Effect of Eugenol on the Behaviour of Wistar Albino Rats Subjected to Noise Induced Stress

INTRODUCTION The Eugenol is the major constituent of Ocimum sanctum Linn. The vast majority of work in Ocimum sanctum Linn has been completed so far but the effects of Eugenol on stress parameters were indistinct. The acute noise stress can modulate the anxiety related behavior such as Rota rod tests in Wistar albino rats. AIM & OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of stress on motor coordination and performance in rats after the administration of active principle of Ocimum sanctum Linn. MATERIALS & METHODS All the animals were randomly divided into three groups with six animals in each. Group I This group of rats served as control. Group II Rats of this group were subjected to acute noise stress 4 hours /day and after that 6 consecutive days roto rod test were made. Group III This group Eugenol is administered (50 mg/kg/day, IP for 15 consecutive days) after acute noise stress. Noise was produced by two loudspeakers (15 W), driven by a white-noise generator (026 kHz), and installed 30 cm above the cage. Control rats were kept in the above-described cage during the corresponding period of time, without noise stimulation. Rota rod is intended for testing coordination and impairment of locomotor ability of rats using well-established principle of a rotating rod on which an animal tries to maintain its balance. RESULTS The motor coordination of the noise exposed rats is compared with the control which can balance on the rota-rod for 300sec. There are no overlaps at df = 2, p = 0.002 (fig1) which shows that the time taken by the noise stressed and Eugenol treated rats balanced on the rota-rod varies significantly from that of the control. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that acute noise stress significantly induced the alterations in motor coordination. Administration of Eugenol is an ideal anti stressor substance for the prevention of stress induced changes in motor coordination.