Abstract
Background: Aegle marmelos (common name: Bel/wood apple/Tamil name: Vilvam/Telugu name: Sandiliyamu) has numerous therapeutic values in Indian traditional systems of medicine. The crude extracts of various parts of this plant have numerous properties including anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antipyretic, and antioxidant. This study was taken to explore the antidepressant activity of A. marmelos.

Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) To identify the antidepressant activity of methanolic leaf and the fruit pulp extracts of A. marmelos. (2) To compare the dose-dependent effect of methanolic leaf and the fruit pulp extracts of A. marmelos with the standard drug, Imipramine.

Materials and Methods: Forced swim test (FST) and shock-induced depression (SID) models were used in this study. Six groups (n = 6) of Wistar rats (150–200 g) of either sex were used for each experimental model. About 1% Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-1), 20 mg/kg of Imipramine (Imi-20), 150 and 300 mg/kg of methanolic leaf extract, and 150 and 300 mg/kg of methanolic fruit pulp extract were given to Groups 1–6, respectively, by oral route for 7 days. The number of movements was measured using an Photoactometer for SID and the duration of immobility (in sec) were measured for FST.

Results: Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA for FST and by Kruskal–Wallis test for SID, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Both standard and test drugs exhibited significant antidepressant activity.

Conclusion: Fruit pulp extract (300 mg/kg) of A. marmelos has demonstrated maximum antidepressant activity in FST and SID models, which was comparable to standard drug.

Key words: Antidepressant; Aegle marmelos; Forced Swim Test; Shock Induced Depression; Imipramine