Enhanced Thermogenesis in Rats by a Composite Indian Herbal Preparation-I and its Mechanism of Action

Objective: A composite Indian herbal preparation-I (CIHP-I) containing ingredients derived from 7 different plants and asphalt was tested for its adaptogenic activity and its mechanism of action was investigated. Design: CIHP-I was tested using the cold-hypoxia-restraint (C-H-R) animal model in which the restrained rats were exposed to 5°C at 428 mm Hg atmospheric pressure. Rectal temperature (Tree) of the rats was continuously monitored during the exposure and the recovery periods. The time for fall of Tree to 23°C and its recovery to 37°C were used as indices of endurance and the adaptogenic activity. Carbohydrate and lipid parameters were investigated to find out the nature of fuel being used during thermogenesis. Results: After 12 weeks of administration of an oral dose of 7.5 mg/kg–1/day–1, CIHP-I was found to possess significant adaptogenic activity. CIHP-I helped improve resistance to C-HR induced hypothermia (Tree 23°C) in animals by increased mobilization of free fatty acids (FFA) from adipose ti...