Potentials of Gynura procumbens to modulate chronic stress and immunological responses in Oreochromis niloticus.

Natural products and traditional remedies have become more popular over the years since they have less harmful side effects and are considered environmentally friendly. In this study we aimed to investigate the potential of Gynura procumbens extract (GPE), a well-known traditional medicinal plant extract, on the stress modulation of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia). Four different experimental groups: control, stress, prevention, and treatment were monitored for 12 weeks. Hydrocortisone (0.01% of body weight) was incorporated with the feed to induce the stress response in stress, prevention and treatment groups. Feed was also supplemented with 0.15% GPE of body weight for the prevention and treatment groups. Cortisol concentration was reduced significantly in the prevention (1870.52 pg/mL; p = 0.006) and treatment (2925.91 pg/mL; p = 0.002) groups than the stress group (7614.22 pg/mL). The result is substantiated by significant decrease in blood glucose level in prevention (29.5 mg/dL; p = 0.002) and treatment (31.5 mg/dL; p = 0.006) groups, compared to stress group (47.33 mg/dL) at the end of the experiment. Considering the current finding, we can conclude the GPE has potential to be used as therapeutic option for stress regulation however there is a room for further detailed study to understand the in-depth mechanism.

Stimulatory effect of Holy basil and Thai basil on mouse spleen cell proliferation.

Study was conducted on mouse spleen cells, cultured and incubated in-vitro with Holy basil and Thai basil, to observe their effect on proliferation. Four dilutions, namely 1:1, 1:5, 1:25, and 1:125, for both Holy basil and Thai Basil were used separately, in presence and absence of mitogen, Concanavalin A (Con A) to stimulate the T cells. Cell proliferation was monitored by 3 H- thymidine radioisotope incorporation. Spleen cells (macrophages, B and T cells) showed significantly more proliferation at 1:1 dilution than control (cells with no factor), incubated with Holy basil (in assay without Con A). Spleen T cells, however, did not show any significance in proliferation at same dilution, 1:1, with Holy basil with Con A. All other dilutions (with or without Con A), for either Holy basil or Thai basil, did not show any significant changes in proliferation when compared to control.