Anti-Depressant Potential of Banana Fruit

The search for novel pharmacotherapy from medicinal plants for psychiatric illnesses has significantly progressed in recent years. The present study was undertaken to test the antidepressant potential of Musa paradisiaca (commonly known as banana) fruit paste. Swiss mice were administered the banana fruit paste at various concentrations ranging from 5%, 10% and 20% w/w once daily for 15 successive days. The antidepressant activity was measured using forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The results showed that the fruit paste significantly reduced the immobility time of mice in both FST and TST. Baclofen (10 mg/kg, i.p.), prazosin (62.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and p-CPA (100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly antagonized this reduction in immobility time. Furthermore, Musa paradisiaca paste inhibited significantly the Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These findings reveal the anti-depressant potential of banana fruit. The underlying mechanism of action appears to be related to anti-oxidant, pro-adrenergic, pro-serotonergic and/or MAO inhibitory activity exhibited by the banana fruit.