ABSTRACT
The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of various fractions of methanolic extract of Terminalia bellirica on depression in rat using forced swim test [FST]. Antidepressant activity was evaluated by Forced swim test. Gallic acid [10, 30, 50, 100mg/kg], Fluoxetine, and Imipramine were administered in separate group of male Sprague rats one hour before the test. Gallic acid equivalent doses of various fractions of methanolic extract of Terminalia bellirica has been administered to a particular group of animals. The interference of antidepressant activity with gross motor activity of rats was determined by Open field test. Gallic acid shows a significant decrease in immobility time in dose dependent manner in FST. The efficacy of Gallic acid [50mg/kg] was found to be similar to that of Imipramine [10.5 mg/kg, p.o.] and Fluoxetine [14.5 mg/kg, p.o.]. Gallic acid equivalent dose of various fractions [200mg/kg] of methanolic extract of Terminalia bellirica showed a significant reduction in immobility time when compared to normal control and was not interfered with gross motor activity. Antidepressant property of various fractions of methanolic extract of Terminalia bellirica is due to the presence of Gallic acid. The antidepressant effect of Gallic acid may be through maintaining the level of nor adrenaline, 5-HT, and dopamine because TB extracts reversed reserpine induced depression suggested that antidepressant like effect of TB extracts may be through the restoration of brain monoamines, like nor epinephrine, 5-hydroxy tyrptamine [5-HT] and dopamine levels