Reduction of acute mild stress corticosterone response and changes in stress‐responsive gene expression in male Balb/c mice after repeated administration of a Rhodiola rosea L. root extract

Abstract

Rhodiola rosea L. (R. rosea) is an adaptogenic plant increasing body resistance to stress. Its efficacy has been evidenced mainly in chronic stress models, data concerning its effect in acute stress and underlying mechanisms being scarce. The objective was to investigate the effect of repeated doses of a R. rosea hydroethanolic root extract (HRE) on hypothalamic pituitary adrenal response in a murine model of acute mild stress and also the mechanisms involved. Stress response was measured in Balb/c mice having received by gavage HRE (5 g/kg) or vehicle daily for 2 weeks before being submitted to an acute mild stress protocol (open‐field test then elevated plus maze). Corticosterone was measured in plasma from mandibular vein blood drawn before and 30, 60, and 90 min after initiation of the stress protocol. Mice were sacrificed at 90 min, and the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala were excised for high‐frequency RT‐PCR gene expression analysis. At 30 min after acute mild stress induction, corticosterone level in mice having received the HRE was lower than in control mice and comparable to that in nonstressed mice in the HRE group. HRE administration induced brain structure‐dependent changes in expression of several stress‐responsive genes implicated in neuronal structure, HPA axis activation, and circadian rhythm. In the acute mild stress model used, R. rosea HRE decreased corticosterone level and increased expression of stress‐responsive genes, especially in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that R. rosea HRE could be of value for modulating reactivity to acute mild stress.

The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions—Encouraging Clinical Evidence

“…The excess production of endorphins at stressful situations interferes with normal brain functions and can lead to heart damage. In addition, R. rosea might protect the brain and heart by reducing the secretion of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) under stress, decrease corticosterone levels and increase the expression of stress-responsive genes, especially in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex [27,28].…”

Efficacy of Complex Phytoadaptogens as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis

“…CFAs affect inflammation in the periodontium by several mechanisms: they modulate the synthesis of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone during stress, increase levels of neurohormones (“happiness hormones”—endorphins, dopamine), exhibit neuroprotective activity, and prolong the stage of resistance of Selye’s triad. [ 15 16 , 40 ] Secondary metabolites of adaptogens initiate adaptation of cells to stress, which is called the phenomenon of hormesis or preconditioning[ 17 ]; under the influence of Fapri and transcription factors NF-KB and FOXO, neurons adapt to stress that plays a role in the adaptation of the NEIM system to the photoperiod [ Figure 4G ]. [ 41 42 ] Glycyrrhizin G. glabra significantly inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the expression of nuclear factor-activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) [ Figure 4H ].…”

Evaluation of the geroprotective effects of withaferin A in Drosophila melanogaster

“…Blueberry extract [ 57 ], Lonicera japonica extract [ 58 ] promote stress tolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Styphnolobium japonicum fruits [ 59 ], Rhodiola rosea root extract [ 60 ], Cotinus coggygria extract [ 61 ] increase stress resistance and exert antioxidant properties in mouse models. Therefore, we decided to check the effect of WA on the resistance of Drosophila’s flies to oxidative stress and hyperthermia.…”