Rhodiola rosea (SHR-5) Protects Human Cells Against Oxidative Stress

A. Avanesian, S.E. Schriner, M. Jafari
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA

Rhodiola rosea root has long been used in the traditional medical systems in Europe and Asia as an adaptogen to increase an organism’s resistance to physical stress. Recent clinical research has demonstrated its ability to improve mental and physical stamina, to improve mood, and to help alleviate high-altitude sickness. We have also recently found that R. rosea (SHR-5) is able to extend both mean and maximum life span of Drosophila melanogaster. The mode of action of R. rosea is currently unknown; however, it has been proposed to act as an antioxidant.

In order to test this hypothesis, human osteosarcoma derived cells (143B) were supplemented with R. rosea (SHR-5) root extract for 48 hours and challenged to three different forms of oxidative stress. One µg/mL R. rosea afforded an enhanced survival to ultraviolet light (P<0.0001), paraquat (P<0.0001), and H2O2 (P<0.0001) relative to control media alone. In addition, R. rosea supplementation did not alter superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, or glutathione reductase enzyme activities. These results are consistent with the position that R. rosea acts via an antioxidant mechanism but they do not rule out other potential mechanisms.

Keywords: Rhodiola rosea, Oxidative stress, Anti-oxidants