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@article{205778,
        author = {Gade Venkateswara and G Srinivasa Rao and A Vidyadhari and Guduru Rajeswari},
        title = {BEHAVIORAL AND NEUROCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF BERBERINE IN RAT MODELS OF DEPRESSION},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {7817-7820},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205778},
        abstract = {Depression is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent sadness, reduced interest in daily activities, impaired cognition, and altered behavioral responses. Despite the availability of several antidepressant medications, many patients experience inadequate therapeutic response and adverse effects. Consequently, there is increasing interest in identifying natural compounds with antidepressant potential. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from various medicinal plants including Berberis vulgaris, possesses multiple pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and metabolic regulatory activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant activity of berberine in experimental rat models of depression. Behavioral parameters including Forced Swim Test (FST), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Grip Strength Test, and Spontaneous Locomotor Activity were assessed. Oxidative stress markers such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in brain tissue homogenates. Berberine treatment significantly reduced immobility time and improved locomotor activity, muscular strength, and cognitive performance. Furthermore, berberine significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced lipid peroxidation. The findings suggest that berberine exerts significant antidepressant effects through behavioral improvement and attenuation of oxidative stress. Therefore, berberine may represent a promising natural therapeutic alternative for the management of depressive disorders.},
        keywords = {Berberine, Depression, Antidepressant Activity, Oxidative Stress, Rat Model, Forced Swim Test, Neuroprotection.},
        month = {June},
        }