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Simple Summary: Oxidative stress is a significant challenge in aquaculture, often triggered by environmental factors such as poor water quality, high stocking densities, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to contaminants like ammonia and heavy metals. These conditions lead to the excessive production of harmful molecules, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can overwhelm the body's natural defenses and cause cellular damage. Natural antioxidants, found in plants and other natural sources, have the potential to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing ROS and protecting aquatic species. This review explores the role of various natural antioxidants, including carotenoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, in promoting better health and resilience in fish and other aquatic animals. These antioxidants not only improve immune function and stress tolerance but also enhance growth and product quality. The findings provide insights into how natural antioxidants can serve as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic additives, supporting sustainable aquaculture practices. By understanding their mechanisms and benefits, this study offers guidance for researchers and farmers to improve aquaculture systems, ensuring healthier aquatic animals and more sustainable production for the growing global demand for seafood. Oxidative stress, a critical factor affecting the health and productivity of aquatic organisms, arises from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses. In aquaculture, natural antioxidants have gained increasing attention as sustainable feed additives to mitigate oxidative damage, enhance immune responses, and improve overall growth performance. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the antioxidative mechanisms of key natural antioxidants, including carotenoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. By neutralizing ROS and modulating cellular signaling pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, these compounds offer significant protective effects against oxidative damage in aquatic species. The manuscript consolidates recent advancements in antioxidant research, highlighting their practical applications in feed formulation and their role in promoting sustainability in aquaculture. This review aims to provide an integrative framework for understanding natural antioxidants' potential, guiding future research and practical implementation in aquaculture systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients in fish and is also an excellent anti-stress additive and antioxidant. In this paper, the effects of vitamin C on the anti-stress hormone levels, heat stress proteins and immune response, and anti-lipid peroxidation, protein peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as the relationship between vitamin C anti-stress and antioxidant capacity were introduced to provide a scientific basis for the use of vitamin C in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Syzygium aromaticum and Coffea canephora are acknowledged for their outstanding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nerve-stimulant properties, showcasing potential in brain protection. Therefore, this study aims to quantitatively review existing literature and assess the potential of using it to formulate a herbal tea blend for managing stress and anxiety. Methods: Data was retrieved from the Scopus database, and a bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer software. Results: Following a screening process, a total of 121 articles were identified, with S. aromaticum yielding a higher number compared to C. canephora. A detailed exploration of each plant revealed active components such as eugenol, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, caffeine, mangiferin, and chlorogenic acids, each exhibiting stimulatory effects alongside antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The neuroprotective effects were attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, coupled with the stimulation of neurotransmitters and hormones like dopamine, serotonin, cortisol, and adrenaline. Conclusions: The review showed that these plants positively affect mood and cognition by influencing the brain's pleasure system. This suggests the need for further research to combine these plant extracts for developing 'Tenang tea', a potential herbal blend for managing stress and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea polyphenols, collectively extracted from tea leaves, mainly consist of catechins, flavones, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids. They have the ability to inhibit the adhesion, proliferation, and protein expression of various viruses, suppress the growth of a range of harmful bacteria, and regulate the balance of the gut microbiota, enhance antioxidant capacity by increasing the activity of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, reducing levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, thus improving antioxidant performance. Tea polyphenols can alleviate inflammation by regulating multiple signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and strengthen the barrier function of epithelial cells in the lungs and intestines by increasing the expression of epithelial tight junction proteins, inhibiting the adhesion of bacteria and other microorganisms. Tea polyphenols can improve the growth performance and antioxidant capabilities of piglets and fattening pigs, enhance muscle quality, and improve the reproductive performance of sows, as well as the function of sperm and oocytes. They can also enhance the antioxidant performance of laying hens (especially older ones), improve egg quality, and improve the antioxidant properties, muscle quality and intestinal morphology of geese, pigeons and laying ducks. This article reviews the composition and metabolism of tea polyphenols, their biological functions, and their application in pigs and poultry, aiming to provide a reference for their use in livestock and poultry farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astaxanthin has multiple physiological functions and is applied widely. The yeast Phaffia rhodozyma is an ideal source of microbial astaxanthin. However, the stress conditions beneficial for astaxanthin synthesis often inhibit cell growth, leading to low productivity of astaxanthin in this yeast. In this study, 1 mg/L melatonin (MT) could increase the biomass, astaxanthin content, and yield in P. rhodozyma by 21.9, 93.9, and 139.1%, reaching 6.9 g/L, 0.3 mg/g DCW, and 2.2 mg/L, respectively. An RNA-seq-based transcriptomic analysis showed that MT could disturb the transcriptomic profile of P. rhodozyma cell. Furthermore, differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis show that the genes induced or inhibited significantly by MT were mainly involved in astaxanthin synthesis, metabolite metabolism, substrate transportation, anti-stress, signal transduction, and transcription factor. A mechanism of MT regulating astaxanthin synthesis was proposed in this study. The mechanism is that MT entering the cell interacts with components of various signaling pathways or directly regulates their transcription levels. The altered signals are then transmitted to the transcription factors, which can regulate the expressions of a series of downstream genes as the DEGs. A zinc finger transcription factor gene (ZFTF), one of the most upregulated DEGs, induced by MT was selected to be overexpressed in P. rhodozyma. It was found that the biomass and astaxanthin synthesis of the transformant were further increased compared with those in MT-treatment condition. Combining MT-treatment and ZFTF overexpression in P. rhodozyma, the biomass, astaxanthin content, and yield were 8.6 g/L, 0.6 mg/g DCW, and 4.8 mg/L and increased by 52.1, 233.3, and 399.7% than those in the WT strain under MT-free condition. In this study, the synthesis and regulation theory of astaxanthin is deepened, and an efficient dual strategy for industrial production of microbial astaxanthin is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Captivity serves as the primary method for enhancing animal survival and productivity. However, the stress induced by confinement can hinder animal growth and reproduction. The administration of drugs to captive animals can effectively regulate their stress response and can also be used inartificial breeding, reproduction, and experimental animalization of wild species. The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi), a subterranean herbivore, experiences significant stress during the captive process owing to its unique habitat. Methods: In our study, we utilized Radix astragali (RA) and Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) extracts to intervene in the stress response of plateau zokors. Results: Our findings demonstrated that RA and AS treatment considerably improved food intake and reduced weight loss, stress-related behavior, and stress hormone levels in plateau zokors. Furthermore, the excitatory pathway of amphetamine addition in the hypothalamus was suppressed by RA and AS treatment, acting through the Grin and Prkc gene families. Notably, after RA treatment, the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction pathway, enriched by the Col1a1/3a1/1a2/6a1 gene, was significantly upregulated, potentially enhancing the immune function of captive plateau zokors. Discussion: In conclusion, our research demonstrates that RA and AS treatment can effectively alleviate the stress response of plateau zokors in captive environments. The downregulation of the excitation pathway and upregulation of the immune pathway offer valuable insights into the response and potential mechanisms of plant-based drugs in mitigating animal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A study was conducted to evaluate the serum biochemical and oxidative stress parameters of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) obtained from homestead ponds in Makurdi metropolis, Nigeria, in order to establish changes due to stress from transportation, following the pretreatment of transporting water with palm oil and aqua anti-stress. Serum samples were obtained from the blood collected from the fish a day before, just before loading the fish, immediately after journey, and 3 days post-transportation. The samples were used to analyze for some oxidative stress markers like malon dialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and other biochemical parameters such as; alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TRG). Results: There was a significant (p0.05) difference in MDA levels of PA group compared with the control after the journey. However, there was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the MDA levels of aqua anti-stress agent-treated water (A) group compared with the control, before the journey and after the journey. There was a significantly (P0.05) difference in the ALT, AST and ALP activities of aqua anti-stress agent-treated water (A) group when compared with the control, before the journey and after the journey. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the TC and TRG levels of A, PA and PB groups when compared with the control group, before the journey and after the journey. The ALT, AST and ALP activities of the fish transported in water treated with palm oil were markedly reduced at the end of the journey when compared with the levels just before the journey. Conclusion: The findings of this study have shown that both aqua anti-stress agent and palm oil may improve the biochemical parameters of African catfish, which enhanced their responses to stress during the eight hour journey but the conventional anti-stress agent was more effective than palm oil.

In swine production, stress is a common encounter that leads to serious bacterial infection and adverse effects on growth performance. Though antibiotics have been frequently used to control pathogen spread, sustained negative impacts from antibiotics have been found to affect intestinal integrity and the immune system. Multiple nutritional strategies have shown potential to counteract stress and replace antibiotics, including functional amino acids, low protein diet, plant extracts, organic acids, prebiotics, probiotics, minerals and vitamins. These additives relieve the stress response in swine via different mechanisms and signal transduction pathways. Based on the overview of signaling pathways and stress models, this review highlights the potential of nutritional strategies in swine for preventing or treating stress-related health problems. For wider application in the pig industry, the dose ranges measured require for further validation in different physiological contexts and formulations. In the future, microfluid devices and novel stress models are expected to enhance the efficiency of screening for new anti-stress candidates.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic but deadly neurodegenerative disorder. A significant burden on global public health, a cure for AD is still elusive. Recent clinical trials based on pathogenic theories of extra/intracellular protein aggregation resulting from oxidative stress or other environmental insults have encountered setbacks. In this first part of a series, we report a significant and serendipitous case of an AD patient. It is the first time, to our knowledge, to follow a single patient over 33 plus years (1985–2018), where AD symptoms were presented and remised repeatedly. The effects of stress resulting in numerous ailments, e.g., memory loss, brain atrophy, high blood pressure, inflammations, decrease of immunity, etc., were observed in four 'episodes' of severe stress, confirming that the disease is stress-induced. An anti-stress lifestyle, involving seven daily anti-stress practices, was implemented which, remarkably, led to the recovery of memory and retardation of disease progression. We discovered a relationship between stress/stress hormones, the strain effects on these stress hormones and the pathways leading to a stress-induced macro-molecular mechanism that accounts for the origin of toxic free radical species (oxidants) which derive from Amyloid beta (Aβ) and Tau proteins (antioxidants). We suggest our mechanism may also be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases related to stress effects on proteins, such as alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease, superoxide dismutase in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, IAPP amyloid in type 2 diabetes, etc. As chronic traumatic encephalopathy and post-traumatic stress disorder both lead to AD, the anti-stress program proposed here may also very well be of assistance to those impacted by the said ailments described above. Consequently, the proposed stress-induced molecular mechanism deduced from the Alzheimer disease patient's experience, we suggest, represents a significant step forward in understanding the origins of Alzheimer's disease and many other neurodegenerative diseases. In part 2, we will discuss the patients further AD development from 2018 to the current-time and expand our discussion of the physics of stress/strain on the macromolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of antibiotics will cause drug residues, animal resistance, pollution environment, and threaten the health of people and animals. Plant polysaccharides have the biological functions of anti-oxidation, enhancing immunity, improving production performance, improving intestinal health, etc., and can be used as a substitute for antibiotics in animal production. In the paper, the physicochemical properties, biological functions and application of plant polysaccharides in pig production were introduced in order to provide reference for the further application of plant polysaccharides in pig production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine), derivative of tryptophan, manifested as a conserved domain, which is ubiquitously apportioned from bacteria to higher organisms extending to fungi and algae as well. Melatonin is entailed in umpteen developmental processes of plants, including stress responses. The pleiotropic impact of melatonin in regulating transcripts of manifold genes validate its imperative contribution as multi-regulatory substance. Albeit, the progressive research regarding plants is yet prelusive in contrast to orthodox melatonin physiology in animals. This reinforces the exigency for comprehensive reassessment pertaining to its potential in biochemical and physiological processes, anti-stress response against abiotic stimulators (temperatures, salinity, drought, toxins, etc.), detoxification mechanism, and its other salubrious effect. Stressors are known to create RNS and ROS, which induces oxidative damage in plants. Cellular deterioration and mortality are a result of negligence toward oxidative damage. Tremendous quantum leap has been made in comprehending, how melatonin safeguards plants against abiotic stress. Here, focus will be on mechanistic basis of melatonin-mediated protection to abate abiotic stress. Abiotic stress induces melatonin synthesis and this redeeming upsurge in melatonin succors plant to thrive under stress conditions. Melatonin is considered an excellent antioxidant because it effectively scavenges a wide range of RNS and ROS. Melatonin maintains ROS levels in peculiar ways: (a) chemical interaction between melatonin and ROS, causing their inactivation and (b) melatonin-induced activation of SOD, POD, APX, CAT, and GPX leads to ROS detoxification. The contemporary study gives a comprehensive review on abiotic stress response of melatonin, particularly, its mitigating impact when applied exogenously in plants under environmental stress conditions. The commentary will allow the researchers to comprehend the prevailing plant stress conditions and further contemplate the tendency of phytomelatonin in crop research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A study was conducted to evaluate the serum biochemical and oxidative stress parameters of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) obtained from homestead ponds in Makurdi metropolis, Nigeria, in order to establish changes due to stress from transportation, following the pretreatment of transporting water with palm oil and aqua anti-stress. Serum samples were obtained from the blood collected from the fish a day before, just before loading the fish, immediately after journey, and 3 days post-transportation. The samples were used to analyze for some oxidative stress markers like malon dialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and other biochemical parameters such as; alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TRG). Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in MDA levels of low dose palm oil-treated water (PA) group compared with the control (C) just before journey, while there was no significant (p>0.05) difference in MDA levels of PA group compared with the control after the journey. However, there was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the MDA levels of aqua antistress agent-treated water (A) group compared with the control, before the journey and after the journey. There was a significantly (P<0.05) elevated activities of ALT, AST and ALP in palm oilpretreated water (PA and PB) groups when compared with the control, just before the journey and immediately after the journey. However, there was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the ALT, AST and ALP activities of aqua anti-stress agent-treated water (A) group when compared with the control, before the journey and after the journey. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the TC and TRG levels of A, PA and PB groups when compared with the control group, before the journey and after the journey. The ALT, AST and ALP activities of the fish transported in water treated with palm oil were markedly reduced at the end of the journey when compared with the levels just before the journey. Conclusion: The findings of this study have shown that both aqua anti-stress agent and palm oil may improve the biochemical parameters of African catfish, which enhanced their responses to stress during the eight hour journey but the conventional anti-stress agent was more effective than palm oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-derived exosomes (PDEs) are receiving much attention as a natural source of antioxidants. Previous research has shown that PDEs contain a series of bioactives and that their content varies depending on the fruit or vegetable source. It has also been shown that fruits and vegetables derived from organic agriculture produce more exosomes, are safer, free of toxic substances, and contain more bioactives. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of orally administered mixes of PDE (Exocomplex®) to restore the physiological conditions of mice treated for two weeks with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), compared with mice left untreated after the period of H2O2 administration and mice that received only water during the experimental period. The results showed that Exocomplex® had a high antioxidant capacity and contained a series of bioactives, including Catalase, Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Ascorbic Acid, Melatonin, Phenolic compounds, and ATP. The oral administration of Exocomplex® to the H2O2-treated mice re-established redox balance with reduced serum levels of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but also a general recovery of the homeostatic condition at the organ level, supporting the future use of PDE for health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphanomyces invadans is an aquatic oomycete pathogen and the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in fresh and brackish water fish, which is responsible for severe mortalities and economic losses in aquaculture. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop anti-infective strategies to control EUS. An Oomycetes, a fungus-like eukaryotic microorganism, and a susceptible species, i.e., Heteropneustes fossilis, are used to establish whether an Eclipta alba leaf extract is effective against the EUS-causing A. invadans. We found that treatment with methanolic leaf extract, at concentrations between 50–100 ppm (T4–T6), protects the H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. These optimum concentrations induced anti-stress and antioxidative response in fish, marked by a significant decrease in cortisol and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in treated animals, as compared with the controls. We further demonstrated that the A. invadans-protective effect of methanolic leaf extract was caused by its immunomodulatory effect and is linked to the enhanced survival of fingerlings. The analysis of non-specific and specific immune factors confirms that methanolic leaf extract-induced HSP70, HSP90 and IgM levels mediate the survival of H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. Taken together, our study provides evidence that the generation of anti-stress and antioxidative responses, as well as humoral immunity, may play a role in protecting H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. It is probable that E. alba methanolic leaf extract treatment might become part of a holistic strategy to control EUS in fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women have a high susceptibility to the negative effects of stress. Hormonal changes experienced throughout their reproductive life partially contribute to a higher incidence of anxiety and depression symptoms, particularly, during natural or surgical menopause. In preclinical research, the flavonoid chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) exerts anxiolytic- and anti-despair-like effects; however, it is unknown whether chrysin exerts a protective effect against the behavioral changes produced by acute stress on locomotor activity and behavioral despair in rats at 12-weeks post-ovariectomy. Ovariectomized female Wistar rats were assigned to eight groups: vehicle group (10% DMSO), three groups with chrysin and three groups with the same dose of allopregnanolone (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg), and one group with diazepam (2 mg/kg). The treatments were administered for seven consecutive days and the effects were evaluated in the locomotor activity and swimming tests. Chrysin (2 mg/kg) increased the latency to first immobility and decreased the total immobility time in the swimming test as the reference drugs allopregnanolone and diazepam (2 mg/kg); while locomotor activity prevented the behavioral changes produced by swimming. In conclusion, chrysin exerts a protective effect against the behavioral changes induced by acute stress, similarly to the neurosteroid allopregnanolone and the benzodiazepine diazepam in rats subjected to a surgical menopause model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ancient times, honey has been employed in many aspects of everyday life, the most popular of which is as a natural sweetener. Honey is used not only as a nutritional product but also in health as a supplement and in various applications, especially related to brain booster health. Brain health is the capacity to carry out all mental functions necessary for cognition, such as learning and judging, utilizing language, and recalling. This review presents the current trend of research on honey, particularly the interest in underlying mechanisms related to brain booster health. A total of 34 original articles addressing brain health from the consumption of honey were analyzed. We identified four main brain health benefits, which are memory booster, neuroprotective effect, anti-stress, and anti-nociceptive potentials with the proposed underlying mechanism. A lot of attention has been paid to the role that honey plays in brain health research, with the goal of examining the link between honey and brain health as well as the mechanism underlying it, the findings from this review may be potentially beneficial to develop new therapeutic roles for honey to help determine the best and most promising to benefit and boost overall brain health.

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a ciliated parasite causing ichthyophthiriasis (white spot disease) in freshwater fishes, results in significant economic loss to the aquaculture sector. One of the important predisposing factors for ichthyophthiriasis is low water temperature (i.e., below 20°C), which affects the health and makes freshwater fishes more susceptible to parasitic infections. During ichthyophthiriasis, fishes are stressed and acute immune reactions are compromised, which enables the aquatic bacterial pathogens to simultaneously infect the host and increase the severity of disease. In the present work, we aimed to understand the parasite-bacteria co-infection mechanism in fish. Later, Curcuma longa (turmeric) essential oil was used as a promising management strategy to improve immunity and control coinfections in fish. A natural outbreak of I. multifiliis was reported (validated by 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing method) in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus from a culture facility of ICAR-CIFRI, India. The fish showed clinical signs including hemorrhage, ulcer, discoloration, and redness in the body surface. Further microbiological analysis revealed that Aeromonas hydrophila was associated (validated by 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing method) with the infection and mortality of P. hypophthalmus, confirmed by hemolysin and survival assay. This created a scenario of co-infections, where both infectious agents are active together, causing ichthyophthiriasis and motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) in P. hypophthalmus. Interestingly, turmeric oil supplementation induced protective immunity in P. hypophthalmus against the co-infection condition. The study showed that P. hypophthalmus fingerlings supplemented with turmeric oil, at an optimum concentration (10 ppm), exhibited significantly increased survival against co-infection. The optimum concentration induced anti-stress and antioxidative response in fingerlings, marked by a significant decrease in cortisol and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in treated animals as compared with the controls. Furthermore, the study indicated that supplementation of turmeric oil increases both non-specific and specific immune response, and significantly higher values of immune genes (interleukin-1b, transferrin, and C3), HSP70, HSP90, and IgM were observed in P. hypophthalmus treatment groups. Our findings suggest that C. longa (turmeric) oil modulates stress, antioxidant, and immunological responses, probably contributing to enhanced protection in P. hypophthalmus. Hence, the application of turmeric oil treatment in aquaculture might become a management strategy to control co-infections in fishes. However, this hypothesis needs further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical Abstract

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a ciliated parasite causing ichthyophthiriasis (white spot disease) in freshwater fishes, results in significant economic loss to the aquaculture sector. One of the important predisposing factors for ichthyophthiriasis is low water temperature (i.e., below 20°C), which affects the health and makes freshwater fishes more susceptible to parasitic infections. During ichthyophthiriasis, fishes are stressed and acute immune reactions are compromised, which enables the aquatic bacterial pathogens to simultaneously infect the host and increase the severity of disease. In the present work, we aimed to understand the parasite–bacteria co-infection mechanism in fish. Later, Curcuma longa (turmeric) essential oil was used as a promising management strategy to improve immunity and control co-infections in fish. A natural outbreak of I. multifiliis was reported (validated by 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing method) in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus from a culture facility of ICAR-CIFRI, India. The fish showed clinical signs including hemorrhage, ulcer, discoloration, and redness in the body surface. Further microbiological analysis revealed that Aeromonas hydrophila was associated (validated by 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing method) with the infection and mortality of P. hypophthalmus, confirmed by hemolysin and survival assay. This created a scenario of co-infections, where both infectious agents are active together, causing ichthyophthiriasis and motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) in P. hypophthalmus. Interestingly, turmeric oil supplementation induced protective immunity in P. hypophthalmus against the co-infection condition. The study showed that P. hypophthalmus fingerlings supplemented with turmeric oil, at an optimum concentration (10 ppm), exhibited significantly increased survival against co-infection. The optimum concentration induced anti-stress and antioxidative response in fingerlings, marked by a significant decrease in cortisol and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in treated animals as compared with the controls. Furthermore, the study indicated that supplementation of turmeric oil increases both non-specific and specific immune response, and significantly higher values of immune genes (interleukin-1β, transferrin, and C3), HSP70, HSP90, and IgM were observed in P. hypophthalmus treatment groups. Our findings suggest that C. longa (turmeric) oil modulates stress, antioxidant, and immunological responses, probably contributing to enhanced protection in P. hypophthalmus. Hence, the application of turmeric oil treatment in aquaculture might become a management strategy to control co-infections in fishes. However, this hypothesis needs further validation.

Amber is a fossilized tree resin historically used in wound healing and stress relief. Unfortunately, there is no concrete scientific evidence supporting such efficacy. Here, the stress buffering and longevity effect of Amber extract (AE) in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was investigated. Survival assays, health span assays, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Stress biomarker detection assays, Green Fluorescence Proteins (GFP), Real Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and C. elegans mutants were employed to investigate the stress buffering and longevity effect of AE. In the study, it was observed that AE supplementation improved health span and survival in both normal and stressed worms. Additionally, AE positively regulated stress hormones (cortisol, oxytocin, and dopamine) and decreased fat and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Through the Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway, AE enhanced the nuclear localization of DAF-16 and the expression of heat shock proteins and antioxidant genes in GFP-tagged worms and at messenger RNA levels. Finally, AE failed to increase the survival of daf-16, daf-2, skn-1 and hsf-1 loss-of-function mutants, confirming the involvement of the IIS pathway. Evidently, AE supplementation relieves stress and enhances longevity. Thus, amber may be a potent nutraceutical for stress relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under grazing conditions, there are a number of stress factors that significantly impair the welfare of ewes and lambs - high and low temperatures, excessive solar radiation, poisonous plants, various endo- and ectoparasites, snake and insect bites, grazing infections, etc. The purpose of this publication is to summarize and highlight the possibilities of using silymarin and Silybum marianum products as a dietary supplement to improve the welfare of sheep under pasture rearing. A detailed analysis of numerous scientific articles related to the active ingredients, properties, and application of Silybum marianum products has been performed. Data on the antioxidant, hepatoprotective and detoxifying effects of silymarin have been summarized. The dual hepatoprotective effect of silymarin has been emphasized particularly for its antioxidant action, associated with reducing the reactive oxygen species content and malondialdehyde properties, and for stimulating the activity of the antioxidant enzymes-glutathione peroxidase, superoxide, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). The anti-stress effect of silymarin for lowering blood cortisol levels in animals is also briefly described, and pathways for silymarin detoxification of various toxins have been investigated. As a result of these mechanisms, the silymarin effect on improving the live weight and milk yield of ruminants is explained. Based on the review of the presented research, it can be concluded that silymarin and Silybum marianum-derivatives can be used successfully to improve sheep welfare under grazing conditions, due to their antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-stress, detoxifying activity, and to stimulate growth and milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized double-blind controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a standardized Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract on the physical fitness and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in adolescent sport school students. 194 male students were recruited and randomized into two groups (n = 97), matched by age and sports. The KP-treated group received KP extract capsules at a dose of 360 mg/day and the control group received placebo capsules, continuously for 12 weeks. Physical fitness performance and HRV parameters were monitored with blood biochemical analysis for product safety. KP extract significantly increased the right-hand grip strength, the back-leg strength and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and decreased the time used for 50-meter sprint test without changing the sit-and-reach test and the 40 yard technical test. For HRV parameters, KP extract significantly increased standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean of square of successive normal to normal interval differences (RMSSD) and high frequency (HF) norm, without changing low frequency (LF) norm and LF/HF ratio. The increase in stress resistance and decrease in stress index were found in the KP-treated group, without changing the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and balance. Blood biochemical analysis showed normal values of all participants. This data indicates the safety and positive effects of KP on muscle strength, endurance and speed, but not on the flexibility and agility. The modulatory effects of KP extract on HRV parameters suggest its anti-stress effects and would encourage the application in a sport training and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-derived exosomes (PDEs) are receiving much attention as a natural source of antioxidants. Previous research has shown that PDEs contain a series of bioactives and that their content varies depending on the fruit or vegetable source. It has also been shown that fruits and vegetables derived from organic agriculture produce more exosomes, are safer, free of toxic substances, and contain more bioactives. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of orally administered mixes of PDE (Exocomplex®) to restore the physiological conditions of mice treated for two weeks with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), compared with mice left untreated after the period of H2O2 administration and mice that received only water during the experimental period. The results showed that Exocomplex® had a high antioxidant capacity and contained a series of bioactives, including Catalase, Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Ascorbic Acid, Melatonin, Phenolic compounds, and ATP. The oral administration of Exocomplex® to the H2O2-treated mice re-established redox balance with reduced serum levels of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but also a general recovery of the homeostatic condition at the organ level, supporting the future use of PDE for health care.

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Abstract Background A microorganism engineered for non-native tasks may suffer stresses it never met before. Therefore, we examined whether a Kluyveromyces marxianus strain engineered with a carotenoid biosynthesis pathway can serve as an anti-stress chassis for building cell factories. Results Carotenoids, a family of antioxidants, are valuable natural products with high commercial potential. We showed that the free radical removal ability of carotenoids can confer the engineered host with a higher tolerance to ethanol, so that it can produce more bio-ethanol than the wild type. Moreover, we found that this engineered strain has improved tolerance to other toxic effects including furfurals, heavy metals such as arsenate (biomass contaminant) and isobutanol (end product). Furthermore, the enhanced ethanol tolerance of the host can be applied to bioconversion of a natural medicine that needs to use ethanol as the delivery solvent of hydrophobic precursors. The result suggested that the engineered yeast showed enhanced tolerance to ethanol-dissolved hydrophobic 10-deacetylbaccatin III, which is considered a sustainable precursor for paclitaxel (taxol) bioconversion. Conclusions The stress tolerances of the engineered yeast strain showed tolerance to several toxins, so it may serve as a chassis for cell factories to produce target products, and the co-production of carotenoids may make the biorefinary more cost-effective.

This study was aimed at evaluating whether dietary chromium yeast (CrYst) and astaxanthin (ASTA) could enhance the growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity, and resistance to heat stress of abalone Haliotis discus hannai (initial body weight: 1.14±0.10 g; initial shell length: 19.20±0.87 mm) after a 120-day feeding trial. Based on the basal diet, the other three experimental diets were designed with supplementation of 2 mg/kg of CrYst, 80 mg/kg of ASTA, and 2 mg/kg of CrYst + 80 mg/kg of ASTA, respectively. The results showed that supplementation of 2 mg/kg of dietary CrYst significantly increased weight gain rate and the daily increment in shell length of abalone (P < 0.05). However, 80 mg/kg of dietary astaxanthin supplementation had no significant effects on the growth (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio among all the groups (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, adding 2 mg/kg of CrYst and/or 80 mg/kg of ASTA into the diet improved the anti-oxidative capacity in serum and hepatopancreas, increased the gene expression of hsp70 and hsp90 in the hepatopancreas, and reduced the cumulative mortality and falling rate of abalone during the heat stress. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of CrYst and/or ASTA had positive effects on growth and anti-stress of abalone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Withania somnifera, commonly known as "Ashwagandha" or "Indian ginseng" is an essential therapeutic plant of Indian subcontinent regions. It is regularly used, alone or in combination with other plants for the treatment of various illnesses in Indian Systems of Medicine over the period of 3,000 years. Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) belongs to the genus Withania and family Solanaceae. It comprises a broad spectrum of phytochemicals having wide range of biological effects. W. somnifera has demonstrated various biological actions such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic, anti-stress/adaptogenic, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, W. somnifera has revealed the capability to decrease reactive oxygen species and inflammation, modulation of mitochondrial function, apoptosis regulation and improve endothelial function. Withaferin-A is an important phytoconstituents of W. somnifera belonging to the category of withanolides been used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of various disorders. In this review, we have summarized the active phytoconstituents, pharmacologic activities (preclinical and clinical), mechanisms of action, potential beneficial applications, marketed formulations and safety and toxicity profile of W. somnifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Repeated exposure to anoxic stress damages the brain through cortisol-mediated increases in oxidative stress and cellular-antioxidants depletion. Thus, compounds with antioxidant property might confer protection against anoxic stress-induced brain injuries. In this study, we further examined the protective effect of methyl jasmonate (MJ), a potent anti-stress agent against anoxic stress-induced convulsions in mice. Methods: Thirty-six male Swiss mice randomized into six groups (n=6) were given MJ (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (10 mL/kg, i.p.) 30 min before 15 min daily exposure to anoxic stress for 7 days. The latency(s) to anoxic convulsion was recorded on day 7. The blood glucose and serum corticosterone levels were measured afterwards. The brains were also processed for the determination of malondialdehyde, nitrite, and glutathione levels. Results: Methyl jasmonate (MJ) delayed the latency to anoxic convulsion and reduced the blood glucose and serum corticosterone levels. The increased malondialdehyde and nitrite contents accompanied by decreased glutathione concentrations in mice with anoxic stress were significantly attenuated by MJ. Conclusions: These findings further showed that MJ possesses anti-stress property via mechanisms relating to the reduction of serum contents of corticosterone and normalization of brain biomarker levels of oxidative stress in mice with anoxic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depressant-like effects of albiflorin (AF) were studied on stressed chronic restraint stress (CRS) rats. Experimental rats were subjected to immobilization stress for a daily 6 h-restraining in a plastic restrainer for continuous 21 d and were treated with 30 or 15 mg·kg−1 of AF for 21 d. Control rats were maintained in completely non stressed conditions. Behavioral tests and biochemical analysis were applied to investigating a regulatory mechanism of anti-stress of AF. Treatment with AF significantly restored the depressant-like behaviors. Besides, AF increased the levels of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), noradrenaline (NE) and dopamine (DA) in the hippocampus and increased the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in serum and protein expression in hippocampus. In addition, AF decreased the levels of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) cascade, reduced the level of NO and cGMP in serum and inhibited the overexpression of 5-HT 2A R mRNA and protein expression. Taken together, AF can modulate the NO-mediated network pathway in the hippocampus against stress-induced depressive-like behaviors. These physiological and behavioral changes allow rats to avoid potential deleterious effects of stress that may result from chronically elevated levels of glucocorticosteroids over days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Chromolaena odorata (commonly known as Jack in the Bush, a thoroughwort of the Aster family) contains polyphenols and antioxidant enzymes that activate biology defence mechanisms and stress-sensing transcription factors to prevent oxidative damage and heat stress in chicken. Dietary inclusions of C. odorata leaf meal at 12%, and C. odorata crude flavonoids at 400 mg/kg/d have been shown to exert competitive exclusion effects to enhance gut eubiosis, humoral immunity, hypoglycaemia and metabolic functions necessary to attenuate oxidative stress in chickens. Ethanol extract of the plant at 25–400 µg/ml showed a strong antioxidant capacity in vitro, similar to 10–80 µg/ml standard ascorbic acid administration. Chromomoric acid C-1 from C. odorata methanol extract, at 10 µg, demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential by activating Nrf2 and suppressing NF-κB in a luciferase reporter assay at an inhibition capacity (IC50) of 6.9 µM. These biological defence properties of this plant have the potential to maintain microbial homeostasis and gut integrity, enhance antioxidative physiology for cellular oxidative balance, and mitigate oxidative damage in the presence of heat stress. The invasive nature of the plant in the humid tropics makes it a readily available and a cheap bioresource. Hepatotoxic, mutagenic and cytotoxic evaluations suggested that the aerial parts of the herbal plant are safe for use in animal nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year field experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2013 and 2014, which were irrigated by drainage water which belong to salinity class (C3S1 to C4S2), to study the effect of the foliar enrichment namely (Anti-stress) and weed management treatments (some pre and post-emergence herbicides and two-hand hoeing) on maize growth, yield, yield components and chemical composition of maize grains and associated weeds (Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus retroflexus and Echinochloa colonum). The results illustrated that application of the foliar enrichment enhanced the dry weight of weeds and increased maize growth characters, yield and yield components and total crude protein and total oil percentage of grain maize, as compared with untreated treatment. All weed management treatments caused a significant reduction in total dry weight of weeds at 60 and 80 days after sowing in both seasons. Two-hand hoeing treatment exerted the highest decrease in total dry weight of weeds followed by metribuzin, oxadiagyl, fluroxypyr and bentazon, respectively at 60 and 80 days after sowing compared with other weed management treatments. While, the highest values of maize growth, yield, yield components and maize grains' content of protein and oil was obtained with two-hand hoeing followed by metribuzin, oxadiagyl, fluroxypyr and bentazon, respectively. While, two hands hoeing produced the maximum values of leaf area, ear length, the weight of kernels plant−1, but applying of metribuzin treatment gave the highest values of total oil percentage of grain maize when the foliar enrichment was used.

Africa Star apple (ASA) remains under-utilized. Development into an acceptable food supplement (FS) with anti-stress potentials has not been explored.ASA were washed, de-pulped, oven-dried (65 °C, 18 h) and milled (≤180 µm). Possible bioactives were investigated using Gas-Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry. Blending with pre-gelatinized starch (pulp:starch, 7:3) followed, yielding the FS. Chemical parameters and sensory attributes were determined. Impact on oxidative stress marker - malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were monitored in Rats stressed and fed FS.FS had predominantly 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (0.58 mg/kg) with high free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH, 86.23%). Mean Sensory (taste) scores for food supplemented with FS (5.5 ± 1.17) compared favourably with the unsupplemented (6.2 ± 1.03). MDA was lower (0.92 ± 0.04nmole/ml) in Rats stressed and fed the FS when compared to exclusively stressed groups (2.28 ± 0.09nmole/ml). FS also significantly (P = 0.05) enhanced (36–109%) the activities of antioxidant enzymes.An acceptable FS with good anti-stress potential has been developed to further expand the utilization for ASA.

Copyright of Journal of Shenyang Agricultural University is the property of Journal of Shenyang Agricultural University Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Our study aimed to investigate the effects of the polysaccharide-rich extract of Phragmites rhizoma (PEP) against water immersion restraint (WIR) stress and forced swimming-induced fatigue. Exposure to WIR stress significantly increased the ulcer index, bleeding score, the weight of the adrenal gland, blood glucose concentrations, total cholesterol, cortisol, and creatine kinase (CK). The weight of the spleen decreased significantly. In addition, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) were significantly upregulated by WIR stress. The antioxidative factors such as glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the stomach were decreased by WIR stress. Alterations induced by WIR stress were effectively reversed by pretreatment with PEP. The swimming endurance capacity of mice was significantly prolonged by the oral administration of PEP. Swimming-induced fatigue significantly reduced the body weight; however, the injection of PEP inhibited the decrease of body weight. The PEP-treated group had significantly lower CK levels in plasma, an indicator of muscle damage. These results indicated that PEP has anti-stress and anti-fatigue effects, which are mediated by suppressing the hyperactivation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, and antagonism of the oxidative damages induced by WIR stress and prolonged swimming times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress is a normal part of everyday life but chronic stress can lead to a variety of stress-related illnesses including hypertension, anxiety, and depression. In the present investigation, standardized leaf extract of Epipremnumaureum was evaluated for its anti-stress potential. Materials and Methods: For the evaluation of anti-stress activity, groups of mice (n = 6) were subjected to forced swim stress and anoxic stress tolerance test in mice 1h after daily treatment of E.aureumextract. Diazepam (5 mg/kg) was taken as a reference standard. Urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and ascorbic acid were selected as noninvasive biomarkers to assess the anti-stress activity and plasma cortisol, blood ascorbic acid, and weight of adrenal were measured. The 24 h urinary excretion of VMA and ascorbic acid were determined by spectrophotometric methods in all groups under normal and stressed conditions. The hematological parameters (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) were also determined. Results: Administration of E.aureumat doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg wasfound to be effective in inhibiting the stress induced urinary biochemical changes in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with E. aureum extract prevents the rise in blood ascorbic acid and plasma cortisol. Moreover, the extract prevented the increase in weight of adrenal gland also significantly increased the anoxia stress tolerance time. Dose-dependent significant reduction in white blood cell count was observed in anoxic stress tolerance test as compared to stressed group. Conclusion: Hence, the present study provides scientific support for the positiveadaptogenic effect of E. aureum extract.

Tempeh is traditionally produced by fermenting soybean with the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus found in banana leafs. We wanted to investigate if Taiwan’s flavorful red bean could be used as a healthy substitute for soybeans in tempeh. One bioactive component of tempeh is γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). We measured GABA content and shelf-life-related antimicrobial activity in red-bean tempeh made with four strains of Rhizopus, one purchased strain of Rhizopus, and an experimental co-cultured group (Rhizopus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus BCRC16000) as well as cortisol in red-bean-tempeh-treated zebrafish. GABA was highest in the co-culture group (19.028 ± 1.831 g kg−1), followed by screened Strain 1, the purchased strain, and screened Strain 4. All strains had antibacterial activity on S. aureus and B. cereus. The extract significantly reduced cortisol in zebrafish. However, Strain 1, with less GABA than some of the other strains, had the best effect on cortisol level, suggesting that other components in red-bean tempeh may also affect stress-related cortisol. We found the benefits of red-bean tempeh to be similar to those reported for soybean-produced tempeh, suggesting that it could be produced as an alternative product. Considering the Taiwanese appreciation of the red-bean flavor, it might find a welcoming market.

Hylocereus sp. or commonly referred to as dragon fruit (pitaya) has its origin from Central and Northern South America, and it is widely present in regions of Florida coast to Brazil. Pitaya is a night flowering ornamental plant and also as a fruit crop. It is widely grown in Vietnam and Asian countries in southeastern countries. It is found in subtropical and tropical American rain forests. It is a rich source of nutrition such as Vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorous. It has higher medicinal values like reducing hypertension, diabetes. It has greater anti-oxidant activity. Also it has beneficial effects in carbohydrate metabolism, strengthening of teeth and bones, helps in formation of heart tissues. It balances blood production and its compositional value of total ascorbic acid, total dietary fibre, pectin and iron content to increase haemoglobin and erythrocyte level. It also reduces aortic stiffness. They also can improve the function of kidneys and sharpness of eyes and strengthen the brain function; it also prevents colon and prostate cancer. This draws an attention of medical studies toward its role in controlling various diseases and vital health-promoting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The range of thermoneutral zone of chickens is narrow and they become easily susceptible to environmental stress, a common and major concern for poultry causing a production loss. Objective: The present study was designed to comparatively evaluate anti-stress activity of Phytocee™ and Vitamin C in chickens reared under heat stress. Materials and Methods: A total of 600-day-old chicks of Cobb 400 were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 6 replicates comprising 25 birds each (n = 150). G1 served as a normal control (NC) and supplemented with Vitamin C at 100 g/ton of feed. G2 served as a heat stress control (HSC), subjected to heat stress (34°C-36°C) without Vitamin C supplementation. G3 and G4 served as positive control and treatment group (TC), subjected to heat stress and supplemented with Vitamin C and Phytocee™ at 100 g/ton of feed, respectively. The impact on zootechnical parameters and cloacal temperature was assessed at regular intervals, and blood was collected at the end of the experiment for evaluation of stress parameters, namely heterophil lymphocyte ratio (H:L ratio) and serum corticosterone. Results: Exposure of chickens to heat stress caused a significant decrease in body weight, worsening of feed conversion ratio, higher mortality and poor production efficiency. Moreover, serum corticosterone level, H:L ratio and cloacal temperature were significantly increased in HSC as compared to NC. However, supplementation of Phytocee™ in feed significantly ameliorated the negative impact of heat stress in broiler birds. Conclusion: The supplementation of Phytocee™ demonstrated an anti-stress effect in chickens through restoration of serum corticosterone level, H:L ratio and thermoregulatory mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year field experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2013 and 2014, which were irrigated by drainage water which belong to salinity class (C3S1 to C4S2), to study the effect of the foliar enrichment namely (Anti-stress) and weed management treatments (some pre and post-emergence herbicides and two-hand hoeing) on maize growth, yield, yield components and chemical composition of maize grains and associated weeds ( Portulaca oleracea , Amaranthus retroflexus and Echinochloa colonum ). The results illustrated that application of the foliar enrichment enhanced the dry weight of weeds and increased maize growth characters, yield and yield components and total crude protein and total oil percentage of grain maize, as compared with untreated treatment. All weed management treatments caused a significant reduction in total dry weight of weeds at 60 and 80 days after sowing in both seasons. Two-hand hoeing treatment exerted the highest decrease in total dry weight of weeds followed by metribuzin, oxadiagyl, fluroxypyr and bentazon, respectively at 60 and 80 days after sowing compared with other weed management treatments. While, the highest values of maize growth, yield, yield components and maize grains' content of protein and oil was obtained with two-hand hoeing followed by metribuzin, oxadiagyl, fluroxypyr and bentazon, respectively. While, two hands hoeing produced the maximum values of leaf area, ear length, the weight of kernels plant −1 , but applying of metribuzin treatment gave the highest values of total oil percentage of grain maize when the foliar enrichment was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restraint and cold stress induces the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to release corticosterone from the adrenal gland, which can worsen the antioxidant defense system in the central nervous system. Here, we investigated the corticosterone levels and the antioxidant defense system in the cerebellum and brain, as well as in its isolated regions, such as cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus of stressed rats supplemented with royal jelly (RJ). Wistar rats were supplemented with RJ for 14 days and the stress induction started on the 7th day. Stressed rats increased corticosterone levels, glycemia and lipid peroxidation in the brain and cerebellum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus besides reduced glutathione defense system in the brain and striatum. Rats supplemented with RJ decreased corticosterone, maintained glycemia and decreased lipid peroxidation in the brain, cerebellum, as well as striatum and hippocampus, besides improved glutathione defense system in cerebral cortex and striatum. This study suggests an anti-stress and neuroprotective effect of RJ under stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]