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

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

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. 

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.

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