An Experimental Evaluation of Anti-Stress Effects of ‘Geriforte’ (an Ayurvedic Drug)

Abstract

“Geriforte”, a combination of several plant ingredients is being used in India as a restorative tonic in old age. In the present study, this Ayurvedic drug has been evaluated for anti-stress (“Adaptogenic”) activity by inducing various stressful situations in animals. The survival time of swimming mice increased with different doses of “Geriforte”. The drug also prevented changes in the adrenals (increase in weight and reduction of ascorbic acid and Cortisol contents) induced by stress (5 hr. swimming). Both restraint and chemically induced ulcers were prevented by 100 mg/kg of “Geriforte”. Furthermore, pretreatment with “Geriforte” prevented the increase of liver weight and volume induced by carbon tetrachloride and also the milk-induced leucocytosis. Gradual and constant increase in body weight was observed in rats taking the drug. However, no effect was observed on spontaneous motor activity and body temperature. It has some central nervous system stimulant activity as judged by the reduction of hexobarbital sleeping time. The LD₅₀ as determined in acute toxicity studies on mice was between 5 and 6g/kg orally. Prolongation of survival time, prevention of stress-induced changes in adrenals, restraint ulcers, liver toxicity, milk induced leucocytosis and the innocuous nature of the drug indicate the presence of anti-stress (“adaptogenic”) properties in “Geriforte”.