ADAPTOGENIC AND ANTI-OXIDANT DEFENCE OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF TECOMA STANSIN RODENTS

Abstract

Adaptogens are bland aromatic plant which has medicinal aids owing to their harmonizing, regulative and stimulant functions. However, regardless of these curative properties, the free radical scavenging potential of adaptogens is rarely mentioned. Stress and stress-related ailments area substantial reason of illness in modern times, causative of easibly 75% of all illnesses. In current study the methanolic leaf extract of Tecoma stans (METS) was screened for its in-vivo Anti- stress activity and in-vitro anti-oxidant activity in rat models. The various phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, sterols and fatty acids present in the extract were identified by using GC-MS. Acute toxicity studies were carried out as per OECD guidelines 425 and the extract was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg bd. wt. In-vivo anti-stress activity was performed by using swimming stamina test and cold restraint stress. In swimming endurance test the behavioral parameter like swimming time was evaluated. In cold restraint stress various biological considerations like glucose, lipid, triglycerides and cortisol levels were analyzed. The results were compared with the standard drug diazepam. The extract was also evaluated for its anti-oxidant potential by using lipid peroxidation and H2O2 radical scavenging assay. Percentage inhibition and IC50 values were calculated for both the assays and the results were compared with the standard ascorbic acid. The results have shown that METS possessed anti- stress and anti-oxidant activity. The supplementation of adaptogen extract having high concentration of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids may not only have adaptogenic properties, but may decrease the risk of complications induced by oxidative stress.