Butea frondosa: Anti-Stress Herb?

Butea frondosa is a herb that is used in traditional Indian medicine. The plant grows throughout India, and is harvested for its medicinal properties. Indian medicine considered Butea frondosa a rejuvenating herb, and the flowers and leaves of the plant are thought to have a general anti-stress effect. Some evidence also shows that extracts of Butea frondosa may cause cognitive enhancement. In one study, leaf extracts of the plant were administered to rats that were exposed to experimental stress and memory tests. The results of the study showed that 7 days treatment with the plant extract was significantly able to protect the rats from stress-induced gastric lesions. In addition, the researcher observed a weak nootropic effect whereby the rat’s memory of learning tasks had been significantly improved. Therefore phytochemicals within the plant appear to possess biological activity in animals that may confer protection from disease. This suggests that Butea frondosa is able to alter brain chemistry in a beneficial manner. 

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Soman, I., Mengi, S. A. and Kasture, S. B. 2004. Effect of leaves of Butea frondosa on stress, anxiety, and cognition in rats. Pharmacology biochemistry and behavior. 79(1): 11-16

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.
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