POTENTIAL APPLICATION OF PHYSALIS PERUVIANA WITH COMPARISON OF IMIPRAMINE.

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological potential of fresh fruit juice of the Physalis perovaina (FFJPP) for the antidepressant effect in mice using tail suspension tests(TST) and forced swim test (FST) methods. The fresh fruit was purchased from the local market and the experiment was carried out in mice using a behavioral model i.e. tail suspension test and forced swimming test. The fresh fruit of Physalis perovaina was cut into small pieces, blended in a blender, and squeezed with a mulmull, and filtrate was obtained. The mice of either gender were randomly divided into five (5) groups, six in each group, acclimatized for one week before starting the experiment, and had free access to laboratory food and water. The experimental test was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology with approval from the Department of Pharmacology Ethical Committee. The fresh fruit juice of the Physalis perovaina plant was administered orally to the experimental groups for 14 days using tail suspension tests (TST) and forced swim test (FST) and immobility time was recorded. The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA by applying Dunnett's multiple comparisons test in Graph Pad prism 8.1 and expressed as Mean ± SEM.  The p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results showed a significant decrease in immobility time in both the standard group (imipramine 10mg/kg) and extract treated at the dose of 2ml/kg and 3ml/kg) of body weight compared to the control group. In conclusion, the fresh fruit juice of Physalis peruvaina (FFJPP) showed an anti-depressant effect in mice. It may be further suggested that further evaluation of mechanisms of antidepressant potential at the molecular level in animal models using advanced and modern technology.