Planta Med 2007; 73 - P_441
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-987221

Anti-stress, anxiolytic and nootropic activity of roots of Tylophora indica

AS Wakade 1, MP Kulkarni 1, AR Juvekar 1
  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, University Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India

An aqueous extract [AE] of roots of Tylophora indica [TI] was investigated for its anti-stress activity in chronic cold restraint stress (4±0.5 0 C for 1h for 7 days) in Wistar rats. The anxiolytic activity of TI [AE] was studied using various behavioral paradigms such as elevated plus maze model, light dark model and open field model. Further nootropic potential of the extract was assessed using Morris water maze test. Stimulation of hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis in stressful condition alters biochemical levels like plasma corticosterone, glucose, proteins, triglycerides, and cholesterol that were ameliorated by TI [AE] pretreatment (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg p.o) in chronic stress model. TI [AE] also restored perturbed neurotransmitter levels in brain, increased adrenal gland weights and atrophy of spleen caused by chronic stress. Histopathological studies of adrenal gland of the stress group revealed degeneration and lesions in the cortex, which was reversed by TI [AE] treatment. The extract at (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg p.o) increased time spent in open arm and lit zone in elevated plus maze model and light dark model, respectively. Increased number of squares traversed in open field model reinforced its anxiolytic potential. Further TI [AE] at both doses improved cognitive function with respect to spatial and working memory processes in Morris water maze test. One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's or Bonferroni test was applied to test statistical significance. The results indicate that TI [AE] has potential adaptogenic and anti-stress activity along with anxiolytic and nootropic potential.

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