Abstract

BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF HYDROETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM LINN ON ENZYMIC AND NON - ENZYMIC ANTIOXIDANTS IN DEPRESSION INDUCED RATS

Victor Arokia Doss D., Karunya T. and *Sowndarya R.

ABSTRACT

The antidepressant activity of hydroethanolic extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn (Balloon vine) was studied at a dose of 200mg/kg body weight of rats. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) was selected as the reference standard and it showed significant antidepressant activity in rats. Methods: Hydroethanolic extract was orally administered in rats for 30 days after the induction of depression. The antidepressant activity was examined using Forced Swim Test (FST) in rats. Enzymic and non‐ enzymic antioxidant status were analysed in control and experimental groups. Results: The results showed that the extract decreased immobility time with the increase swimming time (or improved behavioral activity) and significantly increased the enzymic and non‐enzymic antioxidant status in brain and serum and also HDL and LDL levels in serum. Conclusions: Thus, it may be concluded that Cardiospermum halicacabum leaf extract possesses significant antioxidant and antidepressant activity. Therefore, Cardiospermum halicacabum may be served as a potential resource for natural psychotherapeutic agent against depression. However, further studies, were still required.

Keywords: Cardiospermum halicacabum, Antidepressant,