Evaluation of antidepressant activity of gallic acid in mice

Depression is characterized by disturbances in sleep, appetite, deficits in cognition and energy. Gallic acid is a chemical constituent of Emblica officinalis (EO). We have reported antidepressant activity of EO. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant potential of acute and chronic administration of gallic acid in forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Mice weighing 25-30g were used in this study. Standard drug (imipramine) and test drug gallic acid were suspended in normal saline. The vehicle (10ml/kg, p.o), imipramine (10mg/kg, p.o) and gallic acid (0.8mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 4.0 mg/kg, p.o. respectively) were administered one hour prior to acute study. In chronic study, all drugs were given for 10 days and the last dose was given one hour before the experiment. Duration of immobility was noted in both the models. In our study, both imipramine and gallic acid were significantly reduced the duration of immobility in both experimental models as compared to the animals in the control group. The antidepressant activity of gallic acid was comparable to that of standard drug imipramine. The results of the present study indicate the potential for use of gallic acid as an adjuvant in the treatment of depression.