Screening for Antidepressant-Like Effect of Methanolic Seed Extract of Avena Sativa using Animal Models

Depression affects about up to 20% of the population across the globe.The present study was designed to screen antidepressant activity of methanolicseed extract of Avena sativa (MSEAS). An in vivo experimental methods were designed such as behavioral models like Forced swim test (FST), Tail suspension test (TST) and based on mechanism of action i.e., Antagonism of Apomorphine induced hypothermia on Swiss male albino mice. MSE AS 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o were administered daily for 7 days. Fluoxetine 25mg/kg p.o was standard antidepressant drug in behavioral models and Desipramine 20mg/kg p.o in Apomorphine induced hypothermia.The methanolicextract produces a significant antidepressant effect in both FST and TST as they reduce the immobility. It was also found, effective in antagonizing or reversing hypothermia produced by apomorphine. The Anti-depressant activity of methanolic seed extract of Avena sativa was found to be significant at low doses (100mg/kg, po). The present study clearly demonstrated that Avena sativa exerts an antidepressant effect in these two behavioral models. The flavonoid components of MSEAS might be interacting with adrenergic system in mediating the anti depressant effect of Avena sativa.

Key words: Avena sativa, forced swim test, tail suspension test, Apomorphine induced hypothermia.