ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF MESUA FERREA AGAINST RESERPINE-INDUCED DEPRESSION IN MICE

The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant and antioxidant potential of Mesua ferrea extract in Reserpine-induced depressive rodent models. Behavioral assessments, including the Forced Swim Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Open Field Test (OFT), were conducted to assess depressive-like behavior, locomotor activity, and exploratory behavior. 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 analyzed to evaluate metabolic, hepatic, and antioxidant effects. Reserpine administration induced significant depressive-like behavior, hepatic stress, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress. Treatment with Mesua ferrea extract significantly reduced immobility time in FST and TST, improved locomotor and exploratory activity in OFT, normalized liver enzymes and lipid/glucose levels, and restored antioxidant status in a dose-dependent manner, with the 500 mg/kg dose showing the most pronounced effects. These findings suggest that Mesua ferrea extract possesses antidepressant, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing depression. Keywords: Mesua ferrea, Antidepressant activity, Liver enzymes, Lipid profile, Reserpine-induced depression.