Abstract

P. Rajya Lakshmi Devi*, Dr. K. Naga Sravanthi and B. Maheswari Reddy

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the anti depressant activity of hydro alcoholic extract of Dactylotenium aegyptium (HEDA) in chronic unpredictable stress induced depression. Methods: Rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress for 14 days and treated with 250mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of HEDA using fluoxetine as standard. On 15th day rats were screened for behavioral parameters using open field test, despair swim test and plus maze test. Biochemical parameters like superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation and catalase were estimated from brain homogenate, followed by histopathology of brains. Results: Administration of HEDA at 400 mg/kg as well as 200mg/kg exhibited profound effect on behavioral parameters and biochemical parameters. Significant increase in the superoxide dismutase, catalase levels and reduced glutathione and decrease in lipid peroxidation were observed. The present study suggested that HEDA significantly reversed the stress induced depressive like behavior and oxidative damage. Conclusion: Treatment with HEDA had a beneficial effect on stress induced depression. These results may indicate that HEDA exerts potential anti depressant activity.