Effect of Aqueous Suspension of Ferula Foetida on Antidepressant Activity of Venlafaxine

Depression is a complex but treatable disorder if diagnosed appropriately. However, despite of vast research and the advances in the understanding of molecular basis of this disorder and the vast range of medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy, very safe and effective drug  to treat this disease is being sought. The present study was undertaken to investigate effect of aqueous suspension of Ferula foetida on antidepressant activity of venlafaxine in rodants. First observations were taken for antidepressant activity of venlafaxine by using forced swimming test and tail suspension test model in mice by using the dose of 4mg/kg i.p. A combination of Ferula foetida suspension and venlafaxine were used in mice with the same dose and observations were taken.  In forced swim test and in tail suspension test it showed the potentiation of effect. Combination also increased the locomotor activity. Ferula foetida thus shows the antidepressant activity which potentiates the effect of venlafaxine in mice, thus supporting the folk medicinal use of this plant in nervous disorders.