Adaptogenic Activity of Biflavonoid (2’’,3’’-dihydrohinokiflavone) from the ‘Sanjeevani’ in Mice: Behavioural and Biochemical Approach

Selaginella bryopteris L. is frequently used in traditional Indian systems of medicine for the prevention and therapy of several diseases. The objective of the present study was to isolate the phytocompound 2’’,3’’-dihydrohinokiflavone from S. bryopteris by chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis and evaluate bioactive fraction (12.5-100 mg/kg, p.o) for putative anti-stress activity against several anti-stress animals’ models like (hypoxia time, swimming induced stress). Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of 2’’,3’’-dihydrohinokiflavone (4.5 mg/kg) in the plant sample. BF in dose-dependent manner 12.5-100 mg/ kg, p.o. delayed the hypoxia time, increased the swimming time, and reduced the incidence and severity of stomach ulceration in mice. BF increased the labor productivity and decreased exhaustion and significantly inhibited the stress-induced hypothermic effect, produced depletion of ascorbic acid, cholesterol, and corticosteroid and it also reduced adrenal gland weight. Anti-stress test in stressed mice was well confirmed by BF of S. bryopteris for use as an adaptogen.