EFFECT OF QUASSIA UNDULATE ETHYL ACETATE FRACTION ON DEPRESSION AND MOTOR COORDINATION USING TAIL SUSPENSION AND POLE TEST MODELS.

Depression is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder that significantly impacts mental health and quality of life. Conventional antidepressant treatments, while effective, are often associated with delayed onset of action, side effects, and treatment resistance. Consequently, there is a growing interest in plant-based compounds as potential alternatives. Quassia undalata , a medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological properties, has been suggested to exhibit neuroprotective and antidepressant-like effects. This study evaluates the antidepressant and motor coordination effects of Quassia undalata ethyl acetate fraction using the Tail Suspension Test andPole Test models in rodents. The phytochemical screening and GC/MS analysis of the extract identified key bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, catechol, and vanillic acid—compounds known for their neuroprotective and neurotransmitter-modulating properties. Behavioral tests demonstrated that Quassia undalata significantly reduced immobility time in the TST, indicating antidepressant-like activity, particularly at a dose of 200 mg/kg, which exhibited effects comparable to fluoxetine (a standard antidepressant). The pole test results confirmed that the extract did not impair motor coordination, suggesting that it may offer antidepressant benefits without neuromuscular side effects. The observed antidepressant effects of Quassia undalata are likely mediated through multiple mechanisms, including neurotransmitter modulation, oxidative stress reduction, and neuroprotection. These findings suggest that Quassia undalata ethyl acetate fraction has significant potential as a natural antidepressant. However, further studies involving neurochemical assays, dose-response evaluations, long-term toxicity studies, and clinical trials are recommended to validate its efficacy and safety for therapeutic use