The protective effect of the Vacha rhizome extract on chronic stress-induced immunodeficiency in rat

Abstract

Context: Chronic stress is an inevitable factor in the modern day society which affects cell mediated as well as humoral immunity. There is a need to prevent stress effects with traditionally used herbs.Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the immunoprotective effect of Vacha (Acorus calamus L. Acoraceae) rhizome under stressful condition.Materials and methods: Soxlet extraction of Vacha rhizome was performed with increasing polarity of solvents, i.e., petroleum ether to ethanol. The extract was concentrated by distilling off the solvent in flash evaporator and dried in desiccators. The benzene extract was found to have anti-stress property in our earlier studies and hence it was used in the present experiment. Extract was administered every day for 4 weeks orally to adult female rats prior to exposure to stress, restraint (1 h) and forced swimming exercise (15 min).Results: Vacha rhizome extract significantly prevented the stress induced reduction in total and differential leukocytes count, immunoglobulin content, bone marrow cellularity and viability, lymphocytes counts in lymphoid organs, islands of white pulp of spleen (ED50 = 10 mg, p < 0.001) and a significant increase in circulating immune complexes and apoptotic index of lymphoid organs (ED50 = 10 mg, p < 0.001) compared to controls.Discussion and conclusion: The present study clearly indicates that Vacha extract not only prevents stress-induced suppression of immunity and structural involution of lymphoid organs, but also boosts immunity in normal rats. Therefore, it is suggested that Vacha extract administration maintains normal immunity despite the body experiencing stress.

Evaluation of the hematological and clinical biochemical markers of stress in broiler chickens

“…The significantly lower eosinophil levels in the broilers subjected to stocking density stress concur with reports showing that a reduction in circulating eosinophil numbers is an indicator of stress in animals [24,25]. A reduction in the eosinophil numbers in blood can be a distinguishing factor between leukocyte responses due to infection and that due to stress [26].…”

Labeling compliance and online claims for Ayurvedic herbal supplements on the U.S. market associated with the purported treatment of COVID-19

“…The anti-stress properties of tulsi/holy basil have been demonstrated in several animal studies ( Jothie Richard et al, 2016 ; Kulkarni & Adavirao, 2018 ). Vacha/calamus root has demonstrated an immunoprotective effect in rats exposed to stress ( Sarjan et al, 2017 ); however, there is a lack of research on the ability of this herb to be used for anti-stress support.…”

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Asarone in the Treatment of Neurological Disorders

“…In the Ayurvedic system, A. calamus is extensively used to treat numerous inflammatory disorders [ 36 , 38 , 39 , 40 ], and in China, traditional practitioners prescribe A. calamus to treat constipation, digestive problems, and other health issues [ 41 ]. A. calamus and its primary bioactive constituents have also been found to reduce stress-induced immunosuppression in rats, resulting in improved immune function [ 42 ]. Both α- and β-asarone are widely studied bioactive secondary metabolites, featuring a broad range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, anti-allergic, wound healing, pesticidal, insecticidal, and radioprotective properties, among others [ 36 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ].…”