Antidepressant Potential of Withania somnifera and Ginkgo biloba, and Sertraline: An Experimental Study in Male Albino Mice
Authors: Sharan Shyam, Darshan Dev, Navdeep Dahiya, Sanel Sunny
Keywords: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Sertraline, Ginkgo biloba, Depressive Disorder, Antidepressive Agents,Withania somnifera
Abstract:
Background: Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), serves as the first-line drug in the treatment of major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Withania somnifera and Ginkgo biloba have demonstrated antidepressant properties in animal studies, but no comparative studies exist in human/animal models against standard antidepressants like sertraline.
Method: Following Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) approval, the study evaluated antidepressant effects in albino mice across two phases using forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). In phase I, single-dose effects (Withania somnifera 200mg/kg, Ginkgo biloba 100mg/kg, and Sertraline 20mg/kg ) were tested 1 hour post administration. Phase II, tested effects after 21 days of daily dosing
Results: In phase I, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in TST. FST showed a statistically significant reduction for the Withania somnifera vs vehicle (P=0.04).
In phase II, TST showed significant differences vs vehicle: (Ginkgo biloba P= 0.003, Sertraline P = 0.014 and Withania somnifera P = 0.043 (ANOVA with post hoc Tukeys test). FST showed significance vs vehicle (Ginkgo biloba P = 0.001, Sertraline P = 0.002 Withania somnifera P = 0.046) There was also a significant difference between Ginkgo and Withania (P=0.008).
Conclusion:
Withania somnifera (200mg/kg) and Ginkgo biloba (100mg/kg) show antidepressant effect comparable with Sertraline in mice, supporting their potential as adjunctive therapies.
