2.7. Behavioral Tests for Depression

This is a very reliable and widely used behavioral test for the prediction of effective antidepressant potential of treatments [39]. Apparatus was a deep tank (34.5 × 23.5cm) made up of glass and comprising water (25 °C) to the mark so that the rat could not touch the tank bottom. For this test, animals were divided in 5 groups each comprising 6 rats. Three experimental groups received 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of extract, respectively, an hour before initiating test and results were compared with fluoxetine (20 mg/kg i.p.) and control (normal saline group 10 mL/kg, i.p.) groups. Each rat was gently released in the center of the water tank and was enforced to swim. The duration of mobility and immobility phases was recorded. Enhanced swimming behavior and reduced immobility were signs of the antidepressant potential of the test compound.