Evaluation of the antidepressant-like effect of Viola odorata hydroalcoholic extract in male mice

In traditional medicine Viola odorata (VO) has been used as anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, sedative, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, and therapist for neuropsychiatric disorders; Hence, in the present study, the antidepressant effect of VO hydroalcoholic extract in mice was investigated. In this experimental study, one hundred-fourteen male albino mice were randomly divided into normal saline or control (10ml/kg, i.p), fluoxetine (20mg/kg, i.p), imipramine (30mg/kg, i.p) and, VO extract (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg, i.p), respectively. The antidepressant-like activity was performed by behavioral tests as forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test. The VO extract (100 to 400 mg/kg) reduced immobility time in both FST and TST (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). The extract increased swimming time (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) without significant change of climbing time (P>0.05). In OFT, doses of 200mg / kg and 400mg / kg of VO caused the reduced the number of crossings from the square and on the two feet (P <0.05 and P <0.01 respectively). Probably, the acute doses of the Viola odorata, similar to fluoxetine, are likely to cause anti-depressant effects.