Comparative Evaluation of Anti-Stress Potential of Olea Europaea and Cissus Quadrangularis Ethanolic Extracts in Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

Stress-related disorders remain a pressing global health challenge, contributing to diverse physiological and psychological dysfunctions through oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the anti-stress potential of ethanolic extracts of Olea europaea (olive) and Cissus quadrangularis using validated experimental models in mice and rats. Extracts were assessed for effects on physical endurance, hypoxia tolerance, biochemical stress markers (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, cortisol, BUN), gastric mucosal integrity, oxidative stress parameters (GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, MPO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α).

Results showed both extracts (400 and 600 mg/kg) significantly improved swimming endurance and hypoxia tolerance, reduced biochemical markers of stress, normalized adrenal gland and organ weights, and lowered ulcer index with increased gastric pH in unpredictable spontaneous stress models. Both extracts also improved antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased lipid peroxidation and inflammatory cytokines. The effects were comparable to the standard adaptogen (Geriforte). These findings provide scientific support for traditional claims and suggest Olea europaea and Cissus quadrangularis as promising natural adaptogens with multi-target actions against stress-induced physiological alterations.