Abstract

Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Euphorbiaceae) [EO] fruit is traditionally used as a general health tonic in Ayurveda. In the present study the effect of alcoholic extract of EO fruits was evaluated on acute stress induced biochemical and psychological changes in mice. Acute stress was induced by restraint stress method and the effect of EO at the doses of 100, 250 and 500mg/kg was evaluated on levels of plasma glucose and corticosterone. The level of anxiety induced by acute stress was measured by subjecting the mice to elevated plus maze. The extract at the doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg significantly countered the stress induced elevated plasma glucose and cortisol levels. Likewise, the extract at the doses of 250 and 500mg/kg increased the number of entries and time spent in the open arm in elevated plus maze. In conclusion the Emblica officinalis fruit extract significantly reduces the adverse effects of stress on physical and mental health.