IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-7-4-14914 Original Research Paper EVALUATION OF ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF PUNICA GRANATUM MUTHUKAVITHA.G Dr. April 2018 7 4 01 02 ABSTRACT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antidepressant activity of punicagranatum in Swiss albino mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty inbred male albino mice weighing 20–25 grams were selected from central animal house. They were divided into five groups of six animals each. The control group I received normal saline 10 ml/kg intraperitoneally, standard group II received fluoxetine (20 mg / kg, intraperitoneally) and test groups III, IV, V receivedethanolic extract of punicagranatum in graded doses 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400 mg /kg per orally . Antidepressant activity was assessed by using Forced swim test. The results were tabulated and analysed with suitable statistical method. RESULTS: Ethanaolic extract of Punicagranatum showed statistically significant antidepressant activity at all the three test doses (P< 0.05). The results were comparable to that produced by standard drug fluoxetine. CONCLUSION:Punicagranatumhas antidepressant activity which is comparable to fluoxetine. Further, studies are essential to prove the anti–depressant effect of Punicagranatum in human.