Antidepressant-like effects of Tagetes lucida Cav. in the forced swimming test

Aim of the StudyTagetes lucida (Asteraceae), has been referred in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of different central nervous system (CNS) diseases, mainly depression. Nevertheless, the available scientific information about this species is scarce and there are no reports related to its possible effect on the CNS. In this work, the antidepressant-like effect of extract of Tagetes lucida was evaluated in rats, as well as its potential adverse effects on male sexual behavior (MSB).Materials and methodsAntidepressant activity was studied using forced swimming test (FST), motor activity in the open-field test and on MSB in sexually experienced male. The aqueous extract of Tagetes lucida in doses of 5, 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/(kg day)−1 were administered orally for 14 consecutive days and evaluated on day 14, 2 h after the last dose treatment. Fluoxetine (10 mg/(kg day)−1, p.o.) was used as the control positive.ResultsThe aqueous extract (10, 50, 100 mg/(kg day)−1) significantly reduced immobility and increased swimming without affecting climbing behavior in the FST. These same doses were not able to modify neither the motor activity nor the MSB.ConclusionThese data indicate that the extract of Tagetes lucida possesses antidepressant-like properties in rats.