Research Methodology of Herbal drug as Antidepressant

The test drug, CA (Triterpenoid glycoside) at 30 mg /kg oral dose was found to be the most significant antidepressant activity in comparison to imipramine 100mg/kg p.o. and fluoxetine 100mg/kg p.o. In the forced swim and tail suspension test the test drug, CA (Triterpenoid glycoside) showed a dose dependent activity on immobility. The test drug, CA (Triterpenoid glycoside) has significant increase in locomotor activity; therefore, the test drug is devoid of sedative effect. The mechanism of action of the test drug was different from imipramine, so, the test drug is not a reuptake inhibitor of nor-epinephrine. The test drug, CA (Triterpenoid glycoside) has selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor like activity which is revealed by significant effect at the dose of 100mg/kg, p.o. on the 5-HTP induced head twitches. The test drug, CA (Triterpenoid glycoside) had a rapid onset of action (60 min) after oral administration. The behavioral modals, forced swim and tail suspension test revealed the antidepressant activity of CA.Further work can be carried out for chronic study, adverse effect (satiety), complete toxicity profile and determination of specific biogenic amines in brain tissue.