Anacyclus pyrethrum L. root is one among the ingredients of polyherbal formulation frequently employed for the treatment of stress by Ayurvedic practioners. So, the objective of this study was to scientifically validate its use. Animals were administered graded doses of ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root and subjected for anoxia stress tolerance test, swimming endurance test and acetic acid induced writhing test models and its adaptogenic potential was assessed by estimating various parameters. Stressed animals demonstrated altered values of these parameters. Ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root exhibited significant anti-stress activity by restoration of all the altered values. Present findings validate its use in Aurvedic system of medicine.