Investigation of Antidepressant Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Roots of Piper Methysticum G. Forst in Swiss Albino Mice

The constraints of existing antidepressants, such as the slow onset of therapeutic effects and side effects, have led to the exploration of other plant-based treatments. Piper methysticum (Kava-kava), known for its anxiety-reducing effects, is believed to have potential antidepressant properties, but scientific evidence supporting this concept is still scarce. This study sought to systematically assess the antidepressant properties of Piper methysticum ethanolic root extract using standardized behavioral tests in murine models. Swiss albino mice were assigned randomly into five groups (n=6): a normal control group, a stress control group, a standard group (Imipramine 15 mg/kg), and two experimental groups that received Piper methysticum extract at doses of 35 and 75 mg/kg, respectively. The treatments were given orally for a period of 14 consecutive days. The antidepressant-like effects were evaluated using the Forced Swim Test (FST) and the Tail Suspension Test (TST). Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA, followed Bonferroni's multiple comparisons test.