Asian Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Evaluation of adaptogenic and anxiolytic potential of Diascoria bulbifera tubers

Nanjappaiah H.M¹, Patil V.P¹, Muchchandi I.S², Chandrashekar V.M² and Shivakumar H¹.

¹P. G. Dept. of Pharmacology, BLDEA’s SSM College of Pharmacy & Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.
²B V V’s H S K College of Pharmacy, Bagalkote, Karnataka, India.

Abstract

The present research work was designed to evaluate adaptogenic and anxiolytic activities of methanolic extract of Diascoria bulbifera tubers (MEDBT) at different dose levels (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg) using different experimental animal models. In the present study adaptogenic activity was assessed by cold restraint and immobilization stress models and anxiolytic activity was assessed by elevated plus maze behavior of mice, light dark exploration test in mice and open field apparatus test in rats. In cold restraint and immobilization stress models, the hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, organs weight, GSH and LPO levels and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, nor adrenaline and serotonin levels in rat brain were recorded. Treatment with standard and test extract significantly reversed the stress induced altered hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, organs weight, GSH and LPO levels and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, nor adrenaline and serotonin levels in rat brain. In elevated plus maze test extract showed significant increase in time spent in open arm and number of entries into the open arm. In light dark exploration test there was significant increase in time spent in lit box and the number of entries into lit box and reduction in time spent and number crossing into the dark compartment observed in animals pretreated with test extract.

Keywords:

Adaptogen, anxiolytic, cold restraint, immobilization.