COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF GINGER AND IMIPRAMINE ON REDUCING DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS OF ANIMAL MODEL

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders which is classified in temper mood disorders. In traditional medicine, ginger is used to increase memory and cure vomiting, bloating, indigestion, colic, and abdominal pain. Current study was carried to compare ginger extract and imipramine effects on reducing depression symptoms. Sixty mature mice in the weight range of 25 to 30g were divided into six groups: control, depression, imipramine, and 50, 100, 200 mg/ml of ginger's hydro alcoholic extract which was injected intraperitoneal. In the morning of experiment, desired drug was injected and after 55 minutes, suspension test was carried out. Forced swimming and tail suspension test was done One hour after suspension test. Immobility and mobility time was measured as depression index. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS program. In both tests, results showed that ginger extract in 200 mg/kg doses increased mobility time and movement activity of animal significantly in proportion to control and imipramine groups (p<0.05) which shows depression reduction. According to results, ginger's extract in 200 mg/kg dose can be a good replacement for imipramine. Keywords: ginger, depression, imipramine, laboratory mice