International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 15, Issue 3

Evaluation of Antidepressant Effect of Garcinia indica Fruit Rind Juice in Combination with Gallic Acid: In-silico and In-vivo Studies

Gayatri Shelar1, Kiran Kotade1*, Vikrant Dhamak2, Sangita Bhandare1, Mayur Gaikar1

1Department of Pharmacology, Pravara Rural Education Society’s College of Pharmacy (For Women), Chincholi, Nashik, Maharashtra-422103, India

2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Pharmacy, Vilat Ghat, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra-414111, India 

Received: 1st Aug, 2025; Revised: 31st Aug, 2025; Accepted: 13th Sep, 2025; Available Online: 25th Sept, 2025 

ABSTRACT

Depression is a widespread neuropsychiatric disorder that significantly impairs quality of life and remains a global health concern. While conventional antidepressants are effective, their limitations, such as delayed onset and adverse effects, necessitate the exploration of alternative therapies. Garcinia indica (Kokum), traditionally used in Indian medicine, possesses antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, largely attributed to its rich content of polyphenols. The present study aims to evaluate the antidepressant potential of Garcinia indica fruit rind juice, both alone and in combination with gallic acid, using in-vivo models and molecular docking. The molecular docking (PyRx) study conducted against the MAO-A enzyme, a bioactive constituent from Garcinia indica, Gartanin, exhibited the highest binding affinity (-8.8 kcal/mol) in comparison with fluoxetine (-7.2 kcal/mol) and gallic acid (-6.3 kcal/mol). In-vivo antidepressant models, Tail Suspension Test (Group I to V), Forced Swim Test (Groups IA to VA), and biochemical estimation of MAO-A in both in-vivo models showed highly significant reduction (***p < 0.001) in the immobility period and MAO-A levels for the group treated with Gallic acid (Group IV and Group IVA, 60mg/kg p.o.) along with Garcinia indica fruit rind juice (5 ml/kg p.o.) and Gallic acid (Group V and Group VA, 60mg/kg p.o.) along with Garcinia indica fruit rind juice (10 ml/kg p.o.). This integrated approach has validated the synergistic antidepressant potential of Garcinia indica fruit and gallic acid, offering a promising, plant-based adjunct to current antidepressant therapies with reduced side effects.

Keywords: Antidepressant, Garcinia indica, Gallic Acid, In-silico studies, In-vivo model, MAO-A

How to cite this article: Gayatri Shelar, Kiran Kotade, Vikrant Dhamak, Sangita Bhandare, Mayur Gaikar. Evaluation of Antidepressant Effect of Garcinia indica Fruit Rind Juice in Combination with Gallic Acid: In-silico and In-vivo Studies. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2025;15(3):1040-46. doi: 10.25258/ijddt.15.3.20

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