Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANTI-SRESS ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ALTERNANTHERA SESSILIS (LINN.) AND ITS SILVER NANOPARTICLES IN CHRONIC VARIABLE STRESS MODEL.

Sibi P. Ittiyavirah* and Jahanara Hameed

ABSTRACT

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles incorporating the herbal extracts can potentially eliminate the toxicity problem. These particles can be prepared easily by different chemical, physical, and biological approaches. But the biological approach is the most emerging approach of preparation, because, this method is easier than the other methods, eco-friendly and less time consuming. The Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was done by using the ethanolic extract of Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) and Silver nitrate. The anti stress activity of ethanolic extract of Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) (EEAS) and its silver nanoparticles (ASAgNPs) were evaluated using forced swim (FST) and open field test following chronic variable stress (CVS). The effect of EEAS (200 mg/kg) and ASAgNPs (20mg/kg) were assessed by the ex vivo biochemical assays by measuring the plasma corticosterone and glucose levels. The behavioural parameters such as rearing, self-grooming, ambulation activity and Immobility were analysed using open field apparatus and Forced swim test respectively. EEAS and ASAgNPs have shown protective effect against stress in chronic variable stress model. Significant neuroprotection was produced in chronic variable stress model by EEAS. It resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in immobility time along with a significant increase in locomotion as compared to the stress only group. The reduction in the plasma corticosterone level and glucose levels indicate the reduction in stress in the animals. It is concluded that Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) may be used as a phytomedicine for Anti-stress. The ethanolic extract exhibited better activity compared to its nanoparticles.

Keywords: Chronic variable stress, Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.), Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) silver nanoparticles.