comparable to that of Fluoxetine at doses of 25mg/kg. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that AETC possesses significant antidepressant activity compared to that of Fluoxetine.

Keywords: Terminalia catappa, Forced swim test, Tail suspension test, Antidepressants, Immobolity time.