Adaptogenic activity of Caesalpinia bonduc seed extracts in rats

Caesalpinia bonduc Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae) seed extracts were screened for adaptogenic activity using cold stress model and swim endurance model, the seed coat as well as kernel extracts showed significant antistress activity when administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg. The extracts significantly increased the swim endurance time. Stress induced animals exhibited hypoglycaemia as well as depletion in serum cortisol level and increased total leukocyte count, the extracts showed a significant action in overcoming these imbalances. It was also found that extracts proved efficient in controlling the hyperlipidaemic condition due to stress. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.