Abstract

The search for psychoactive plants possessing therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression and anxiety has attracted growing interest.

Materials and Methods: The present study is envisaged on studying the antidepressant, anxiolytic activities of methanolic bark extract of Cinnamomum cassia. The In vivo antidepressant and anxiolytic activities was performed by using forced swim test (FST) & tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze (EPM) & rotarod test (RRT). Seventy two mice and twenty four rats were divided into four groups of six animals in each group. Group 1 received normal saline; group 2 and 3 received methonolic extract of Cinnamomum cassia, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.; group 4 received Imipramine (5mg/kg i.p) Clonazepam (1mg/kg i.p).

Results: In FST & TST rodents were induced the depression in different groups and duration of immobility is recorded as an indicative of its depressant effect. In control group the duration of immobility was found to be 159±0.65 &120.8±0.97. In MECC treated groups II & III at two doses of 200 & 400 mg/kg, bd. wt. the duration of immobility was found to be (125.33±0.99,110±0.69) & (98.3±0.91, 87.3±0.87). From the above results, it is clear that duration of immobility in control group was found to be higher. But in groups treated with the MECC and standard (Imipramine 5 mg/kg, i.p) the duration of immobility was found to be reduced.

In EPM mice treated with clonazepam (1mg/kg) showed significant increase in the percent of open arms entries and time spent, whereas in closed arm the number of entries and time spent were significantly(P<0.05) decreased. The methanolic extract C. cassia exhibited significant (P<0.005) increase in number of open arm entries and time spent with significant (P<0.05) reduction in number of entries and time spent in closed arm as compared with control group. Rotarod showed significant (p<0.01) reduction in motor activity with clonazepam and C. cassia extract (400mg/kg) as compared with group 2 and 1.

Conclusion: The results of present study indicate that Cinnamomum cassia possess significant antidepressant and anxiolytic activities.

Keywords: Cinnamomum cassia; antidepressant; anxiolytic; Imipramine; Clonazepam