Antidepressant effects of standardized extract of Centella asiatica L in olfactory bulbectomy model

Centella asiatica Linn leaves extract are reported to have promising antidepressant activity in acute animal models of depression. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of standardized extract of Centella asiatica L leaves (INDCA) in rats using chronic stress medicated depression model in rats i.e. olfactory bulbectomy model. INDCA was extracted from Centella asiatica L. leaves and standardized to its bioactive constituent, asiaticoside, by HPLC. Effects of 14-day (subacute) oral pretreatment of INDCA (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg), imipramine (20 mg/kg), fluoxetine (30 mg/kg) and desipramine (15 mg/kg) were evaluated after behavioral depression induced by olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in rats. Separate sham and vehicle control groups were also maintained. Food intake and body weight were measured 1 h prior to treatment (day 1, baseline), and on 7th day and 14th day of treatment. Behavioral and physiological parameters in open field and elevated plus maze were recorded on 14th day of treatment. Dose-dependent reversal of reduction of body weight, body temperature, and heart rate with the normalization of elevated food intake that was observed in OBX rats treated with INDCA. Hyperactivity shown by OBX rats in open field and elevated plus maze paradigm was significantly reversed by INDCA. In conclusion, INDCA exerts antidepressant effects in OBX model in rats.