The goal of this study is to evaluate antidepressant property of avena sativa (Oats) assessing in the treatment of initial stages of depression spectrum and management of major depressive disorder. In order to analyze how polyphenols of avena sativa affects psychological behavioral paradigm in mice predisposed to depression 2 methods were maneuvered. Forced swim test and tail suspension test were performed on depressed non fasting mice for a period of 8 weeks by dividing them into four equal groups per each method. Control was given normal saline, standard was given drug imipramine and extract 100mg and 200mg groups were given respective calculated doses. All the tests were significant when control mice were compared to that of standard and extracts. The onset of action of both the extracts was slower, however after 4^th week onwards the results were more promising. As the week progresses the antidepressant activity of the extracts maintains efficacy to that of standard. The results inferred both the extracts of avena sativa have a substantial anti-depressant impact (of which 200mg has more than 100mg) by lowering immobility duration in both the behavioral models. The significant result postulates that avena sativa at both 100mg and 200mg dose extract possesses mood stabilizing and anti-depressant traits.

Index Terms: Anti-depressant, Avena sativa, forced swim test, tail suspension test