Alangium salvifolium (Linn. F) Wang. is a small deciduous tree or shrub, which grow in the wild throughout the hotter
parts of the India. It belongs to the family Alangiaceae. It is used as laxative, astringent, pungent, anthelminthic, purgative,
emetic, anti protozoal, hypoglycemic activity, anti diabetic and for anti ulcer activity. The plant was also reported as
antifungal activity, anti diabetic activity, antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, cardiac activity and anti fertility activity. This
activity of the plant possess due to the important phytochemical constituents like flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids
and steroids etc.
Background:
Depression disorder has been considered to be the global common
psychological CNS disorder affecting about 121 million people worldwide and is among
the leading causes of disability that not only inflicts suffering but also carries a high economic
burden. Calendula officinalis L. (Marigold) is globally known for its medicinal importance
containing various phytochemicals including terpenoids, quinones, coumarins and
other constituents, showing some important biological activities like immuno-stimulant,
hepatoprotective, antioxidant, etc. activities with no toxic effect.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the antidepressant effect of ethanolic extract of Calendula
officinalis using rodent models (Wistar rat) of depression.
Material and methods:
The present study was carried out to evaluate the antidepressant effect of
ethanolic extract of Calendula officinalis in Wistar rat. This effect was determined by
recording the immobility time in Forced Swim Test (FST) and a number of squares crossing
and rearing in Open Field Test (OFT). The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups.
Rats belonged to group 1 act as control group and group 2 were given Imipramine
(10 mg/kg, i.p.) which act as standard group.Wistar rats were treated i.p. with Ethanolic
extract of Calendula officinalis group 3, 4 and 5 were given 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and
400mg/kg respectively.
Results:
The effect of rat model of depression i.e. Forced Swim Test (FST) and Open Field
Test (OFT) model indicated that Ethanolic extract of Calendula officinalis showed potent
to moderate antidepressant effect (decrease in immobility time and increase in number of
square crossing and rearing) as compared to normal group. The drug might act as monoamine
oxidase inhibitors.
Conclusion:
Taken all together, the present study concluded that the drug EECO was to
exert antidepressant effects by inhibiting the monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) reaction,
which is responsible for the regulation of the metabolism of the neurotransmitter
5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain. This drug might act as monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAO-inhibitors) hence may increase the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine
and serotonin; and decrease the levels of GABA in the brain.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.