Antidepressant Activity of Nigella Sativa Plant Extract Using a Suitable Animal Model (Research Article)

Author(s): Kamma Sekhar, Papagatla Poli Reddy, A. Navya Sree, R. Vasavi, K. Sudheer Kumar and Sridhar Babu Gummadi

Abstract: The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant and antioxidant potential of Nigella sativa extract in reserpine-induced depressive rodent models. Behavioural assessments, including the Forced Swim Test (FST), were conducted to assess depressive-like behaviour, locomotor activity, and exploratory behaviour. Biochemical parameters, including liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL), glucose levels, and oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, catalase, GSH), were analysed to evaluate metabolic, hepatic, and antioxidant effects. Reserpine administration induced significant depressive-like behaviour, hepatic stress, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress. Treatment with Nigella sativa extract significantly reduced immobility time in the FST, normalized liver enzyme and lipid/glucose levels, and restored antioxidant status in a dose-dependent manner, with the 200 mg/kg dose showing the most pronounced effects. These findings suggest that Nigella sativa extract possesses antidepressant, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing depression.

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