Sudha Amit Nerlekar*, Dinesh Kumar Agrawal
Department of Pharmacology, Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research University, Udaipur, Rajesthan, India
*Address for Corresponding Author
Sudha Amit Nerlekar
Department of Pharmacology, Research Scholar,
Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research University, Udaipur, Rajesthan, India
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition with limitations in current pharmacotherapy, including delayed onset and adverse effects. This study evaluated the antidepressant-like activity of Pimenta dioica leaf extract in Swiss albino mice using behavioral and biochemical models. Mice were divided into four groups (n = 6): control, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), and extract-treated groups (400 and 800 mg/kg) for 14 days. Behavioral assessment using Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) showed a significant, dose-dependent reduction in immobility time, with the 800 mg/kg dose comparable to fluoxetine (p < 0.05). ELISA analysis revealed inhibition of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) and MAO-B and preservation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. The findings suggest that P. dioica exhibits antidepressant-like effects via modulation of monoaminergic pathways and neuroprotection, indicating its potential as a phytotherapeutic agent.
Keywords: Antidepressant, Forced Swim Test, Tail Suspension Test, monoamine oxidase inhibition, BDNF, fluoxetine
