EVALUATION OF ANTIDEPRESSENT ACTIVITY OF LEONURUS CARDIACA IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Depression is a widely prevalent form of mental illnesses worldwide. It is commonly associated with sad mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and low energy. Leonurus cardiachas many medicinal properties, and are used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various medical conditions. This study was conducted to better understand the antidepressant activity of Leonurus cardiaca.

To evaluate the potential antidepressant activity of Ethanolic Extract of Leonurus cardiaca (EELC) leaves on depression in Wistar albino rats.

Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing 150-200g were used. Sixty rats were divided into two arms. Each arm was further divided into five groups (n=6). Drugs were given orally once daily, for ten days. Group 1 was the Control group and received saline. Group 2 received standard drug – Imipramine (15mg/kg). Group 3 received EELC (100mg/kg). Group 4 received EELC (200mg/kg). Group 5 received EELC (400mg/kg). Antidepressant potential of EELC was evaluated by submitting the Rats to Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) on the first and tenth day.

The study showed significant reduction in immobility time in both Forced Swim Test and Tail Suspension Test in the EELC group when compared with the control group.

The study suggests that Ethanolic Extract of Leonurus cardiacahas anti-depressant activity and can be considered for use in therapy of depression after further testing.

Keywords: Leonurus cardiaca, Antidepressant activity, forced swim test, Open Field Test.