Journal of Natural Remedies

H. N. Shivaprasad , M. D. Kharya , A. C. Rana

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and adaptogenic activities of Triphala, an Indian Ayurvedic medicinal preparation. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity of Triphala was determined by hydroxyl and nitric oxide radical scavenging methods. Adaptogenic activity was studied using swim endurance, anoxic stress tolerance and chronic stress induced behavioral despair test models. Triphala was administered at the dosage levels of 100 to 500 mg/kg b.w.p.o. Results and Discussion: Triphala was found to scavenge hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals in vitro. The IC₅₀ value for hydroxyl radical scavenging was 40.5 μg/mL and that for nitric oxide radical scavenging was found to be 40 μg/mL, respectively. Oral administration of Triphala formulation significantly improved the stress tolerance by increasing the swim duration (762.28 ± 7.17 minute), anoxic stress tolerance duration (39.11 ± 1.05 minute) and reduced the stress induced increase in the immobility period (61.11 ± 3.42 seconds) in chronic shock induced stress. Conclusion: Triphala has been found to be an excellent scavenger of hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide radicals, whose excessive formation is implicated in oxidative stress. Triphala is capable of increasing the capacity to tolerate non-specific stress in experimental animals as evident from the restoration of parameters studied during different types of stress models.

Keywords

Triphala, Antioxidant, Adaptogenic

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M. Bhanumathy , H. N. Shivaprasad , L. V. G. Nargund

Abstract

Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is a bright yellow ancient spice native to Asian countries. It has been used as traditional remedy dating back to 600 BC. Turmeric is well known for its applications as a cosmetic, condiment and flavoring agent. The present study was an attempt to explore the protective effect of <i>Curcuma longa</i> rhizomes against physical stress-induced perturbations in rats. Animals were pre-treated with extracts of C. longa rhizomes (crystallized ethylacetate extract; and byproduct-oleoresin) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 21 days. The effect on swimming endurance followed by post-swimming muscle co-ordination and spontaneous motor activity was evaluated. Estimation of brain monoamine levels in rats and HPLC analysis were carried out. Pre-treated rats with C. longa extracts showed dose dependant significant enhancement in swimming endurance time, increased the duration (sec) of stay on rota-rod apparatus and increased the count (actophotometer score) in spontaneous motor activity. In addition, the pre-treated rats were found to possess normalizing activity against physical stress induced changes in norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Curcuminoids was identified by HPLC analysis and it was one of the active principles responsible for the adaptogenic activity. Extracts of C. longa rhizomes exhibited adaptogenic activity against physical stress model followed by post-swimming muscle co-ordination and spontaneous motor activity, which could be due to the presence of curcuminoids content. In conclusion, the results of the present investigation emphasized the protective effect of C. longa rhizomes against physical stress-induced perturbations in rats.

Keywords

Adaptogenic, Actophotometer, Brain Monoamines, Curcuma longa, Swimming Endurance, Rota-Rod.

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