Evaluation of antidepressant Activity of methanolic Extract of Musa x paradisiaca Linn using animal models

To investigate the antidepressant Activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Musa x paradisiaca Linn This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible antidepressant effect of Musa x paradisiaca Linn leaf extract (MPLE) on different extracts like chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts using Tail Suspension Test (TST) & Forced Swim Test (FST). 48 albino rats of either sex weighing between 180-220gm were randomly selected and divided into 8 equal groups. Group-I (control) received normal saline (1ml/100gm), Group- IV , V, VI, VII, VIII and IX received CEMPL (Chloroform Extract Musa x paradisiaca Linn) , MEMPL (Methanol  Extract Musa x paradisiaca Linn) and AEMPL (Aqueous Extract Musa x paradisiaca Linn) in doses of   200 and 400 mg/kg orally (P.O.) respectively. Group II & III (positive control) received Fluoxetine & Imipramine at doses of 20mg/kg & 15mg/kg P. O. respectively. Drug treatment was given for seven & fourteen successive day. 60 minutes after last dose of drug or standard the immobility period was recorded. The test compounds like crude methanolic extract at 200, 400 and 500 mg/ kg produced significant antidepressant like effect.  The efficacy of EALE at 200mg/kg was found to be comparable to that of Fluoxetine & Imipramine at doses of 20mg/kg & 15mg/kg.. The results revealed that the crude methanolic extract produces remarkable antidepressant activity by possessing the active compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids and saponins.