Evaluating the Antidepressant Effect of Verbena officinalis L. (Vervain) Aqueous Extract in Adult Rats

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of Verbena (V.) officinalis L. aqueous extract in adult female rats.

Methods: The present study evaluated the antidepressant effect of V. officinalis L. aqueous (V AE) extract in female rats using the Forced-Swimming Test (FST), Light-Dark Box (LDB) test, and Open Field Test (OFT). The level of glycemia and histological analysis were also studied. The VAE [200 mg/kg Parenterally (PO)] was administered orally for 7 successive days in the separate groups of rats.

Results: The oral administration of V. officinalis L. aqueous extract significantly decreased (P< 0.01) the immobility time in the FST, increased the time spent in the light area (LDB), and the number of entry into the central squares (OFT). Thus, the extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly decreased the glycemia level (P<0.05) and suggested no harmful effect on brain histology.

Conclusion: Verbena officinalis L. aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg could have an anti-depressant effect in adult rats.

Keywords: Aqueous extract; Depression; Neurobehavioral tests; Verbena officinalis L.