Preclinical evaluation of effect of Karisalai Chooranam against restraint stress induced oxidative damage

Abstract

Restraint stress is an established animal model for psychological stress. Restraint stress induces oxidative stress through elevation of corticosterone. Development of oxidative stress can be understood from the changes in the status of Antioxidant enzymes and of lipid peroxidation particularly in hypothalamus and hippocampus. Restraint stress induced oxidative stress disrupts functions of hypothalamus and hippocampus particularly disruptions in special recognition, memory and anxiety were observed. Moreover, Restraint stress induced oxidative stress altered the cytokine profile of animal, namely IL6, IL10 which are associated with psychological stress. KSC which is a herbal preparation from Siddha Medicine, consists of six medicinal plants, was standardised as per ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, standards. It showed its efficacy in preventing psychological stress induced abnormal deviations especially in spatial recognition memory functions and anxiety. The efficacy of KSC against detrimental effects of psychological stress, could be due its antioxidant potential. Possible mechanisms of action for its antistress activity are, by preventing development of oxidative stress induced disruptions in hypothalamus and hippocampus functions and by preventing development of dysregulation in cytokines which have important role in psychological wellbeing. From the present study, two research publications have already been made with respect to KSC. Further evaluation through clinical studies are required for human usage. In this study, KSC has been proved experimentally for its efficacy against restraint stress in an animal model. Hence, it can be used for its antistress and antioxidant potential. Moreover, the results of the standardization parameters from the present study can be used as a reference standard in future to find out batch to batch variations. This study acquires significance for its health care and standardization perspectives.