Antidepressant effects of aqueous extract of <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> flower in chlorpromazine induced depression-like phenotype in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> (Harwich strain)

Abstract

Background: The research evaluated the Antidepressant Effects of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Flower in Chlorpromazine Induced Depression- Like Phenotype in Drosophila Melanogaster (Harwich Strain).

Method: In the research, a total of 120 flies were utilized and were distributed among six groups labeled as (Group A, B, C, D, E and F), with each group  consisting of 20 flies. Group A served as the control and was given standard cornmeal diet for 7 days; group B: Served as positive control and  administered 2000 mg/2 ml of chlorpromazine for 7 days, group C was given 2000mg/2ml chlorpromazine for 5 days and 1Mm of imipramine for 2 days,  group D was induced with 2000 mg/2 ml chlorpromazine for 2 days and was treated with 100 mg/ml Hibiscus sabdariffa for 5 days, group E was administered with 2000 mg/2 ml chlorpromazine for 2 days and were treated with 50 mg/ml Hibiscus sabdariffa for 5 days while F was induced with 2000  mg/ml chlorpromazine for 2 days and was treated with10mg/ml of Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Results: The concentration of malondialdehyde, superoxide  dismutase and serotonin levels were measured. Chlorpromazine induced significant increase in MDA and SOD activities in flies and decrease in Serotonin  levels in depressed groups as compared with other groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Results obtained from the study demonstrated that an aqueous extract  of Hibiscus sabdariffa might have antidepressant activity against chlorpromazine induced depression in Drosophila melanogaster, Harwich strain.