Anti-cold Stress Effect of Aqueous Extract of Fruit Kernel of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: 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. Methods: 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. Result: 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 stress- induced 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.