Evaluation of antidepressant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Solanum tuberosum peel

Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and poor concentration [1]. Depression is characterized by extended periods of feelings of meaninglessness, hopelessness and dysphoria. Depression is a significant public health problem that can occur to any one and are likely to occur on adults in between the age of 20-50 years old with no relations to race, education status, civil status or income [2]. Depression is caused by depletion of brain monoamines, 5-HT and NA. Several drugs are now available as ‘antidepressants’, sometimes also called as ‘psychoanaleptics’ or ‘mood elevators’ [3]. They act by increasing the intrasynaptic availability of the monoamines in the brain. MAOIs, TCAs, SSRIs have many adverse reactions, such as allergic reactions like urticaria, skin rashes, pruritus and photosensitivity, tachycardia, difficulty in micturition, impotence, decrease libido, constipation delayed ejaculation, anxiety, jitteriness, insomnia, Feeling of tiredness, lethargy, headache and sedation may be observed.