Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Eclipta Alba Using Animal Models

Objective : Eclipta alba (Asteraceae) is a traditional medicinal plant known as Bhringaraj.This plant has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. The leaves of Eclipta alba showed antihyperglycemic activity. The roots of Eclipta alba were found effective in wound healing . Methods : This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible antidepressant effect of Eclipta alba leaf extract (EALE) using Tail suspension test(TST) & Forced swim test (FST). 36 albino rats of either sex weighing between 200-250gm were randomly selected and divided into 6 equal groups. Group-I (control) received polyethyleneglycol (1ml/100gm),Group-II, III & IV received EALE in doses of 100,200,400 mg/kg orally (P.O.) respectively. Group V & VI (positive control) received Fluoxetine & Imipramine at doses of 20mg/kg & 15mg/kg p.o respectively. Drug treatment was given for seven & fourteen successive days. 60 minutes after last dose of drug or standard the immobility period was recorded. Results : EALE produced significant antidepressant like effect at dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg administered for 7 & 14 consecutive days as indicated by reduction in immobility times of Rat in TST & FST (P<0.05). The efficacy of EALE at 200mg/kg was found to be comparable to that of Fluoxetine & Imipramine at doses of 20mg/kg & 15mg/kg. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that EALE possesses significant antidepressant activity compared to that of both Fluoxetine & Imipramine.