PENGARUH VARIASI KONSENTRASI EKSTRAK INFUSA DAUN SALAM (Syzygiumpolyanthum (Wight.) Walp.) SEBAGAI ANTIDEPRESAN PADA MENCIT PUTIH (Mus musculus) JANTAN DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE FORCED SWIM TEST

Abstract

The use of synthetic antidepressants often causes various side effects, prompting a search for alternative therapies derived from natural sources. *Syzygium polyanthum* (Wight.) Walp. (Indonesian bay leaf) is known to contain flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, all of which possess potential antidepressant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying concentrations of *S. polyanthum* leaf infusion on antidepressant activity in male white mice (*Mus musculus*) using the Forced Swim Test (FST). Twenty-five male white mice were used as test subjects and divided into five treatment groups: a negative control (0.5% Na-CMC), a positive control (Flunarizine 0.065 mg/kg body weight), and three treatment groups receiving *S. polyanthum* leaf infusion at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 40%. The parameter observed was immobility time. The results showed no significant decrease in the negative control group, whereas the positive control group (Flunarizine) exhibited a significant reduction. Infusion doses of 10% and 20% also reduced immobility time, but the most optimal effect was observed at the 40% dose. ANOVA statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among group means (p<0.05). LSD (Least Significant Difference) test results indicated that the 40%, 20%, and 10% doses did not differ significantly from the positive control (p>0.05) in terms of antidepressant activity. The conclusion of this study is that the 40% concentration of Indonesian bay leaf (Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.) Walp.) infusion exhibited the most favorable antidepressant effect, with an immobility time that was not significantly different from that of the positive control group. These findings indicate that Indonesian bay leaf infusion has potential for further development as a natural-based antidepressant candidate.