Evaluation of Baccharis trimera and Davilla rugosa in tests for adaptogen activity.

Baccharis trimera (Asteraceae) and Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae) are used popularly as tonics, aphrodisiacs and for stomach ailments, among other uses. Hydroalcohol extracts of the aerial parts of both plants were investigated with regard to their chemical constitution and their pharmacological activity in tests that evaluate adaptogen activity. Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols/tannins and coumarins were identified in both extracts, while lignans were found only in the extract of Davilla rugosa. This extract presented also a marked antioxidant activity and exerted a moderate antiulcer effect in rats submitted to cold immobilization stress. It did not, however, inhibit the increase in the levels of ACTH and corticosterone induced by stress. Moreover, the Davilla rugosa did not improve the physical performance of mice submitted to forced exercise and the learning time of old rats in the T-maze, neither did it reduce the blood viscosity of the old animals. Conversely, the Baccharis trimera extract only presented a moderate antioxidant activity, without any positive effect on the other tests. These results point to the absence of an adaptogen activity of Baccharis trimera, with some effects that could be related to such an activity as regards the Davilla rugosa. (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.