Antidepressant activity of methanolic extract of ixora coccinea stem bark in mice

Abstract

Depression is a widely prevalent form of mental illnesses worldwide. It is commonly associated with sad mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and low energy. Ixora coccinea has many medicinal properties, and are used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various medical conditions. This study was conducted to better understand the antidepressant activity of Ixora coccinea. To evaluate the in vivo antidepressant activity of Methanolic extract of Ixora coccinea stem bark in Swiss albino mice. Methanolic extract of Ixora coccinea (MEIC) stem bark was prepared by a continuous method using Soxhlet apparatus. The extract was subjected to phytochemical screening followed by acute oral toxicity studies in mice. MEIC in the doses of 100mg/Kg, 200mg/Kg and 400mg/Kg mg/kg body weight was administered to test groups Group 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Imipramine hydrochloride 15mg/kg body weight was administered to Standard group by oral route. Test group 3 received 100mg/kg (p.o). Control group received Normal saline 10ml/kg body weight. Antidepressant activity was identified by using modified Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). Period of immobility was observed in both the models which was indicative of anti depressant activity. Standard statistical methods were used to evaluate the results. The results showed significant dose dependent antidepressant effect of EASL in Swiss albino mice for both the models in all the test groups (Test group I, II and III). MEIC possess significant antidepressant activity. However, further investigations are required to determine its active constituents and molecular level of target mechanism of the extract for further use in humans.