<![CDATA[Epression is a mental health disorder characterized by mood changes, loss of interest, and physiological disturbances, which are associated with dysfunction of the monoaminergic system in the brain. The limitations of conventional therapies have prompted the exploration of natural sources, including plants from the Zingiberaceae family, which are known to be rich in bioactive metabolites with neuropharmacological potential. Etlingera rubroloba is one of Indonesia’s endemic plants with potential as an antidepressant agent; however, scientific studies on it remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the antidepressant activity of Etlingera rubroloba rhizome extract and to identify its secondary metabolites that may play a role in this effect. Extraction was performed via maceration using methanol, followed by phytochemical screening using tube assays. Antidepressant activity was tested in vivo on mice induced with Chronic Mild Stress (CMS), using the Tail Suspension Test (TST) and Forced Swimming Test (FST). The observed parameter was immobility time. Data were analyzed using a One-Way ANOVA test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Phytochemical screening results indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in the extract. Antidepressant activity tests showed that E. rubroloba rhizome extract significantly reduced immobility time in the TST and FST (p < 0.05) compared to the negative control. This effect was dose-dependent, with a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight providing the most optimal activity and comparable to the positive control (amitriptyline). Etlingera rubroloba rhizome extract possesses significant antidepressant activity and has potential for development as a natural antidepressant agent. This effect is thought to involve multimodal mechanisms, including the modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, increased neuroplasticity, as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of its secondary metabolites.]]>
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