Comparative pharmacological evaluation of Hypericum perforatum and Rosmarinus officinalis for anti-depressant activity

Abstract

The comparative antidepressant activity of the extracts of Hypericum perforatum and Rosmarinus officinalis using animal models of depression were evaluated. The herbal extracts of Hypericum perforatum (20 mg/kg/p.o.), Rosmarinus officinalis (500 mg/kg/p.o.) were subjected for its antidepressant activity using four different animal models of depression, viz: Forced Swimming Test (FST), Reserpine Reversal Test (RRT), Haloperidol-Induced Catalepsy (HIC), and Pentobarbitone Sleeping Time (PST) in male Wistar rats. The study after single oral administration of Hypericum perforatum and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts revealed a statistically significant reduction in immobility time in FST, RRT, and protection against HIC, compared to control respectively. However, there was no significant potentiation of PST. The results of our study demonstrate the extracts of Hypericum perforatum and Rosmarinus officinalis proved to have a promising antidepressant potential.