Adaptogenic activity of a glyco-peptido-lipid fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn.

A glyco-peptido lipid fraction ("AF") from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn. was evaluated for putative antistress activity in a battery of tests. "AF" exhibited significant antistress activity in dose dependent manner in all the parameters studied, against the different stresses use to induce non-specific stress. Ashwagandha, the commercial extract of Withania somnifera roots was used as control: A preliminary acute toxicity study in mice showed a good margin of safety, as the ALD50 value was more than 3000 mg/kg body wt. p.o. with no signs of abnormalities.