Anti-cold stress effect of aqueous extract of fruit kernel of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. in wistar Albino rats

Stress is a reflex reaction initiated by animals due to the inability to cope with a stressor, which may cause discomfort, illness, or sometimes death. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-cold stress potential of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (fruit kernel) in Wistar albino rats.

Rats were divided into five different groups (n=6). Cold stress was induced by exposing rats to cold environments during peak winter for 4 h/day for the 10-day experimental period. Groups 1 and 2 kept as healthy and stress-induced groups respectively. Group 3 received the Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg body weight) as a standard adaptogen. The Group 4 and 5 received Z. armatum at a dose rate of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Haemato-biochemical, stress and hormonal profile of all the groups were analyzed.

A significant hyperglycemia was observed in a stress-induced group compared to the healthy group. Elevated lipid peroxidase (LPO) and declined superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were recorded in stress-induced group concerning the healthy group. Hormonal analysis exhibited significant hypercortisolism with significant reduction in thyroxine (T4) values in stressinduced group. However, levels of LPO, SOD and hormonal parameters were recovered towards normal levels in a group 5, receiving a extract of Z. armatum (500 mg/kg). The present study revealed the anti-cold stress potential of aqueous extract of Z. armatum (fruit kernel) at a dose rate of 500 mg per kg body weight in rats.