ADAPTOGENIC ACTIVITY OF THE ETHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF EUPHORBIA THYMIFOLIA L. IN FEMALE RATS

Abstract

Euphorbia thymifolia root is having the protective effect against female reproductive dysfunctions. This study is to evaluate the adaptogenic effect of ethanolic extract of Euphorbia thymifolia root in treating female reproductive dysfunction induced by stress. Forced swimming stress (15 min/day for 28 days) and restraint stress (3 h/day for 28 days) were the methods employed to induce female reproductive dysfunction in rats. Ethanolic extract of Euphorbia thymifolia root was given to rats in two doses, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg for 28 days along with induction of stress and its effectiveness was assessed by observing changes in estrous cycle and organs weight. The results were analysed by using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. Euphorbia thymifolia root extract showed a significant protective effect which is evident by decrease in the duration of proestrous and increase in duration of estrous, metestrous, and diestrous phases. Whereas the weight of adrenal glands noticeably decreased in ethanol extract treated group confirming the adaptogenic effect which was found to be dose dependent. The adaptogenic activity may be due to the presence of various phytochemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids and other constituents present in the Euphorbia thymifolia root.