Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cissus Quadrangularis in Swiss Albino Mice

Manjusha M; Madhavi Kumari M

doi:10.37022/jiaps.v11i3.979

M.Manjusha Department of Pharmacology, Avanti Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tgarapuvalasa, Vaizayanagarm, Andhra Pradesh, India.
M. Madhavi Kumari Department of Pharmacology, Avanti Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tgarapuvalasa, Vaizayanagarm, Andhra Pradesh, India.

DOI https://doi.org/10.37022/jiaps.v11i3.979

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders affecting people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, changes in sleep and appetite, and reduced energy levels. Cissus quadrangularis is a medicinal plant widely recognized in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties and has been used for managing several health conditions. The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential antidepressant effects of ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis leaves in an animal model. The in vivo antidepressant activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Cissus quadrangularis was evaluated in Swiss albino mice. The methanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis leaves (MECQ) was prepared using a Soxhlet extraction method and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity evaluation. The extract was administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg body weight to the respective treatment groups. Imipramine hydrochloride (15 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the standard antidepressant drug, while the control group received normal saline (10 ml/kg body weight). The antidepressant activity was assessed using behavioral models, including the modified Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). The duration of immobility was recorded as an indicator of antidepressant-like activity. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate methods to determine the significance of the results. The findings demonstrated a significant dose-dependent reduction in immobility time in mice treated with MECQ, indicating notable antidepressant activity in both experimental models. The extract exhibited promising antidepressant effects across all tested doses. However, further studies are required to isolate the active phytoconstituents and elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for its antidepressant action before considering potential therapeutic applications in humans.

Keywords: Cissus quadrangularis, antidepressant activity, forced swimming test, tail suspension test, phytochemical screening, Swiss albino mice

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