Evaluation of Antistress Potential of Piper betle Leaves on Experimental Mice.

Vandana  Tiwari; Brijesh  Shukla; Akash  Sharma

doi:10.5455/JELM.20250811060513

Abstract
Aim/Background: To evaluate the antistress (adaptogenic) potential and safety of the ethanolic extract of Piper betle leaves (PBLE) using validated behavioral models in mice.
Methods: PBLE was prepared by maceration in 80% ethanol. Acute toxicity (limit test, 2000 mg/kg) and sub-acute (14-day) safety were performed. Antistress efficacy was evaluated using the Tail Suspension Test (TST), Forced Swim Test (FST), and Anoxia Stress Tolerance (AST) in Swiss albino mice (groups: control, diazepam 1 mg/kg, PBLE 200 mg/kg, PBLE 400 mg/kg; n=5). Phytochemical screening and TLC profiling were done. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p<0.05).
Results: Acute toxicity showed no mortality or organ pathology at 2000 mg/kg. PBLE (200–400 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent reductions in immobility in TST and FST (significant at 400 mg/kg) and increased anoxia tolerance across 3 weeks. Phytochemical tests and TLC indicated presence of eugenol, quercetin, methyl chavicol and other secondary metabolites.
Conclusion: PBLE demonstrated significant antistress (adaptogenic) activity with a favorable safety profile, supporting its traditional use and warranting further mechanistic studies.

Key words: Piper betle, antistress activity, medicinal plants, ethanolic extract, phytochemical screening.