Evaluation of Anti-depressant Activity of Methanolic Seed Extract of Avena Sativa L. in Mice

The main objective of the study to evaluate the Anti-depressant activity of seeds extract of Avena sativa in Forced swim test (FST), Tail Suspension test (TST) and antagonism of Apomorphine induced hypothermia in mice. Phytochemical screening showed presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavanoids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, amino acids, gums and mucilage. MSEAS did not produce any lethal effect even upto 2000mg/kg, p.o during Acute Oral Toxicity study. In FST and TST, MSEAS showed diminution of duration of immobility time in 100mg/kg but not in 200mg/kg. In antagonism of Apomorphine induced hypothermia model, Desipramine but not both doses of MSEAS significantly antagonised the Apomorphine induced hypothermia. From the above finding concluding that, shortening of immobility time in the FST and TST indicating, MSEAS showed antidepressant activity acting either by the enhancement of central 5-HT or catecholamine neurotransmission and Antagonism of Apomorphine induced Hypothermia indicating, MSEAS was not acting through Adrenergic system.