POSSIBLE NEUROPOTECTIVE EFFECT OF PURSLANE EXTRACT AGAINST RESERPINE INDUCED DEPRESSION IN MALE MICE

Abstract

Major depression is a mental disorder that occupies fourth position of worldwide disability list and is expected to become the second most frequent disease by 2030. Major depression not only decreases productivity and quality of life of patients but also represents a significant financial burden for health care. Depression is multifactorial disorder and its etiology includes genetics, environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Reserpine is antihypertensive drug that has been used for the control of high blood pressure. Because of its numerous side-effects such as unusual changes in mood or behavior and depression, it is rarely used today. Purslane is a plant with good nutritional and medicinal potential and it is used for its beneficial effects. So, thus can be used as a remedy. Because its antioxidant effect that may make an alternative to the chemical antidepressant drugs which have many undesirable side effects and sometimes affecting other organs leading to life threatening health hazards. Escitalopram, also known by the brand names “Lexapro and Cipralex” among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults and children over 12 years of age with major depressive disorder (MDD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).