Abstract

The importance of diet in depression is now increasingly recognized, since balanced diet not only reduces the risk of various chronic diseases but also promotes normal development and functioning of all systems including brain. Hence the present study was designed to observe the effect of three doses of Punica granatum 2, 5 and 8 ml/kg on the behavioral changes in rats, particularly anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. During 15 days study, experimental paradigm for anxiety and depression were assessed twice using open field, elevated plus maze and forced swimming test. In open field, distance travelled, number of centre entries and number of rearing’s were increased. In elevated plus maze, number of open arm entries were increased and in forced swimming test, there was decrease in duration of immobility and increase in duration of climbing. All these changes were significant at moderate and high doses of P. granatum. Thus it may be suggested that P. granatum possesses anxiolytic and antidepressant activity at moderate and high doses.

Key words: Punica granatum, anxiolytic, antidepressant.