THE EFFECTS OF HYDRO ALCOHOLIC-EXTRACTS GARLIC ON DEPRESSION INDUCED BY RESERPINE IN RATS

Introduction: Previous studies showed that besides Garlic therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases, it is also effective on Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders like depression, Alzheimer and Parkinson. This study was done for evaluating Garlic effects on depression. Methods and materials: In an experimental study for evaluation of anti-depression effects of Garlic, it's hydro-alcoholic extract was prepared, concentrated and different dilution was made. Forty two Sprauge-Dawley rats with weight average of 200-250 grams were selected and randomly divided into seven groups each with six members. In six groups of them, depression was induced by treating with 10mg/kg of reserpine. Four groups of depressed animals received 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg of weight of garlic extracts intra-peritoneally (IP) daily. 150 and 200mg doses in early days leaded to death of majority of animals and so, these concentrations omitted from study. Treatment of depression with 50 and 100mg doses continued and one group of animals treated by Amytriptylline IP daily. Results: Garlic treated group with 100mg/kg, cured after 9 days and reduced signs of depression like diarrhea, weight loss, eye hemorrhage, sedation and righting reflex was observed in comparison with untreated reserpine group significantly (P<0.01, P<0.001). In reserpine treated group with 50mg/kg of Garlic, reduction of depression signs was observed but it was not significant. 100mg/kg of Garlic extract produced better function in foot and hand hemorrhage, sedation and righting reflex than amytriptylline (P<0.05, P<0.001) while hanging from tail and feet, and eye hemorrhage in amytriptylline treated group was better than Garlic extract group (P<0.05). In weight loss and reduction of diarrhea, Garlic extract was better than amytriptylline (P<0.05, P<0.001). Conclusion: Garlic extract in reasonable doses can reduce many signs of depression.