<![CDATA[Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and decreased activity, and is associated with neurotransmitter imbalance and oxidative stress. The use of conventional antidepressant drugs still has limitations so that alternatives from natural ingredients such as Etlingera calophrys are needed which are known to contain potential bioactive compounds. This study aims to determine the antidepressant potential of methanol extract of Etlingera calophrys rhizome in mice (Mus musculus) using the Tail Suspension Test (TST) and Forced Swim Test (FST) methods. This study used the Chronic Mild Stress (CMS) model in mice which were divided into several treatment groups, namely normal control, negative control, positive control (amitriptyline 25 mg/kgBW), and extracts with doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kgBW. The parameters observed were the duration of immobility in the TST and FST tests. Data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD test. Phytochemical screening results showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids. In vivo tests showed that all doses of the extract were able to reduce the duration of immobility compared to the negative control, with a dose of 300 mg/kgBW providing the most significant effect and approaching the positive control (p < 0.05). The methanol extract of Etlingera calophrys rhizome has significant antidepressant activity, with a dose of 300 mg/kgBW being the most effective dose. These findings indicate that the methanolic extract of Etlingera calophrys rhizome exhibits significant antidepressant activity, which may be attributed to the synergistic effects of its bioactive compounds through modulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission and antioxidant mechanisms. In conclusion, Etlingera calophrys rhizome has promising potential as a natural antidepressant candidate, warranting further investigation at the molecular and clinical levels.]]>
