Evaluation of Anti-Depressant Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Piper Methysticum Leaves in Mice

Objective: The aim of this study to evaluate the anti-depressant activity of ethanolic extract of Piper methysticum leaves in mice. Methods: The animals were grouped into four groups, each comprising 6 mice. One of the group as control, receiving normal saline water and second group as standard, receiving fluoxetine, while the remaining two groups were administered the test drug (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg). All drug administrations were conducted orally 1 h prior to the acute study test procedure and daily for a 14 d period for the chronic study. Results: The administration of Piper methysticum doses resulted in a notable reduction in immobility duration during the Tail Suspension Test. In the Actophotometer assessment, mice exhibited a statistically significant increase in motor activity compared to the control group. The findings indicated that the ethanolic extract of Piper methysticum leaves at a dose of 600 mg/kg led to a significant increase in reduced glutathione and catalase activity. Simultaneously, there was a decrease in plasma corticosterone, lipid peroxidation, plasma nitrite, and protein concentration levels. Conclusion: The antidepressant efficacy of Piper methysticum at a dosage of 600 mg/kg in mice is comparable to that of fluoxetine.