ANTI DEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF FRESH LEAVES OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA MIERS (AMRUTHABALLI) IN ALBINO MICE

Objectives: To evaluate the antidepressant activity of fresh leaves of Tinospora cordifolia in albino mice. Materials and Methods: Swiss albino mice weighing 25-30grams of either sex were selected for the study. Six animals were allocated to each experimental group. Animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 mice each. Group 1 – Control group treated with normal saline (0.1ml/10gm), Group 2 received standard group treated with 15mg/kg of imipramine, Group 3 – T1 treated with Tinospora cordifolia fresh leaves (100 mg/kg) and Group 4 – T2 treated with Tinospora cordifolia fresh leaves 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of imipramine. Decrease in total immobility period denoted antidepressant activity in both tail suspension method & forced swim test in albino mice. Results: The test drug that is 50mg/kgp.o of Tinospora cordifolia fresh leaves along with 10mg/kg p.o of imipramine significantly decreased the total immobility period in both forced swim test and tail suspension method in albino mice. In forced swim test the percentage decrease in the immobility period was 38.68% when compared to control while in tail suspension method the percentage decrease in the immobility period was 29.06% when compared to control group. Conclusion: Fresh leaves of Tinospora cordifolia exhibits antidepressant activity in albino mice.