Antidepressant activity of ethanol extract of Zea mays husk

Abstract

<strong>Background and aims:</strong> <em>Zea mays </em>L. (Poaceae) husk extract is used traditionally in Ibibio traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as malaria, pains, inflammatory diseases and central nervous system disorders.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> The husk extract (187-748 mg/kg) was evaluated for antidepressant activity in mice using open field, force swimming and tail suspension tests. Determination of median lethal dose (LD₅₀) and phytochemical screening of the husk extract were also carried out using standard methods.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The husk extract increased significantly the line crossing, walling and rearing activities of mice in open field test (P<0.05-0.001) and reduced significantly the immobility time in force swimming test (P<0.05-0.001). However, the immobility time in tail suspension tests was significantly increased by the extract (P<0.05-0.001).<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The husk extract of <em>Z. mays</em> has prominent antidepressant activity which is due to the activities of its phytochemical constituents such as phenolic compounds.<strong> </strong>