PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL SUSPENSION AS ANTI-DEPRESSANT IN RAT

The ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves & methanolic extract of rose hips of Rosa damascena were first subjected to various phytochemical tests and further assessed for their antioxidant activity by DPPH method. Different ratio of two drugs in the polyherbal formulation were based on antioxidant activity in albino Wistar rats. Thirty rats (180 -250 g) of either sex were randomly divided into five groups. Group I: Normal Control received 0.9% Normal Saline. Group II: Disease control, received Isotretinoin 60 mg/kg p.o single dose daily for 11 days without any treatment. Group III: Received Isotretinoin 60 mg/kg p.o single dose daily for 11 days and treated with standard drug Imipramine 10-20 mg/kg p.o for the next 45 days. Group IV: Received Isotretinoin 60 mg/kg p.o single dose daily for 11 days and treated with Polyherbal (Moringa leaves & Rosehips) suspension (100 mg/kg p.o.) for next 45 days. Group V: Received Isotretinoin 60 mg/kg p.o single dose daily for 11 days and treated with Polyherbal suspension (200 mg/kg p.o) for the next 45 days. The antidepressant activity was evaluated by Tail Suspension Test, Forced Swim Test, Locomotor activity, and Hole Board Test. It was found that the polyherbal formulation possess profound CNS stimulant like activity as the treated animals were significantly have more tendency to struggle and are active as compared to non-treated animals. Based on that intervention, this formulation used for the treatment of depression, anxiety. Our study suggests the polyherbal suspension has a neuroprotective effect that can be used as novel antidepressant drug.