Ascorbic Acid: A Prophylaxis Drug Therapy for Depression in Female Dam Rats

Ascorbic acid is extremely concentrated in the brain, being considered as a neuro-modulator. This vitamin possesses antioxidant properties due to its action either as an electron donor or as broad-spectrum radical scavenge. Maternal separation is used in a large number of studies on anti-depression. The present study demonstrates the long-term effect of ascorbic acid (10 mg/kg p.o) on maternal separation (MS) by isolation stress on the emotionality behaviour of female dam rats. The assessment of the 5-HT level in brain was analysed by HPLC, which revealed increased level of 5-HT when compared with control. Locomotor activity and FST showed that there were increased in % swimming & % climbing. Therefore, present finding relevance of ascorbic acid for the treatment of depression and as a co-adjuvant treatment with antidepressants.