Antidepressant activity of methanol stem bark extract of Ficus platyphylla Del (Moraceae) in mice

Background & Aim: Depression is a heterogeneous mood disorder affecting both people in developing and developed countries. The drugs used in its management are associated with adverse effects and delayed response which compromise their therapeutic benefits. This makes it worthwhile to look for antidepressants plants with proven advantage and favourable benefit-to-risk ratio. Ficusplatyphylla is used traditionally in West Africa for the management of mental illnesses.The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant potential of the methanol stem bark extract of F.platyphylla. Experimental: Thin layer chromatographic finger prints of the extract was established.  The oral median lethal dose of the extract was estimated using OECD 420 guidelines. Antidepressant activity of the extract at doses of 125-500 mg/kg was evaluated using tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). The Effects of the extract on motor co-ordination deficit and locomotion were evaluated using beam walking assay (BWA) and open field test (OFT) respectively. Results and Discussion: The chromatographic profile suggested the presence of steroids, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. The LD50 was found to be ≥2000 mg/kg orally. The extract significantly (p<0.01) and dose dependently (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) decrease the duration immobility in the TST and FST. There is no significant increase in the number of lines crossed and on the number of foot slips in the OFT and BWA respectively. Industrial and Practical recommendations: The methanol stem bark extract of F.platyphylla possesses antidepressant activity. The phytoconstituents found present in the plant assumed to be responsible for the activity can be characterized and isolated to serve as lead compounds in the treatment of depression.