TO EVALUATE THE ANTI- DEPRESSANT EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID ALONE AND AS AN ADJUVANT WITH VENLAFAXINE IN MICE
*Sarita Goyal and MC Gupta
ABSTRACT
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble antioxidant vitamin and has several therapeutic applications in a wide range of diseases. It is considered as a neuromodulator as it is highly concentrated in the brain and, as such, has a possible therapeutic relevance for the treatment of depression. This study was conducted to investigate the anti-depressant effect of ascorbic acid alone and as an adjuvant with venlafaxine in forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. 24 male mice were selected and divided into 4 groups. Group I received normal saline. Group II received venlafaxine (48mg/Kg); Group III received ascorbic acid 130mg/Kg and Group IV received both Venlafaxine + ascorbic acid (48mg/Kg + 130 mg/Kg. All animals received drug treatment per oral (p.o.), one hour before the test. The results of the study showed that ascorbic acid produces an antidepressant like effect in TST and FST. In addition it potensiates the action of the conventional antidepressant venlafaxine, when given in combination.
Keywords: Ascorbic acid, forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST).
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