Isolation of Beta-Asarone and Forskolin and Their in Vivo Activity Against Stress

Abstract

Stress is known to result in impairment of learning and memory and precipitate several affective disorders including depression and anxiety. Drugs of natural origin are known to possess several effects on the central nervous system and are emerging as promising alternative. Beta-asarone is one of the main bioactive constituents in traditional Chinese medicine Acorus calamus. Forskolin, a labdane diterpene is the main active ingredient in the ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii (Labatiae) that has been used in India since ancient times. The present study was designed to evaluate the antistress activity of the isolated compounds. The compounds were isolated by normal phase column chromatography and the structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Beta-asarone and Forskolin were tested using elevated plus maze (EPM) model and forced swimming test (FST) respectively in Swiss albino mice. Albino mice were treated with different doses of the extracts (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg orally) and behavior was observed on the EPM and FST. Results showed that isolated compounds Beta-asarone and Forskolin at the dose of 100 mg/kg markedly increased the average time spent in the open arms in EPM and the same compounds showed a significant decrease in the time spent immobile by mice in FST. These results provide support for the potential antistress activity.