Abstract

ANTI DEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS

Shalini S. Zade, Manjusha K. Borde* and Naiyer Shahzad

ABSTRACT

In spite of availability of effective antidepressant drugs, depression continues to be a major problem. Hence, great interest is being taken in development of innovative antidepressants from natural source. The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant effect of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Asparagus racemosus in the models predictive of antidepressant action. The hydroalcoholic roots extracts of the Asparagus racemosus (150 and 250 mg/kg) and Imipramine (15 mg/kg ) were administered, daily for 7 days period to Swiss albino rats of either sex. The immobility period of vehicle and treated rats were recorded in forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The open field test was also done for same period to test the locomotor activity. The antidepressant effect of Asparagus racemosus was compared with reference standard Imipramine and normal vehicle treated group for said study period. Asparagus racemosus treated group produced significant antidepressant effect as indicated by reduction in immobility period and decrease locomotion tendencies compared with vehicle treated group.

Keywords: Antidepressant, Asparagus racemosus, Imipramine, experimental model.