Significant Antistress Activity Research Articles

Antioxidant, Antistress, Nootropic activity and its Correlation studies of aqueous extract of Punica granatum fruit estimated by Noninvasive biomarkers and Y-maze test in rodents

The memory loss associated with increased oxidative stress due to increased level of free radicals. Oxidative stress has been involved in several diseases includes cancer, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases.This study aimed to estimate the correlation of antioxidant and antistress activity with nootropic activity of aqueous extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum) by in-vivo noninvasive studies using rats. The in-vitro antioxidant activity was determined based on the ability of the Punica granatum to scavenge free radicals and lipid peroxidation inhibiting activity. The antistress effect of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum for 24h treatment (100 and 300mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated by using the forced swim stress test in rats. The 24h urinary excretion of vanillylmandellic acid (VMA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA) and ascorbic acid (AA) was determined in all groups under normal and stressed conditions by HPLC and spectrophotometric methods in all groups, were selected as noninvasive biomarkers. Nootropic activity activities of Punica granatum fruit extract were estimated as locomotor and working memory in rats in a Y-maze apparatus. Administration of aqueous extract of Punica granatum at a dose of 100 and 300mg/kg reduced the urinary metabolite levels. Punica granatum treatment showed significant dose dependent variation in non-invasive biomarker levels in urine samples of rats taken after 24h. The treatment with Punica granatum extracts improved the percentage entry of rats into safer zone, it means acquisition (learning) retention and retrieval (memory) were improved in rats compared to stress controls. Cognition determined by working memory and locomotor activity results were shown to be dose-dependent. The results of this study strongly suggestedantioxidant, antistress and nootropic activity effect of Punica granatumin rodents were correlated. The data obtained were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed bytukey test. p<0.05 was considered to be significant. There is substantial evidence that flavonoids play an active role in providing antioxidant, antistress and nootropic activities of Punica granatum extracts. The findings of the present investigations indicate that the Punica granatum has significant antistress activity, which may be due to the immunostimulating property and increased resistance, nonspecifically, against all experimental stress conditions. The study provided scientific evidence for their utility as nootropic agents and to advocate their use in foods.

Development and Screening of Anxiolytic and Antistress activity of Novel Health Promoting Tea Fortified with Herbs

The current investigation was planned to assess anxiolytic and antistress properties of polyherbal formulation containing ethanolic extracts of four plants Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Justicia adhatoda (Vasaka), Trigonella foenum (Methi), Vitis vinifera (Grape seed) and to develop a tea fortified with these herbs. The anxiolytic efficacy was determined with the adult rats by elevated plus maze (EPM) analysis and motor coordination with the rotarod test. The antistress activity was evaluated with the adult rats by swimming endurance test (SET), anoxia tolerance test (ATT), and immobilization stress test (IST). In EPM, Polyherbal extract (PHE 200 mg/kg; 400 mg/kg) significantly increased the percentage of time spent in open arms (180.33±4.89 and 202.67±3.68 seconds) in a dose dependent manner as compared to the control group (39.00±3.88 seconds) and is comparable with the standard diazepam (226.67±2.98 seconds). In RotaRod test, the polyherbal extract significantly diminished spontaneous activity (fall off time with control rats is 43.16±2.05 seconds and with polyherbal extract 400 mg/kg treated rats is 203.33±2.21 sec). In swimming endurance, polyherbal extract displayed a dose-dependent decrease in immobility time (71.66±3.45 sec) which is almost comparable to standard antistress medicine Mentat (62.66±3.13 sec). In anoxia tolerance test polyherbal extract increased the convulsion time which was again statistically significant. The levels of neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine were found to be increased with the polyherbal extract. The present study reveals that polyherbal extract possesses significant anxiolytic and anti-stress activity and, an herbal tea was prepared using polyherbal extract for the management of stress.

Anti stress activity of olea europaea

Stress and stressor-related disorders are the global illnesses. The immune system is thought to be strengthened by apoptogenic substances due to their ability of restoring normal body functions, which were imbalanced due to the presence of stressful conditions. The aim of study is to evaluate anti stress potential in ethanolic extract of () leaves on swimming endurance test in mice, cold and immobilization stress in rats. The effect was assessed by swimming survival time and estimation of biochemical parameter, weight of gland, organs, blood count in cold and immobilization stress at a dose 400 and 600 mg/kg per oral(p.o).The results demonstrated on comparison with stress models with leaf extract and Gerifort Syrup showing significant increase (p<0.001) in swimming time, significant decrease (p<0.001) in blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), plasma cortisol and Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels and also decrease in the weight of adrenal gland and organs weights. Blood cell count such as WBC, polymorphs and neutrophils significant decrease (p<0.01) under physiological limits. It was experimentally compared to control and gerifort group. Thus, obtained results revealed that the leaf extract of have potential Anti-stress activity due to the existence of phenolic compounds, especially secoiridoids and iridoids and antioxidant molecules, such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, caffeic acid, and ligstroside proving its significant anti stress activity.

Evaluation of the adaptogenic activity of Tecoma stans flowers extract

Aim: The present investigation aimed to screen the adaptogenic activity of the Tecomastans flower extract. Methods: Anoxia and immobilization stress models were used in the study. Results: Anoxia stress tolerance time in mice In the anoxia stress tolerance test, the time taken for the mice to exhibit clonic convulsions was taken as the endpoint. The graded doses (125, 250, 500 mg/kg) of the test extract demonstrated dose and duration dependent significant delay in clonic convulsions on the 7th, 14th and 21st days compared to the control group. The anti-stress effect of the higher dose (500 mg/kg) of the test extract was found closer to that of the standard drug. Immobilization Stress Effect on Biochemical Parameters: Immobilization stress significantly elevated the serum cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and BUN levels in stress control rats compared to the normal control group. Animals pretreated for ten days with test extract at different dose levels (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent falls in all the biochemical parameters, as compared to the stress control rats. Effect on the Weight of Organs: An increase in liver, adrenal glands weight and decrease in spleen weight were seen in Immobilization stressed rats. Ten days pretreatment with graded doses of METSF significantly and dose-dependently ameliorated the Immobilization stress-induced altered organs weight. Conclusion: In conclusion, the methanolic extract of Tecomastans flowers exhibited dose-dependent significant antistress activity against stress-induced animal models.

Screening of Antistress activity of Ficus benghalensis Fruit extract

Ficus benghalensis fruit (Moraceae) is a medicinal plant used in the treatment of many clinical conditions in India. Its anti-stress activity has been investigated in this study using albino mice and rats. The methanolic extract of Ficus benghalensis fruit was prepared and subjected to preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening. Flavanoids, Tannins and Alkaloids were found to be present. Acute toxicity studies were carried out in albino mice. The methanolic extract did not show the lethal effect at a dose of 2000mg/kg body weight with no signs of abnormalities or any mortality observed for 14 days period. Anoxia stress tolerance test, Swimmingendurance test, Immobilisation stress models were used to investigate the anti-stress potential of title plant. The results indicate that pretreatment with methanolic extract of fruit of Ficus benghalensis exhibited significant anti-stress activity at the tested doses of 125mg/kg and 250 mg/kg 500 mg/kg. On the basis of results, it was concluded that Ficus benghalensis fruit possess anti-stress activity.

Anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum and alprazolam in animal models

Background: Stress is the physiological, psychological and behavioral response by individuals when they perceive a lack of equilibrium between the demands placed upon them and their ability to meet those demands, which over a period of time leads to ill health. There are several ways of coping with stress. Some techniques of time management may help a person to control stress.Methods: Forced swim test- mice were randomized into two groups according to the body weights. Each group contains six animals. Each individual animal was allowed to swim inside the jar (25-12-25 cm) containing fresh water up to 15 cm height. Mice were allowed swim for 6 min. After initial struggle to escape the animal became immobile. Total immobility period was measured. Rotarod test- mice were randomized into two groups according to body weights. Each group contains six animals. Rats were placed on the lanes. Latency period was recorded at which each rat falls off the rod.Results: In first experiment, anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum in mice was demonstrated by measuring the immobility period during forced swim test and in the second experiment the measurement of the latency period of rats in rotarod apparatus was performed. Both the experimental procedures were compared with standard anti stress drug alprazolam.Conclusions: The present study suggests that Ocimum sanctum possess significant anti stress activity but less when compared to alprazolam.

Evaluation of Stress Biomarkers after Oral Administration of the Consciousness Energy Healing Treated Novel Herbomineral Formulation in Male Sprague Dawley Rats

The study aim was to investigate the anti-stress effect of Consciousness Energy Healing Treated test formulation using behavioral tests, hormonal levels and antioxidants in male Sprague Dawley rats. The test formulation was divided into two parts, one was represented as control, while the other was treated with Biofield Energy by Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi (The Trivedi Effect® - Consciousness Energy Healing) and defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample. OFT data showed the frequency of total square-cross was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased by 49.11% in the animals per se received Biofield Energy Treatment (-15 days) (G6) compared to stress control (G2). Freezing time was significantly (p ≤ 0.01) reduced by 21.48%, 43.79%, 42.79%, 44.79%, and 58.21% in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G5), G6, Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (-15 days) (G7), Biofield Energy Treated animals with Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (-15 days) (G8) and Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals plus untreated test formulation (G9), respectively compared to G2. Defecation was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased by 92.01% in the G8 compared to G2. Urination was significantly reduced by 53.19% and 46.81% in the G8 and G9, respectively compared to G2. FST showed the number of climbing was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased by 37.5%, 70.83%, 50%, 102.17%, and 68.83% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9, respectively compared to G2. Swimming time was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased by 30.09%, 70%, 17.66%, 83%, and 100% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9, respectively compared to G2. The resting time was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased by 21.54%, 50%, 55%, and 63% in the G5, G6, G8, and G9, respectively compared to G2. Corticosterone was significantly decreased by 29%, 26%, 31%, and 36% in the G5, G6, G8, and G9, respectively compared to G2. Testosterone was significantly increased by 275% (p ≤ 0.05), 83%, 70%, 181%, and 164% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9, respectively compared to G2. SOD was significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increased by 15%, 53%, 57%, 61%, and 58% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9, respectively compared to G2. Further, CAT was significantly increased by 19% and 14% in the G5 and G6, respectively compared to G2. Overall, data suggest that Biofield Energy Treatment per se and Biofield Energy Treated test formulation have significant anti-stress activity and could be utilized in various stress related disorders like asthma, obesity, diabetes, headaches, depression and anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, Alzheimer's disease, accelerated aging, and premature death.

Investigation of Antistress Activity of Operculina Terpethum Roots using Various Experimental Models

The root part of Operculina terpethum has been widely used in Ayurveda to treat variety of common and stress related disorders. The antistress effect of a seven-days treatment (100 and 200 mg / kg, p.o.) of the 80% ethanolic extract of Operculina terpethum root (OTRE) was evaluated by using the swimming endurance test, anoxic tolerance test, and biochemical changes in the cold-restraint stress test. The immunomodulatory activity was also evaluated for the same doses, and treatment of OTRE using the hem agglutination test. Diazepam 1 mg/kg was used as reference standard for the comparison. Both the doses of OTRE showed anti stress activity in all the tested models. 7 days pretreatment of OTRE (100 and 200 mg / kg, p.o.) treated animals showed a decrease in immobility time and an increase in anoxic tolerance time in swimming endurance and the anoxic tolerance tests, respectively. Pretreatment with OTRE significantly ameliorated the cold restraint stress induced variation in biochemical level such as increase in plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, and cortisol. Further, OTRE treatment significantly inhibited cold restraint stress induced alteration in brain noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin levels. In mice immunized with sheep red blood cells, the treatment groups subjected to restraint stress prevented the humoral immune response to the antigen. The immune stimulating activity of the OTRE was indicated by an increase in the antibody titer in mice pre-immunized with sheep red blood cells and subjected to restraint stress. The findings of the present investigations indicate that the OTRE has significant anti stress activity, which may be due to the immune stimulating property and increased resistance, nonspecifically, against all experimental stress conditions.

Antistress potential of Convolvulus pluricaulis choisy in chronic cold swim-ming stress rat model

People are using this herb Convolvulus pluricaulis choisy for enhancing mind power- learning, memory and recall. Various toxicological evaluations of this herb have suggested that it is a relatively safe compound to treat many diseases. Anti-stress activity of aqueous extract of C. pluricaulis Choisy (Sankhapuspi) (AECP) was investigated against experimentally induced stress in rats using cold water forced swimming stress model in rats. Three doses 100 mg/kg body weight (bw), 150 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw of AECP was treated orally to the stress induced rats for the evaluation of anti-stress activity. The parameters like body weight measurement, lipid peroxidation and cortisol levels were estimated to determine the anti-stress activity. The stress induced animals post-treated with AECP-100, AECP - 150 and AECP-200 mg/kg bw significantly restored the altered body weight and serum cortisol and lipid peroxidation levels, when compared with stress control group. The results of this research showed that the AECP showed a significant dose-dependent anti-stress activity due to its neuroprotective and antioxidant activity.

Central Nervous System Activity Studies of <i>Baptisia tinctoria</i> (L.) R. Vent. Roots

The present investigations were undertaken with a view to evaluate Baptisia tinctoria roots (Wild Indigo; family – Fabaceae) systematically for neuropharmacological activities. The methanol extract (ME) of plant was prepared by extracting properly identified plant in a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol, after defatting with n-hexane. Acute toxicity studies revealed that ME is safe for acute administration. Preliminary phytochemical screening of ME showed presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, coumarins and tannins as major classes of phytoconstituents. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was prepared by fractionating crude ME using standardized procedure, which showed presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and triterpenoids. ME (400 mg/kg) and EAF (106 mg/kg) produced significant antistress activity in similar manner as exhibited by the standard drug. The ME and EAF exhibited mild antianxiety activity, and were found to be devoid of anticonvulsant, sedative and analgesic activities.

English

The present study was designed to evaluate the adaptogenic activity of methanolic and aqueous extract of roots of Mikania micrantha kunth in Wistar albino rats using different experimental models such as anoxia stress tolerance, swimming endurance and immobilisation stress. The plant was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. The parameters like anoxia stress tolerance and swimming endurance time were recorded. The estimation of biochemical marker levels and determination of organs weight were carried out in immobilisation stress model. These activities are tested at oral doses of extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg and diazepam 2 mg/kg was used for comparison. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids and tannins. Pretreatment with methanolic extract showed increase in anoxia stress tolerance time and swimming endurance time. There was a dose dependant significant reduction in biochemical parameters like serum glucose, cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen levels exhibited methanolic extract treated animals. The stress induced increase in weight of liver, adrenal gland and decrease in weight of spleen were significantly reversed by the methanolic extract at higher dose. The results from the study indicated that methanolic extract of M. micrantha roots possessed significant antistress activity.   Key words: Mikania micrantha Kunth., Wistar albino rats, anoxia stress, methanolic extract.

Efficacy of Ocimum sanctum for Relieving Stress: A Preclinical Study

HISTORY AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to study the anxiolytic effects of Ocimum sanctum stress-induced anxiety. The study was carried out using male albino rats (200 ± 50 gm), male albino mice (25 ± 100) the effect of O. sanctum evaluated for anxiety and depression using forced swim test FST and rotarod test. Restraint stress (3 hours/day for six consecutive days) induced a significant reduction. It was significantly decreases the mobility period during stress. The standard deviation values are 14.4 and 9.26 and is statistically significant (p = 0.001). In rotarod test, (a) increased latency and (b) decreased ambulation and rearing were also reversed by O. sanctum. A significant increase in immobility period was observed in FST and TST after restraint stress. O. sanctum and C. sinensis significantly reduced the immobility times of rats in FST and TST. Ocimum sanctum possess significant antistress activity but the magnitude and efficacy for relieving stress is less, when compare to standard anxiolytic agent, i.e. Alprazolam.

Adaptogenic activity of Trigonella foenum graecum (Linn) seeds in rodents exposed to anoxia and immobilization stress

ObjectiveTo investigate the adaptogenic activity of methanolic extract of Trigonella foenum graecum seeds (METFGS) at 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg doses against anoxia stress tolerance in mice and immobilisation stress models. MethodsWithania somnifera (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was selected as reference standard and it showed significant effect in both stress models. The parameters like anoxia stress tolerance time was recorded in anoxia stress and estimation of biochemical marker levels and determination of organs weight were carried out in immobilisation stress model. ResultsConcomitant treatment with METFGS at 500 mg/kg showed marked increase in anoxia stress tolerance time. But the lower doses (100 and 250 mg/kg) of METFGS produced mild increase in anoxia tolerance time. There was dose dependant significant reduction in biochemical parameters like serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and BUN levels exhibited by test extract in immobilisation stress model as compared to stressed group. The stress induced increase in liver, adrenal gland weight and decrease in weight of spleen and testes were significantly reversed by the test extract at higher dose. But lower doses of extract caused the protective effect on weight of liver and adrenal gland only. ConclusionThe results from the present study indicate that METFGS possessed significant antistress activity.

Studies on the protective effects of betaine against oxidative damage during experimentally induced restraint stress in Wistar albino rats.

Stress can be defined as physical and psychological modifications that disrupt the homeostasis and the balance of organisms. Stress is known as one of the most important reasons of several diseases. In the present study, the anti-stress effect of betaine was evaluated with reference to its antioxidant property. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups such as control, betaine, restraint stress (6h/day for 30days), and betaine + restraint stress. The oxidative damage was assessed by measuring the protein and corticosterone in plasma, lipid peroxidation, non-enzymic (reduced glutathione), and enzymic antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) in the lymphoid organs of thymus and spleen. Followed by the induction of restraint stress, the non-enzymic and enzymic antioxidants were significantly decreased with concomitant increase observed in the levels of corticosterone and lipid peroxidation. Oral pretreatment with betaine (250mg/kg body weight daily for a period of 30days) significantly (P < 0.001) prevented the restraint stress-induced alterations in the levels of protein and corticosterone in plasma of experimental groups of rats. It counteracted the restraint stress-induced lipid peroxidation and maintained the antioxidant defense system in the lymphoid tissues at near normal. The findings suggest that betaine possesses significant anti-stress activity, which may be due to its antioxidant property.

Antistress activity of Argyreia speciosa roots in experimental animals.

The antistress effect of a seven-day treatment (100 and 200 mg / kg, p.o.) of the hydroalcoholic extract of Argyreia speciosa root (ASE) was evaluated by using the swimming endurance test, acetic acid–induced writhing test, pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion test, anoxic tolerance test, cold-restraint, stress-induced gastric ulcers, aspirin-induced ulcers, and biochemical, and histopathological changes in the cold-restraint stress test. The immunomodulatory activity was also evaluated for the same doses, and treatment of ASE was done using the hemagglutination test. Both the doses of ASE showed antistress activity in all the tested models. The ASE-treated animals showed a decrease in immobility time and an increase in anoxic tolerance time in swimming endurance and the anoxic tolerance tests, respectively. The effect of glacial acetic acid and pentylenetetrazole were also reduced by decreasing the number of writhing responses and increasing the onset of convulsions, respectively. In the cold restrained stress and aspirin-induced gastric ulcer models, ASE showed a significant reduction in the ulcer index. Pretreatment with ASE significantly ameliorated the cold stress-induced variations in biochemical levels such as increased plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, and cortisol. ASE was also effective in preventing the pathological changes in the adrenal gland, due to cold restrained stress, in rats. In mice immunized with sheep red blood cells, the treatment groups subjected to restraint stress prevented the humoral immune response to the antigen. The immunostimulating activity of the ASE was indicated by an increase in the antibody titer in mice pre-immunized with sheep red blood cells and subjected to restraint stress. The findings of the present investigations indicate that the ASE has significant antistress activity, which may be due to the immunostimulating property and increased resistance, nonspecifically, against all experimental stress conditions.

Eugenol as an anti-stress agent: Modulation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and brain monoaminergic systems in a rat model of stress

Stress is the leading psychopathological cause for several mental disorders. Physiological and psychological responses to stress are mediated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA), sympathoadrenal system (SAS), and brain monoaminergic systems (BMS). Eugenol is reported to substantially modulate brain functions by regulating voltage-gated cation channels and release of neurotransmitters. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-stress effect of eugenol in the 4-h restraint model using rats. Ulcer index was measured as a parameter of the stress response. HPA axis and the SAS were monitored by estimating plasma corticosterone and norepinephrine (NE), respectively. Analysis of NE, serotonin (5-HT), dopamine, and their metabolites in discrete brain regions was performed to understand the role of BMS in the anti-stress effect of eugenol. Stress exposure increased the ulcer index as well as plasma corticosterone and NE levels. Eugenol pretreatment for 7 days decreased the stress-induced increase in ulcer index and plasma corticosterone but not NE levels, indicating a preferential effect on the HPA axis. Furthermore, eugenol showed a “U”-shaped dose–response curve in decreasing ulcer index and plasma corticosterone levels. Eugenol also reversed the stress-induced changes in 5-HT levels in all brain regions, whereas NE levels were reversed in all brain regions except hippocampus. These results suggest that eugenol possesses significant anti-stress activity in the 4-h restraint model and the effect is due to modulation of HPA and BMS.

Preclinical screening of NR-A2 for antistress, anti allergic properties.

NR-A2 is a polyherbal formulation of Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, being developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. NR-A2 was evaluated for the antistress activity by swim endurance test in mice, anxiolytic activity using elevated plus maze, anti allergic activity using guinea pig ileum and compound 48/80 induced anaphylaxis and anti ulcer activity in rats. In an attempt to establish a relation between allergy and stress, a new experimental animal model was devised to study anti-stress activity of NR-A2 in allergy induced animals, followed by corticosterone estimation. The formulation showed significant anxiolytic and anti-stress activity. The stress induced changes in ulcer index and in brain neurotransmitter levels were significantly decreased by NR-A2. The formulation caused excellent inhibition of histamine induced contractions in GPI and gave complete protection against degranulation in the animals treated with a prophylactic dose of 250 mg/kg p.o., one hour before Compound 48/80 injection. The anti-stress property of NR-A2 in allergy induced rat model, showed a possible link between immune system and neuroendocrine system. NR-A2 showed significant anti-stress activity in allergy induced animals and also decrease in corticosterone concentrations.

Adaptogenic activity of Caesalpiniabonduc seed extracts in rats

Caesalpinia bonduc Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae) seed extracts were screened for adaptogenic activity using cold stress model and swim endurance model, the seed coat as well as kernel extracts showed significant antistress activity when administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg. The extracts significantly increased the swim endurance time. Stress induced animals exhibited hypoglycaemia as well as depletion in serum cortisol level and increased total leukocyte count, the extracts showed a significant action in overcoming these imbalances. It was also found that extracts proved efficient in controlling the hyperlipidaemic condition due to stress.

Adaptogenic activity of glyco-peptido-lipid fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerten (part II)

Anti-stress activity was carried out on glyco-peptido-lipid (AF) fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerten and demonstrated against a battery of tests in rats and mice. AF exhibited significant anti-stress activity in dose-related manners in all the parameters studied against different models used to induce non-specific stress viz physical and chemically. The major parameters studied were immobilization induced gastric ulceration, adjuvant-induced trauma (Stress); humoral antibody synthesis in normal and immuno-suppressed mice and delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction, chemically stress-induced alteration in hepatic function and anti-oxidant activity. The extract of Withania somnifera root (a commercial preparation available locally, Dabur India ltd.) was used to compare the results. In the safety evaluation study the maximum tolerance dose (MTD) and oral LD50 were found to be more than 3000 mg/kg, with no signs of abnormalities or any mortality observed for 15 days period under observation after single dose of drug administration. Feeding behaviour and fecal output were normal.

Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress

Withania somnifera (WS) Dunal is classified in Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu system of medicine, as a rasayana, a group of plant-derived drugs reputed to promote physical and mental health, augment resistance of the body against disease and diverse adverse environmental factors, revitalise the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. These attributes are remarkably similar to the properties ascribed to adaptogens like Panax ginseng (PG) in contemporary medicine. As such, the adaptogenic activity of a standardised extract of WS roots was investigated against a rat model of chronic stress (CS). The stress procedure was mild, unpredictable footshock, administered once daily for 21 days to adult male Wistar rats. CS induced significant hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, increase in plasma corticosterone levels, gastric ulcerations, male sexual dysfunction, cognitive deficits, immunosuppression and mental depression. These CS induced perturbations were attenuated by WS (25 and 50 mg/kg po) and by PG (100 mg/kg po), administered 1 h before footshock for 21 days. The results indicate that WS, like PG, has significant antistress adaptogenic activity, confirming the clinical use of the plant in Ayurveda.