Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF PIPER LONGUM FOR ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY

Jowar Arvind*, Patel Abhishek, Anwane Harshal and Jain Shonu

ABSTRACT

The present study is undertaken with a view to investigating the probable antidepressant activity of Piper longum Fruits although the exact cause of depression is not known biological, genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a key role. Depression is often associated with various conditions including emotional upset (e.g., divorce, death in the family, major financial problems), co-existing medical conditions (e.g., stroke, heart attack, cancer), hormonal disorders (e.g., underactive thyroid, menopause) and problem substance use (i.e., alcohol and other drugs). Depression also often co-occurs with other mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Whatever the trigger, it is believed that the underlying biological basis of depression is a depletion in the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine in the central nervous system.

Keywords: Antidepressant, Actophotometer test, Tail suspension Test, hydroalcoholic extract (HAE), locomotor activity, Piper longum Fruits.