چكيده لاتين :
Background: In Iranian and other traditional medicines, an antidepressant effect has been
indicated for Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae). However, studies showing its antidepressant
effect is lacking. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine whether the
aqueous extract and essential oil from leaves of Melissa officinalis have an antidepressantlike
activity in mice.
Materials and Methods: The effect of subchronic administration of different doses of the
aqueous extract (25,75, 150, 300 mg/kg or water; n=9-10) and the essential oil (10, 25, 75,
150,300 mg/kg or almond oil; n=9-10) on immobility, climbing, and swimming behaviors
were evaluated in the forced swimming test. Fluoxetine (20mg/kg) and imipramine (15
mg/kg) were used as reference drugs. Additionally, the effect of both plant preparations on
spontaneous activity was examined.
Results: All doses of the aqueous extract, used in this study, produced a significant
reduction in immobility along with an increase in climbing behavior which is similar to
those which have been observed with imipramine. Essential oil caused a dose-dependent
reduction in immobility and an increase in climbing at all studied doses, compared to
control group. Only the highest dose (300mg/kg) of essential oil showed a significant
increase in swimming behavior. The aqueous extract, but not the essential oil, decreased
spontaneous activity in a dose dependent manner.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggests that the Melissa officinalis possess an
antidepressant-like activity similar to imipramine which may have a potential clinical value
for treatment of depression.
