Assessing the Antidepressant Effect of Ethanol Extracts from a Combination of Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae) and Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) on Swiss Albino Rats

Abstract

Depression is a major global health disorder associated with significant morbidity and reduced quality of life, while current pharmacotherapies are limited by adverse effects and treatment resistance. This study evaluated the Synergistic antidepressant potential of ethanol extracts of Curcuma longa and Syzygium aromaticum in albino rats. Antidepressant-like activity was assessed using the Open Field Test (OFT), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Forced Swim Test (FST) following diazepam-induced depressive-like behavior. Animals were allocated into five groups: normal control, fluoxetine-treated positive control, and three extract-treated groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg; 1:1 combination). The extract exhibited dose-dependent antidepressant effects, with the 200 mg/kg dose significantly (p < 0.01) reducing immobility time in both TST and FST, comparable to fluoxetine. Enhanced exploratory activity in the OFT further suggested anxiolytic properties. These effects may be attributed to modulation of neurotransmitter systems, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the antidepressant potential of C. longa and S. aromaticum, highlighting their promise as safer, plant-based alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antidepressants, warranting further mechanistic and clinical investigations.