Antidepressant potential of <i>Carica Papaya</i> fruit extract and diet: behavioral and physiological effects in mice models

<i>Carica papaya</i> is a popular fruit valued for its nutritive and diverse medicinal activities. Traditionally, it is used for its varied effects, including those on the central nervous system. The present study investigated the effect of hydroethanolic extract and diet enriched with papaya fruit on depression-like behavior in mice. The extract was standardized with respect to total phenolics, total carbohydrate and total protein contents. The antidepressant effects of the extract and enriched diet (standard diet augmented with 5% w/w papaya pulp powder) were evaluated using the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. The effect of diet on physiological parameters of the mice was also studied to determine any adverse effects. The extract was found to contain appreciable levels of phenols, carbohydrates and proteins. The extract showed dose-dependent antidepressant activity, as evident by a decrease in the immobility time in the FST and TST. Pre-treatment with the test diet for one month also produced significant antidepressant-like and a reduction in body weight in animals. The results revealed significant antidepressant activity of <i>Carica papaya</i> fruit extract and diet in mice. Since diet is a keystone for well-being, the incorporation of papaya in the diet, after detailed investigation, may prove beneficial in the prevention of depression.