title: Evaluation of Ratnaprash for its effect on strength, stamina and fatigue using swim endurance test and biochemical estimation in swiss albino mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Traditional medicines have been considered as important resources for postponing fatigue, accelerating elimination of fatigue related metabolites and improving physical ability. Rasāyanās or rejuvenative therapies are mentioned as one of the eight clinical specialties in Ayurveda for attaining longevity, healthy life and regulation of bodily balance. Eventhough more detailed studies are needed to confirm the claims of benefits in the light of evidence based research, Ratnaprash, a herbo-mineral rasāyana formulation, is proposed here to be an antifatigue supplement that is good in promoting strength and stamina.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study, anti fatigue, strength and stamina enhancing properties of Ratnaprash were examined based on swim endurance capacity and the change in biochemical parameters in Swiss Albino mice. Treatment groups were orally administered Ratnaprash at various test doses (500, 1000, 2000 mg/Kg per day), while the control group received distilled water at similar dose volumes. Effect of therapy was evaluated after 28 days of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of study period, the swimming times to exhaustion were longer in the treated groups than in the control group. Plasma lactate levels of treated groups were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05) while tissue ATP levels were higher. These effects were dose dependent and the strongest effect was seen in groups treated at 1000 mg/Kg.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ratnaprash enhanced the forced swimming capacity of mice and exhibited elevated anti-fatigue activity, reduced blood lactate levels and increased tissue ATP levels in preclinical models in comparison to vehicle control, exhibiting possible role in increasing strength and stamina and contributing anti-fatigue activity.
authors.affiliation: Medical Affairs and Clinical Research Division, Dabur Research and Development Centre, Sahibabad (Ghaziabad), Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Medical Affairs and Clinical Research Division, Dabur Research and Development Centre, Sahibabad (Ghaziabad), Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Satyendra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Pharmacology Division, Althea Life Sciences Limited, Adj. Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Rashmi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rajput
authors.affiliation: Medical Affairs and Clinical Research Division, Dabur Research and Development Centre, Sahibabad (Ghaziabad), Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Ruchi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.affiliation: Formulations Division, Dabur Research and Development Centre, Sahibabad (Ghaziabad), Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Rajiv K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Rai
authors.affiliation: Healthcare Research, Dabur Research and Development Centre, Sahibabad (Ghaziabad), Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: J L N
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Sastry
keywords: Ratnaprash; antifatigue activity; stamina; strength; traditional medicine