1. Decreased mitochondrial superoxide levels and enhanced protection against paraquat in Drosophila melanogaster supplemented with Rhodiola rosea.
- Author
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Schriner SE, Abrahamyan A, Avanessian A, Bussel I, Maler S, Gazarian M, Holmbeck MA, and Jafari M
- Subjects
- Animals, Antioxidants chemistry, Catalase metabolism, Cytoprotection, Disaccharides analysis, Down-Regulation, Drosophila melanogaster metabolism, Female, Fertility drug effects, Glucosides analysis, Hydrogen Peroxide toxicity, Longevity drug effects, Male, Mitochondria enzymology, Mitochondria metabolism, Phenols analysis, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Plant Roots, Superoxide Dismutase metabolism, Antioxidants pharmacology, Drosophila melanogaster drug effects, Mitochondria drug effects, Oxidants toxicity, Oxidative Stress drug effects, Paraquat toxicity, Rhodiola, Superoxides metabolism
- Abstract
The root extract from Rhodiola rosea has been reported to have numerous health benefits in human and animal studies. Its molecular mechanism is currently unknown; however, it has been suggested to act as an antioxidant. This study found that a formulation of R. rosea extract, SHR-5, from the Swedish Herbal Institute (SHI) could extend both mean (24% in both sexes) and maximum (16% in males and 31% in females) life span in Drosophila melanogaster when compared to controls. It also found that it lowered mitochondrial superoxide levels and afforded elevated protection against the superoxide generator paraquat in both sexes. The extract SHR-5 did not alter the activities of the major antioxidant enzymes, the superoxide dismutases or catalase, nor did it afford protection against H(2)O(2) or soluble iron. These results present a decrease in endogenous superoxide levels as a possible mode of action for the root extract of R. rosea.
- Published
- 2009
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