Comparative Evaluation of Antidepressant-Like Effects of Bioactive Fractions from Hydroethanolic Extract of Scutellaria barbata D. Don in Rodent Models

Introduction: Depression is a widespread mental health condition, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment options. Natural products have gained attention due to their potential as antidepressants. Materials & Methods: The present study aimed to compare the anti-depressant-like activity of fractions derived from the hydroethanolic extract of Scutellaria barbata D. Don. Fractions obtained through solvent fractionation (n-hexane (F1), dichloromethane (F2), ethyl acetate (F3), and butanol (F4)) were subjected to in vivo evaluation using established rodent models of depression i.e., Forced swim test (FST), Tail suspension test (TST), and Open field test (OFT). Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was employed to induce stress in animals over 21 days, followed by oral administration of various solvent fractions of S. barbata at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. On the 21st day, the animals were evaluated using the aforementioned depression models. Results: Among all fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction (F3) exhibited the most significant antidepressant-like effects. In the Forced Swim Test (FST), F3 at 400 mg/kg significantly reduced immobility time (139.0 ± 2.29 s, p ≤ 0.05) compared to the CUMS-induced group (209.63 ± 2.55 s). Similarly, in the Tail Suspension Test (TST), F3 (400 mg/kg) reduced immobility duration to 98.16 ± 2.58 s, comparable to standard fluoxetine treatment (79.16 ± 3.83 s). In the Open Field Test (OFT), F3 (400 mg/kg) significantly increased locomotor activity (1425 ± 13.33 counts, p ≤ 0.05) compared to the CUMS-induced group (611.16 ± 20.21 counts), surpassing fluoxetine (808.83 ± 14.32 counts) and imipramine (1017.5 ± 15.03 counts). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the F3 fraction of the hydroethanolic extract of S. barbata holds promise as a natural antidepressant, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic mechanisms and clinical applications.