Research
Effect of Trichopus Zeylanicus Leaf Extract on Acute Stress Induced Anxiety in Mice
Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn. (Dioscoreaceae) [TZ] leaf is traditionally used as a general health tonic in tribal regions of south India. In the present study the effect of alcoholic extract of TZ leaves was evaluated on acute stress induced anxiety in mice at oral doses of 100mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg. Acute stress was induced by restraint stress method and the stressed rodents were evaluated in light and dark model and elevated plus maze. The extract at the doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg showed a significant increase in the number of crossings and reduced time spent in the dark chamber in light and dark model. Further, it significantly reduced the time spent in the closed arm in elevated plus maze as compared to stressed mice. Moreover, TZ significantly reduced stress induced increased plasma corticosterone levels and hyperglycemia in rats.
Effect of Emblica Officinalis on Stress Induced Biochemical and Psychological Changes in Mice
Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Euphorbiaceae) [EO] fruit is traditionally used as a general health tonic in Ayurveda. In the present study the effect of alcoholic extract of EO fruits was evaluated on acute stress induced biochemical and psychological changes in mice. Acute stress was induced by restraint stress method and the effect of EO at the doses of 100, 250 and 500mg/kg was evaluated on levels of plasma glucose and corticosterone. The level of anxiety induced by acute stress was measured by subjecting the mice to elevated plus maze. The extract at the doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg significantly countered the stress induced elevated plasma glucose and cortisol levels. Likewise, the extract at the doses of 250 and 500mg/kg increased the number of entries and time spent in the open arm in elevated plus maze. In conclusion the Emblica officinalis fruit extract significantly reduces the adverse effects of stress on physical and mental health.
Evaluation of Anti Depressant Activity of Murraya Koenigii Leaf Extract in Mice
Murraya koenigii Spreng (Rutaceae), a medicinally important herb of Indian origin, has been Used for centuries in the Ayurvedic System of Medicine. Aqueous extract of the leaves of Murraya koenigii possesses alexeteric, antihelmintic, analgesic, dysentry, purgative and blood disorders. Also they are reported to be useful in inflammation, healing of wounds, injuries, antioxidative activity. In folklore practice, the decoction of M. koenigii leaves has been reported to be useful in diarrhoea. In the present study the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of seeds was evaluated for antidepressant activity in mice. The models selected for the study were tail suspension test and despair swimming test. The extract at the doses of 100mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of immobility of mice in tail suspension test and despair swimming test as compared to the untreated group.
