Anti-depressant activities of Areca catechu fruit extract.

The hexane and aqueous fractions of Areca catechu (A. catechu) have demonstrated anti-depressant properties in screens used to detect such activity. Similar properties had previously been detected in the plant's aqueous ethanolic extract. The aqueous ethanolic extract (F(1)), and the hexane (F(2)) and aqueous (F(5)) fractions inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) in rat brain homogenates. The aqueous fraction seems to be the most potent inhibitor of MAO and its effect is similar to that of clorgyline (a specific MAO-A inhibitor). The extract and fractions from A. catechu, therefore, merit further research in the quest for new anti-depressants.