In-vitro antidepressant property of methanol extract of Bacopa monnieri

Abstract

Objectives: The present investigation was aimed to analyze the antidepressant activity of methanol extract of Bacopa monnieri using albino rats. Methods: Three doses of methanol extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), and standard (imipramine hydrochloride, 25 mg/kg) were administered to albino rats. Methanol extract was subjected to use forced swimming test, tail suspension test and locomotor activities. Results: At 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses, immobility time decreased at 49.6%, 59.5% and 69.9%, respectively than control (p value < 0.0001). Tail suspension test increased immobility time at higher doses of methanol extract. Locomotor activities were statistically significant at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg (p value = 0.005), and non significant at 100 mg/kg (p value = 0.781) in experimental animal. The experimental animals treated with plant extract showed varying levels of monoamine oxidase - A (MAO-A) activity. MAO - A level of the control animal was 2.87 ± 0.021 ng/mL and it reduced in the experimental albino rats treated with imipramine hydrochloride (2.73 ± 0.09 ng/mL). The amount of MAO-A in the experimental animals treated with methanol extract at 25 mg/kg (p = 0.01), and 50 mg/kg (p value = 0.0001) showed significant decrease in MAO-A activity in rats brain than control. Conclusions: The present finding revealed antidepressant effect of methanol extract of B. monnieri in Albino rats.

Keywords

• Medicinal plants
• Phenolic compounds
• Antidepressant
• Experimental animal