Stressors of different kinds adversely affect life history parameters like growth, development, and reproduction. Organisms overcome the negative impact of environmental stressors and strive to reach a tolerant state through genetic and metabolic activities. Ayurvedic formulations are reported to have life trait benefitting properties which improve capacity to withstand stress and tolerate adverse conditions. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Madhuyashti (Glycirrhiza glabra) Ayurvedic formulations are known to have immunomodulatory, intellect promoting, and adaptogenic properties, thus favoring good health and healthy aging. Present study investigates the efficacy of Guduchi and Madhuyashti in providing tolerance to different stresses and the underlying mechanisms using the Drosophila model. Drosophila larvae/flies fed on Guduchi or Madhuyashti were better thermo-protected, which correlated with increased expression of heat shock genes even without the heat shock. Guduchi or Madhuyashti feeding also increased antimicrobial peptide expression, thus providing better tolerance to pathogenic assaults. Feeding on Guduchi- or Madhuyashti- supplemented food also enhanced starvation and desiccation tolerance. However, neither of these formulations provided beneficial effects when grown under crowded conditions or when exposed to oxidative stressors.
Keywords: Ayurveda; Desiccation; Guduchi; Heat shock proteins; Madhuyashti; ROS; Starvation; Thermotolerance.