Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Potentials of Chebulinic Acid in Laboratory Rodent

Chebulinic acid, an ellagitannin, present in the fruits of Terminalia chebula has shown various positive neurological properties. However, there has not been a report of its antidepressant and anxiolytic potentials. This study was conducted to investigate the antidepressant and anxiolytic potentials of chebulinic acid in laboratory rodents. Chebulinic acid was evaluated for its antidepressant (Forced swimming test and Tail suspension test) and anxiolytic (Light-dark box test, Hole-board test and Elevated plus maze) potentials in mice. Our findings showed antidepressant-like activity which is dose consistent at p<0.01 (in forced swimming test) and p<0.05 (in tail suspension test). However, only doses 20mg/kg and 40mg/kg showed significant anxiolytic potentials in elevated plus maze, light-dark box test and hole-board paradigms when compared with the control (P<0.05). The results suggest antidepressant and anxiolytic potentials of chebulinic acid. Chebulinic acid may possess antidepressant and anxiolytic potentials which may correspond to its folkloric use in the treatment of neuro-physiological disorders.