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Abstract
Investigations were carried out on the adaptogenic property of an ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri against acute stress model in mice. Male mice were exposed to swim endurance test and cold restraint stress (40C for 2 hours) after 7 days of pretreatment with the extract. Panax root powder (Panax ginseng 100 mg/kg, p.o) was taken as a standard and the control group was administered distilled water. Mice were sacrificed immediately after stress, the blood was collected, plasma and serum were separated out for biochemical estimation. Adrenals, spleen and thymus were dissected for organ weight. Acute exposure significantly increased the adrenal gland weight, plasma cortisol, blood glucose, triglycerides, total WBC count, eiosinophils and basophils but significantly decreased the spleen weight. However no significant change was observed in the serum cholesterol level. Pretreatment with Bacopa monnieri 27 mg/kg (p.o), significantly reduced the acute state increase in the adrenal gland weight, plasma cortisol, blood glucose, triglycerides and total WBC count. Panax root powder significantly reversed stress-induced increase in adrenal gland weight. On the basis of our result, it is concluded that the ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri possesses a potent adaptogenic activity.
... It is effective in cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, reviving lost memory, increase memory capacity, increase mind concentration, and reduce stressinduced anxiety. According to Ayurveda, it is bitter, pungent, heating, emetic, laxative and useful in bad ulcers, tumours, ascites, enlargement of spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anaemia, biliousness, aphrodisiac, good in scabies, leucoderma, syphilis etc. and relieves stress (Anju, 2011) [3] . Bacopamonnieri (CN: Water hyssop, Tam: Brahmi). ...
... It is effective in cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, reviving lost memory, increase memory capacity, increase mind concentration, and reduce stressinduced anxiety. According to Ayurveda, it is bitter, pungent, heating, emetic, laxative and useful in bad ulcers, tumours, ascites, enlargement of spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anaemia, biliousness, aphrodisiac, good in scabies, leucoderma, syphilis etc. and relieves stress (Anju, 2011) [3] . Bacopamonnieri (CN: Water hyssop, Tam: Brahmi). ...
... Panax root powder significantly reduced the stress induced increase in adrenal gland weight. [134] BME administered orally at 40 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks was able to prevent the neurotoxicity in cerebral cortex of male Wistar rat brain exposed with aluminum chloride through anti-oxidative mechanism similar to I-deprenyl. (AlCl3). ...
Ayurveda which literally means “the science of life” is the ancient Indian system of medicine. Rasayana is a specialized branch of Ayurveda. The drugs attributed with Rasayana properties are mentioned to delay the process of ageing, enhance the mental and cognitive functions and deliver freedom from a number of diseases including those caused by infectious organisms. All these activities of Rasayana drugs seem to be associated with neuro-endocrine-immune systems. In this study we have reviewed the growing inter-relationship between the neuro-endocrine-immune systems and stress as a neuro-endocrine-immune phenomenon. Some important Ayurvedic Rasayana drugs including Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Shilajit (Asphalt), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and few others along with their pharmacological actions on the above three systems and stress as well have also been reviewed. It has been observed that most of them tend to exhibit their activities by modulating the neuro-endocrine-immune systems along with anti-stress/adaptogenic capability. The scientific inter-relationship between the three systems has been taken as the model reference. Similar actions are expected from other Rasayana drugs too. Therefore Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda can be evaluated and used as neuro-endocrine-immune modulators.
... There are several scientific reports illuminated that bioactive compound of B. monniera would afford for better neuropharmacological outcomes. They found Brahmi as a potent agent with antioxidant [19], antiulcerogenic [20], cognitive enhancer [21], antiinflammatory [22], analgesic, antidiarrhoeal and cytotoxic [23] properties. There is a great interest in the research of B. monniera to explore new therapeutic targets and new molecules acting on the central nervous system. ...
... • Anxiolytic activity [41]. ...
The term mental disease is not restricted to mean insanity and allied conditions of mental derangement but also includes, to a certain extent, the emotional disorders. When emotional factors cross the state of normalcy, one gets deranged to show the syndromes of mental disorder, very often. These pathologies affect all categories of person, race, sex and age. Many synthetic psychoactive molecules such as antiepileptic, antidepressants, anxiolytics are used in modern medicine to treat these pathologies. But allopathic
medicine is not found very effective. Further, cost, dependency on diagnostic tools, increasing adverse effects and symptomatic rather than curative approach of allopathic medicine made the world population seeking an alternative medical system. Currently, the
world is looking towards traditional medicines, including Unani pathy for a reliable cure for psychiatric disorders. Little research has approached the specific case of plants used to treat nervous system disorders. It is necessary to report psychic disorders treated
by medicinal plants in Unani Medicine. It is high time to look back to the Unani system of medicine wherein a number of plants and mineral origin drugs have been described for specific uses for a range of mental disorders. An attempt has been made in this paper
to highlight the beneficial Unani plant origin drugs in psychiatric problems. These plants have been reported for their potential in treating many neuropsychiatric problems. Some research studies conducted on the scientific parameters on the plant drugs will also
be provided to show the potential of these drugs which may help in development of new intervention or a substitute for conventional drug, or that can be used as an adjuvant.
... There are several scientific reports illuminated that bioactive compound of B. monniera would afford for better neuropharmacological outcomes. They found Brahmi as a potent agent with antioxidant [19], antiulcerogenic [20], cognitive enhancer [21], antiinflammatory [22], analgesic, antidiarrhoeal and cytotoxic [23] properties. There is a great interest in the research of B. monniera to explore new therapeutic targets and new molecules acting on the central nervous system. ...
... It is effective in cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, reviving lost memory, increase memory capacity, increase mind concentration, and reduce stress-induced anxiety. According to Ayurveda, it is bitter, pungent, heating, emetic, laxative and useful in bad ulcers, tumours, ascites, enlargement of spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anaemia, biliousness, aphrodisiac, good in scabies, leucoderma, syphilis etc. and relieves stress (Anju, 2011) 2. Common name: Red Spiderling (Punarnava) Boerhavia diffusa, Family: Nyctaginaceae Red Spiderling is a prostrate herb with very diffuse inflorescences. Inflorescences occur at the end of branches, are forked about 3-6 times. ...
Global diversity in vegetable crops is estimated to be about 400 species of which about 80 species of major and minor vegetables are reported to have originated in India. Indigenous and underexploited vegetables particularly leafy vegetables are widely used as sources of food and source of income for many poor communities in India. Many of these plants are rich in nutritional value particularly proteins, vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients particularly antioxidants. Some of these leafy vegetables contain compounds of medicinal importance which enable them to be utilized in different Indian systems of medicine to cure several ailments. Concentrated genetic diversity of such underutilized leafy vegetables are common in Eastern Indian states namely West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar etc. The richness of plant diversity is largely due to ecological diversity superimposed with tribal and ethnic diversification, plant usages and religious rituals. Such common underutilized leafy vegetables are Alternanthera sessilis, Alternenthera pholoxeriodes, Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus spinosus, Ampelygomum malaicum, Diplazium esculentum, Hydrocotyle sibthorpoides, Ipomoea indica, Kratava magna, Malva verticillata, Oxalis corniculata, Polygonum plabium, Portulaca oleracea, Trigonella balansae, Typhonium trilobatum, etc. These vegetables are generally used as day to day vegetables. However, some other plants like as Bacopa monnieri, Boerhavia diffusa, Centella asiatica, Enhydra fluctuans, Hygrophila auriculata, Leucas aspera, Trianthema portulacastrum etc. are also used as leafy vegetables but with some therapeutic objectives. The rural and tribal peoples mostly from poor sector consume these vegetables. They rarely cultivate these herbs instead they collect from nearby vegetations. Recently many vegetable sellers can be seen in different vegetable markets only deals with such leafy vegetables and herbs which is mainly due to the increasing demand of these underutilized plant species by the conscious group. As these indigenous underutilized plants have definite role in alleviating hunger and micronutrient deficiency, supplying phyto-nutrients, preventing malnutrition and treating many ailments, a vast scope lies in cultivation of many of these plants which require exploitation in food, nutrition, economic, social and environmental security for resource deficit in small and marginal farmers. In this context thorough exploration, nutritional profiling, evaluation of antioxidant properties and medicinal benefits are most important before popularization of cultivation of these underutilized leafy vegetables. Keywords: Under-utilized leafy vegetables, nutritional and medicinal benefit, Eastern India.
... Due to the diverse pharmacological actions of Brahmi, research tried to investigate and validate its ethnomedical uses based on the advanced research techniques. They found Brahmi as a potent agent with antioxidant [24], antiulcerogenic [25], cognitive enhancer [26], anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic [27], analgesic, antipyretic, and sedative [26] properties. However, the neuropharmacological activity of this plant is not investigated extensively which influenced us to design our study. ...
Background:
Bacopa monniera has been used as a cure for various ailments that include anxiety, epileptic disorders, dementia, blood purifier, cough and rheumatism, and some important local uses of the plant are in dermatitis, anemia, diabetes, promote fertility and prevent miscarriage for many years in Bangladesh. According to this background, the aim of the study was to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of the methanolic extract of B. monniera (MEBM) in different behavioral models such as forced swimming test (FST), measurement of locomotor activity test (MLAT) and tail suspension test (TST) on mice after two weeks treatment.
Methods:
Mice were divided into five groups (n = 5/group): control group (deionized water), standard group where Imipramine hydrochloride (30 mg/kg) was used as standard drug and three test groups where three doses of the methanolic extract of B. monniera (MEBM) (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was used for two weeks treatment. All the drug and test samples were administered via gavage through oral route. To assess the antidepressant-like effect of MEBM forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and measurement of locomotor activity test (MLAT) have been done in mice.
Results:
The results showed that a strong and dose-dependent antidepressant effects in different mice models. The main findings of the MEBM significantly reduced the duration of immobility times in the forced swimming test (p < 0.001). Likewise, the extract significantly decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test (p < 0.001). Moreover, we employed an additional measurement of locomotor activity test to check the motor stimulating activity of the MEBM. The extract also significantly increased the locomotion, rearing and defecation effects in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The present results clearly demonstrate that the methanolic extract of B. monniera possesses antidepressant-like activity in the animal behavioral models. The current study warrants further investigation into identification of the active compounds in herbal medicines, in particular extract of B. monniera with antidepressant-like effects.
Context: In traditional system of medicine brahmi has been used
to enhance memory. Recently it has been reported to have action
in psychiatric disorders. With these backgrounds the work has
been undertaken to study antidepressant activity of brahmi in
albino mice.
Aim: To evaluate antidepressant activity of brahmi in experimental
models.
Materials and Methods: The antidepressant activity was studied
in albino mice using forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension
test (TST) and shock induced depression (SID). Imipramine
(10mg/kg), fluoxetine (30mg/kg) were used as standard drugs
and brahmi (10, 20, 30mg/kg) was used as test drug.
Results: Brahmi exhibited significant decrease in duration of
immobility in FST and reduced the shock induced decrease
in activity in SID models. It didn’t show any activity in the TST
model.
Conclusion: Brahmi has shown antidepressant activity in FST
and SID.
Spirulina platensis is a blue green algae containing vital nutrients (proteins, lipids and carbohydrates), minerals (zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium), vitamins (β-carotene, riboflavin, cyanocobalamine, α-tocopherol), and α-linoleic acid, reported to promote physical health, improve defense mechanisms of the human body and enhance longevity of life. These attributes are similar to the modern concept of adaptogenic agents, which are known to afford protection of the human physiological system against diverse stressors. Present study investigated the adaptogenic activity of S. platensis against chronic restraint stress induced perturbations in glucose metabolism and immunosupression. Adrenal gland weight, corticosterone content of adrenal gland, plasma corticosterone levels, and histopathological studies of adrenal gland were used as stress indices. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) was used as the standard adaptogenic agent for comparison. Chronic restraint stress induced marked increase in plasma glucose levels, significant increase in adrenal gland weight and plasma corticosterone levels with concomitant decrease in adrenal gland corticosterone content. Restraint stress resulted in distortion of cords, loss of architecture and formation of lesions in the cortex of adrenal gland. These effects were attenuated by S. platensis (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) and ginseng (100 mg/kg, p.o.) administered once daily over a period of 14 d (prior stress period) and continued for next 7 d (during the period of stress induction). Results indicate that S. platensis has adaptogenic activity, qualitatively comparable to ginseng, against a variety of biochemical, physiological and histological perturbations induced by restraint stress.
The effect of subacute cold swimming stress on the immune system of albino rats was investigated. Subacute cold stressed animals showed an increase in total WBC count, eosinophils and basophils. Phagocytic index and avidity index were also increased indicating hyperactive phagocytic process. On the other hand NBT reduction and soluble immune complex levels decreased significantly in stressed animals. There were no significant changes in the weight of the lymphoid organs.
The term adaptogen has not yet been accepted in medicine. This is probably due to the difficulties in discriminating adaptogenic drugs from immunostimulators, anabolic drugs, nootropic drugs, and tonics. There can be not doubt, however, that, at least in animal experiments, there are plant drugs capable of modulating distinct phases of the adaptation syndrome as defined by Seyle. These drugs either reduce stress reactions in the alarm phase or retard / prevent the exhaustion phase and thus provide a certain degree of protection against long-term stress. The small number of drugs the antistress activity of which has been proven or reported includes, among others, the plant drugs Ginseng, Eleutherococcus, Withania, Ocimum, Rhodiola, and Codonopsis. This review summarizes the major findings of pharmacological tests and human studies carried out with these drugs. Currently used assay systems allowing detection of antistress activities are also reported. At present the most likely candidates responsible for the putative antistress activity of plant drugs are special steroids, phenylprogane compounds and lignanes, respectively. Apart from influencing activities of the pituitary-adrenal axis and inducing stress proteins, many adaptogens also possess immunomodulatory and / or anabolic activities.
Prolonged stress, whether a result of mental/emotional upset or due to physical factors such as malnutrition, surgery, chemical exposure, excessive exercise, sleep deprivation, or a host of other environmental causes, results in predictable systemic effects. The systemic effects of stress include increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, a decline in certain aspects of immune system function such as natural killer cell cytotoxicity or secretory-IgA levels, and a disruption of gastrointestinal microflora balance. These systemic changes might be a substantial contributor to many of the stress-associated declines in health. Based on human and animal research, it appears a variety of nutritional and botanical substances - such as adaptogenic herbs, specific vitamins including ascorbic acid, vitamins B1 and B6, the coenzyme forms of vitamin B5 (pantethine) and B12 (methylcobalamin), the amino acid tyrosine, and other nutrients such as lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, and plant sterol/sterolin combinations - may allow individuals to sustain an adaptive response and minimize some of the systemic effects of stress.
The biological response to stress involves the activation of two main neuroendocrine components, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal medullary systems. Looking at the responses to stressors in a laboratory setting, e.g., cortisol production after exercising on a treadmill, is a valid and controlled way to study how people react to psychological and physical stressors. A common finding in such studies is that individuals respond bimodally to stress. More recently, researchers have been interested in the possible reasons why healthy individuals exhibit differential reactivity to stressors. The literature on the neuroendocrine responses to stress, with a particular focus on investigations of individual reactivity to psychological and physical stressors, is reviewed.
Cortisol secretion after awakening, an index of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, appears to be related to psychosocial stressors, or to symptoms caused by psychosocial stressors. The relationship between the quality, duration, and magnitude of psychosocial factors and cortisol secretion is however, unclear. Therefore, the effect of episodic stress associated with writing a graduation thesis on cortisol secretion after awakening was investigated. Saliva samples were collected from 10 undergraduate students at awakening, and 30, 45, and 60 min after awakening 1 month, 2 weeks, and a few days before the thesis submission and 1 week after the submission. They also completed the Short form of Profile of Moods Scale (POMS-S) on the night before each sampling. Results indicated that cortisol levels were higher a few days before the thesis submission compared to 1 month before submission. Scores of "Fatigue" and "Tension-Anxiety" in POMS-S were also higher a few days before submission. These results suggest that episodic stress associated with writing a graduation thesis caused an increase in cortisol levels after awakening.