Anti-fatigue Activity of Extracts of Syzygium cumini Leaves

In the present study, the anti-fatigue effect of extracts (aqueous, methanolic and ethylacetate) of Syzygium cumini leaves was evaluated against swimming endurance followed by post swimming muscle coordination (rota-rod test) and spontaneous motor activity using actophotometer in rats. Animals were treated for 21 days at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg leaves extracts and these activities were tested using Withania somnifera as a standard drug. At the end of the treatment all animals were individually subjected to stress stimuli. Pretreatment rats with test extracts showed dose dependant significant enhancement in swimming endurance time and antifatigue effect in post swimming muscle coordination and spontaneous motor activity. In addition, the test extracts was found to possess normalizing activity against physical stress induced changes in norepinephrine, dopamine and 5-hydroxy tryptamine. The results obtained provide biochemical evidence for antifatigue activity of the tested extracts. Gallic acid was identified by TLC and estimation of total phenolic content in terms gallic acid equivalent was one of the active priniciples responsible for the anti-fatigue activity.