Antidepressant Potential of Vernonia anthelmintica Willd Extracts in Experimental Animals

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antidepressant potential of Vernonia anthelmintica willd seed extracts in experimental animals. Methanolic and aqueous extract of Vernonia anthelmintica seeds were carried out by soxhlet extraction and maceration technique respectively. The extracts were administered at dose levels of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg orally. The antidepressant activity was evaluated by Tail suspension test and Forced swim test. Locomotor activity was carried out by activity cage meter. Fluoxetine at 10 mg/kg was used as standard antidepressant drug. Vernonia anthelmintica extracts showed the stimulant effect in locomotor activity. The duration of immobility time is reduced in dose dependent manner after repeated treatment with Vernonia anthelmintica extracts for 7 days in Forced swim test and Tail suspension Test. In the present study, Vernonia anthelmintica methanolic and aqueous extract showed significant antidepressant activity in dose dependent manner. The phytoconstituents present in the Vernonia anthelmintica may be responsible for its antidepressant activity.