Evaluation of antidepressant-like effect Lavandulifolia stachys in the forced swimming test in comparison with imipramine and fluoxetine

Depression is a global problem associated with multiple social and health issues. In the present study, we analyzed the antidepressant effects of Lavandulifolia stachys, an herbal planton forced swimming test (FST). In this study, 36 rats were used. We gavaged the aqueous extract of plant (50, 100, 150 mg/kg), imipramine and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) as standard antidepressant drug and normal saline for control group for a week. Then, their behavioral responses including climbing, swimming and immobility were recorded during the 5-min FST. Our experiments showed significant effects of Lavandulifolia stachys on swimming and immobility but not effect on climbing behaviors. Imipramine and fluoxetine increased climbing and swimming, respectively, and both reduced immobility, compared to saline control. Finally, our results show the extract of Lavandulifolia stachys could play an important role in treatment of depression like fluoxetine.