Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Curcuma Longa in Albino Rats - An Experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction- Depression is a mental health condition with various symptoms including low energy, disrupted sleep, and suicidal ideation. Antidepressants have negative side effects and can cause drug interactions. Curcuma longa, a herbal extract, has shown potential in treating depression due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A study is planned to evaluate its antidepressant activity

Objectives: To study the anti-depressant activity of Curcuma longa rhizome using animal models and to find out its mechanism of action

Methods. Ethanolic extraction using soxhlet apparatus, tail suspension test and forced swimming test for evaluating antidepressant activity

Results: Curcuma longa rhizome possess antidepressant property

Conclusions: The study investigated the effectiveness of Curcuma longa rhizome in treating depression. Two doses of the ethanol extract were tested in mice, and their behaviour was assessed in various tests. The extract showed antidepressant action by increasing serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain and antagonizing the GABA receptor. No sleep-promoting compounds were found in the extract.