Published Paper Details:

Depression is a prevalent and debilitating mental health disorder affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, are limited by delayed onset of therapeutic action, incomplete efficacy, and adverse side effects. This has stimulated growing interest in exploring natural products as alternative or complementary antidepressant agents. Argyreia nervosa, a climbing plant native to the Indian subcontinent and traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, has demonstrated promising neuropharmacological properties. The seeds of Argyreia nervosa are rich in bioactive compounds such as ergoline alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which are implicated in modulating central nervous system functions. This review critically examines preclinical evidence assessing the antidepressant potential of Argyreia nervosa seed extracts in male Swiss albino mice. Behavioral models widely used to evaluate depressive-like symptoms, including the Forced Swim Test and Tail Suspension Test, consistently show significant reductions in immobility time following administration of the extracts, indicating antidepressant-like effects comparable to standard drugs. Mechanistic studies highlight multiple pathways by which Argyreia nervosa exerts its effects, including enhancement of monoaminergic neurotransmission, inhibition of monoamine oxidase enzymes, antioxidant and neuroprotective activity, upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and normalization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Safety assessments indicate a favorable toxicity profile for Argyreia nervosa seed extracts at therapeutic doses. Taken together, these findings support the therapeutic potential of Argyreia nervosa seeds as a natural antidepressant and warrant further investigation, including clinical trials, to validate efficacy and safety in humans.