Anti-Stress Potential of Mikania cordata Root Extract in Mice

Abstract

Methanol root extract of Mikania cordata (Burm., B.L. Robinson) was evaluated for its possible adaptogenic or anti-stress activity against a variety of stress-induced effects in albino mice. Pretreat-ment with the extract (50, 100 or 150 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the survival time of swimming mice, improved swimming performance in adrenalectomized mice, prevented stress-induced adrenal function changes and showed a greater tolerance against hypoxic stress. Milk-induced leucocytosis and stress-induced gastric ulceration were also inhibited significantly upon pretreatment with the extract. The dose-dependent results of this study clearly indicated the antistress response of the plant extract in the experimental animal model which may be attributed to the possible modulation of central neurohumoral and enzymatic changes caused by stressful situations.