THE ANTIDEPRESSANT EFFECT OF THE HYDRO-METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF Icacina trichantha OLIV. IN MICE
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Abstract
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and lack of motivation. Antidepressant drugs are not rare to find and they are not addictive however, some people may experience discontinuation (withdrawal-like) symptoms if they stop taking antidepressants suddenly especially SSRIs and SNRIs emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Icacina trichantha Oliv. It is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Icacinaceae, used traditionally in the treatment of depression. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the
antidepressant potential of I. trichantha in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using a 1:1 water and methanol solvent to obtain H-MLE of I. trichantha after concentrating to dryness. Phytochemical screening was carried out using Sofowara 1993 and Harborne 1973. For antidepressant activity, 25 mice were randomly allotted into 5 groups of n = 5. Group I received 10 ml/kg deionized water, groups II – IV received graded doses of the plant extract 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and group 5 received 25 mg/kg imipramine for both FST and TST. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant increase at 400 mg/kg when compared to control (P < 0.05) for both TST and FST. This study supports its use in the treatment of
depression in traditional medicine which could be due to the presence of secondary metabolites.
antidepressant potential of I. trichantha in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using a 1:1 water and methanol solvent to obtain H-MLE of I. trichantha after concentrating to dryness. Phytochemical screening was carried out using Sofowara 1993 and Harborne 1973. For antidepressant activity, 25 mice were randomly allotted into 5 groups of n = 5. Group I received 10 ml/kg deionized water, groups II – IV received graded doses of the plant extract 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and group 5 received 25 mg/kg imipramine for both FST and TST. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant increase at 400 mg/kg when compared to control (P < 0.05) for both TST and FST. This study supports its use in the treatment of
depression in traditional medicine which could be due to the presence of secondary metabolites.
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