Sindhu KC

Depression is an affective disorder characterized mainly by change in mood and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A number of drugs are used for treatment but their adverse effects compromise the therapeutic effects. Thus search for an agent with minimal adverse effects and maximum therapeutic benefit is going on.  In Asia, Camellia sinensis (CS) popularly known as green tea is widely used as a beverage and has been reported to have antioxidant property.On this basis, the present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of Camellia sinensis on albino mice. The antidepressant effect of Camellia sinensis was examined using two behavioral models, the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in albino mice. The effect ofethanolicextract of Camellia sinensisin three different doses (3.3, 16.5 and 33mg/kg) was compared with the standard antidepressant, imipramine (10mg/kg).  Antidepressant effect was studied both on acute and chronic administration (14 days) of Camellia sinensis. Acute and chronic treatment with Camellia sinensis reduced duration of immobility in FST in a dose dependent manner. In TST acute treatment with Camellia sinensis reduced duration of immobility at 3.3 & 16.5 mg/kg; whereas on chronic treatment CS reduced duration of immobility at 3.3 & 33 mg/kg. Acute & chronic treatment with Camellia sinensis produced antidepressant effect in both FST & TST models of depression in mice.