Effect of Aqueous Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Ficus Capensis Thunb. in Clonidine-induced Depression Model

Depression is a pervasive psychiatric condition of high incidence and debilitating effect. Search for herbal remedies as alternative treatment courses for depression has been on the rise in recent years. The study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and antidepressant properties of the aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Ficus capensis (FC) in a Clonidine-induced depression model. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 180 ± 20 kg were randomly grouped into five: Control (distilled water); Clonidine (0.5 mg/kg); FC (100 mg/kg) + Clonidine; FC (200 mg/kg) + Clonidine; and Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) + Clonidine. After ten days of treatment, Open Field Test (OFT) and Forced Swim Test (FST)) were conducted on the rats. The rats were euthanized on the last day of the experiment, after which biochemical analyses were carried out on the brain homogenates. The locomotory and rearing activity in OFT increased in the groups given extract while in the contrast there was a reduction in the immobility time in FST in treatment group compared to clonidine group. The extract significantly depleted monoamine oxidase levels, and increased the levels of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholinesterase activity in the treated rats. Furthermore, clonidine-induced rats exhibited elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating oxidative stress, which was effectively mitigated by the extract, suggesting potential antioxidant properties. The aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Ficus capensis demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in the clonidine-induced rat model of depression. These effects may be attributed to the preservation of monoamine neurotransmitters and antioxidant properties. Further research is imperative to explore the underlying mechanisms and assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of FC extract for individuals with depression.