Abstract

Objectives: To assess the adaptogenic activity of hydroethanolic extract of grewia hirsuta vahl. in experimentally induced stress. Methods: Hydroethanolic extract of Grewia hirsuta was tested at 250 and 500 mg/kg. The behavioral and biochemical studies comprises of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, SGPT, SGOT, BUN, and cortisol were estimated. Results: Adrenocorticotropic hormone causes tropisms of adrenal glands and spleen at the expense of liver functions as a result of the stress induced response. The extract at two different level doses reduces the secretion of corticosterone from adrenal cortex and other biochemicals (see table 1&5). Conclusion: Grewia hirsuta was used in folk & tribal medicine from the times immemorial for nervine, brain tonic, antipyretic, diuretic, carminative, aphrodisiac, cardiac tonic. The pharmacological activity of the extract was not as per the literature survey. Hence, our study which is known to reduce the cortisol secretion may be the cause for the stress.