Pharmacological Evaluation of Bacopa monnieri Extract against Depressive like Behavior Induced by Ethanol Withdrawal in Rats

Background: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome lead to relapse to alcohol use and depression is the most common symptom of withdrawal. Bacopa monnieri is a traditional memory enhancer and has reported antidepressant properties as well. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Bacopa monnieri extract in alcohol withdrawal depressive-like behavior in alcohol-dependent rats. Methods: Plant drug was extracted with ethanol (70% v/v) using soxhlet extraction. Ethanol 7.2%, v/v was given to the rats in a liquid diet for 21 days and then was withdrawn from the diet and animals were observed at 6^th and 24th h for withdrawal signs like depressive behavior and locomotor hyperactivity. Results: The phytochemical testing of extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and tannins. Bacopa monnieri extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, oral) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p) treatment at the 6^th and 24^th h of ethanol withdrawal produced the significant (p<0.001) decrease in the immobility time as compared to the disease control rats when tested on forced swim test and tail suspension test. Bacopa monnieri extract and fluoxetine treatment produced significant (p<0.001) inhibitory effects on locomotor hyperactivity as well. Histopathological examination did not show any remarkable pathological and microscopic changes. Conclusion: Findings from the present study showed that Bacopa monnieri extract treatment has beneficial effects on ethanol withdrawal depressive-like behavior in rats.