Rhodiola Algida Research Articles

Cultivation of herbaceous plants of Central Asia in various expositions of the open ground of the Botanical Garden of IBBM UNN

This report considers species of herbaceous plants that have areas covering only Central Asia or C. Asia and adjacent regions of Asia, mainly within the Iranian-Turanian floristic region. Species with very large ranges, partially including C. Asia, are not taken into account. 46 species of Central Asian plants are represented in the open ground expositions of the UNN IBBM Botanical Garden, they make up only 4.6 % of the collection of herbaceous introduced plants of the Botanical Garden. More than 70 % of Central Asian plants in the collection are monocots, including 19 species of the genus Allium L. In permanent expositions, most of the plants are grown in rock gardens. The greatest number of problems arose with representatives from Central Asia due to the fact that seeds obtained from different sources often do not germinate. When grown in permanent exposures, a number of specimens of various origins turned out to be unstable, for example: Ixiolirion tataricum (Pall.) Schult. et Schult.f., Rhodiola algida Fisch. et C. A. Mey. Some plants were shortlived, such as those of the genus Juno Tratt. Regularly bloom, bear fruit, grow well vegetatively Gymnospermium albertii (Regel) Takht., Sedum pachyclados Aitch. ex Hemsl., Corydalis nobilis (L.) Pers., Allium aflatunense B. Fedtsch., A. altaicum Pall. and other onions, Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk, Tulipa kaufmanniana Regel, T. tarda Stapf and other tulips. Some of them are also included in the lists of seeds offered by the UNN Botanical Garden for exchange (Delectus seminum).

Component composition of essential oil of Rhodiola algida (Ledeb.) Fisch & C.A. Mey and its biological activity

For the first time the component composition of essential oil of Rhodiola algida (Ledeb.) Fisch & C.A. Mey. family Crassulaceae, collected in places of natural growth in July 2020 in the Kazakh Altai was studied. The component composition of essential oil of this species was determined by gas chromatography and chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method of chromatography-mass spectrometry detected 100 components, of which 79 substances were identified, accounting for 82-83% of the total essential oil. Antioxidant activity was determined by the FRAP method. R. algida essential oil showed low antioxidant activity compared with butyl hydroxyanisole (BHA) at concentrations of 0.25-1.0 mg/ml, confirming the antioxidant properties of R. algida. Based on the results of cytotoxic activity against Artemia salina L. larvae, it was concluded that R. algida essential oil has good lethal toxicity at all concentrations tested, which proves the cytotoxicity of R. algida. At present, studies of R. algida based on substances from this plant and methods of their analysis are of direct interest for phytopreparation.

Current state of populations of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) in East Kazakhstan

BackgroundBased on world experience, first, a modern assessment of the flora is needed to develop strategies for the conservation of ecosystems of rare and endangered plant species. A regional and global biodiversity strategy should focus on assessing the current state of bioresources. To preserve the biodiversity of the species and its habitat, we evaluated botanical features, ontogenetic phases, the ecological and phytocenotic structure of the rare and endangered of Rhodiola rosea L. (golden rose root) populations from the highlands of Eastern Kazakhstan.ResultsR. rosea in the study region lives on damp mossy rocks, rocky slopes, overgrown moraines and along the banks of mountain rivers in the upper limit of cedar-larch forests, subalpine and alpine belts, in the altitude limit of 1700–2400 m. In the studied region, R. rosea begins to vegetate in May–June, blooms in June–July, the fruits ripen in August. The species is encountered in the high mountain ranges of the Kazakh Altai and Saur-Tarabagatai. Unfavorable habitat conditions for the species are overgrown by sedge-grass and birch-moss communities. The most common species at sites with R. rosea are: Schulzia crinita, Achillea ledebourii, Doronicum altaicum, Macropodium nivale, Hylotelephium telephium, Rhodiola algida, Carex capillaris, C. aterrima. Ontogenetic study revealed that all age-related phases were present, with the exception of the senile states. Individual life expectancy shown to be 50–55 years. The analysis of the species composition in the communities with R. rosea showed that the leading families in terms of the number of accompanying species are Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Caryophyllaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae; while the most dominant genera are: Carex, Aconitum, Dracocephalum, Festuca, Pedicularis, Poa, Salix; the ecological groups are dominated by psychrophytes, mesophytes mesopsychrophytes; the Asian, Eurasian, and Holarctic groups are the most represented groups. Dominant life forms according to Serebyakov were rod-rooted, brush-rooted, short-rooted and long-rooted grasses, while based on Raunkiaer’s groups the overwhelming majority consisted of Hemincryptophytes (74%).ConclusionsThe R. rosea populations of Kazakhstan represent an important gene stock of the species. Our study provides new insights into the species’ biology thus contributes to the conservation of biodiversity on a wide spatial scale.

Bioactive fraction of Rhodiola algida against chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and its anti-proliferation mechanism in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRhodiola algida var. tangutica (Maxim.) S.H. Fu is a perennial plant of the Crassulaceae family that grows in the mountainous regions of Asia. The rhizome and roots of this plant have been long used as Tibetan folk medicine for preventing high latitude sickness. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of bioactive fraction from R. algida (ACRT) on chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPAH) and to understand the possible mechanism of its pharmacodynamic actions. Materials and methodsMale Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into five groups: control group, hypoxia group, and hypoxia+ACRT groups (62.5, 125, and 250mg/kg/day of ACRT). The chronic hypoxic environment was created in a hypobaric chamber by adjusting the inner pressure and oxygen content for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, major physiological parameters of pulmonary arterial hypertension such as mPAP, right ventricle index (RV/LV+S, RVHI), hematocrit (Hct) levels and the medial vessel thickness (wt%) were measured. Protein and mRNA expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, p27Kip1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)) were detected by western blotting and real time PCR respectively. Chemical profile of ACRT was revealed by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). ResultsThe results showed that a successful HPAH rat model was established in a hypobaric chamber for 4 weeks, as indicated by the significant increase in mPAP, RV/LV+S, RV/BW and wt%. Compared with the normal group, administration of ACRT reduced mPAP, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary small artery wall thickness, and damage in ultrastructure induced by hypoxia in rats. PCNA, cyclin D1, and CDK4 expression was reduced (p<0.05), and p27Kip1 expression increased (p<0.05) in hypoxia+ACRT groups compared to hypoxia. 38 constituents in bioactive fraction were identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. ConclusionOur results suggest that ACRT could alleviate chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. And its anti-proliferation mechanism in rats based on decreasing PCNA, cyclin D1, CDK4 expression level and inhibiting p27Kip1 degradation.

Immunmodulatory and Antiproliferative Properties of Rhodiola Species.

The traditional medicines of Asia and Europe have long used various Rhodiola species, which are endemic to the subarctic areas of the northern hemisphere, as tonic, adaptogen, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory drugs. In order to establish the therapeutic uses of these plants in modern medicine, the pharmacological effects of Rhodiola sp. have been widely studied. Indeed, the most amply researched species, Rhodiola rosea, has been shown to possess antioxidant, adaptogenic, antistress, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, angiomodulatory, and antitumoral effects. Salidroside (p-hydroxyphenethyl-β-D-glucoside), a major compound in Rhodiola, seems to be responsible for many of the effects observed with Rhodiola extracts.The aim of this paper is to review the pharmacological effects not only of various Rhodiola species, mainly R.rosea along with Rhodiola imbricata, Rhodiola algida, and Rhodiola crenulata, but also of salidroside, focusing especially on its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antitumoral, and antiproliferative activities, as well as to describe their therapeutic significance in disease management. Although previous pharmacological studies have established a scientific basis for possible therapeutic uses of Rhodiola extracts and salidroside, high-quality, randomized, controlled clinical trials are still needed.

Comparison of cold resistance physiological and biochemical features of four Herba Rhodiola seedlings under low temperature

To discuss the cold resistance performance of different Herba Rhodiolae and successfully transplant Herba Rhodiolae to the Gansu plateau area for nursing, domestication and planting, this paper systematically studies six physiological and biochemical features of Rhodiola kirilowii, Rhodiola algida, Rhodiola crenulata and Herba Rhodiolae that are closely associated with cold resistance features and concludes with the cold resistance capability of Rhodiola kirilowii. In the selected six main indexes of the Herba Rhodiolae, the POD, SOD and CAT activity and MDA and Pro content in the leaf are the main physiological and biochemical indexes to indicate the cold resistance performance of four Herba Rhodiolae seedlings and can be regarded as the preliminary indexes to assess the winter performance of Herba Rhodiolae. The research work will provide the theoretical basis for the wild variants of Herba Rhodiolae and GAPJ base construction.

Effects of the aqueous extract of a Tibetan herb, Rhodiola algida var. tangutica on proliferation and HIF-1α, HIF-2α expression in MCF-7 cells under hypoxic condition in vitro.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRhodiola algida var. tangutica is a traditional Tibetan herb. Its root and rhizome have been successfully used as an effective clinical remedy for the prevention and treatment of cancer and high-altitude sickness. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Rhodiola algida var. tangutica on hypoxic MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms.Materials and methodsThe antiproliferative effects of R. algida on MCF-7 breast cancer cells were compared in vitro under hypoxic and normal conditions by using MTT analysis. The influence of R. algida on cancer cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α were evaluated by western blot analysis.ResultsR. algida inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The results of flow cytometry indicated that the antiproliferative effect of R. algida was mediated by apoptosis induction. Pretreatment with R. algida significantly suppressed the hypoxia-induced proliferation and expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.ConclusionsR. algida might exert an anti-carcinogenic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells by decreasing the protein levels of HIF-1α and HIF-2α, which are overexpressed under hypoxic conditions. This effect might be elicited by inhibiting the hypoxia-induced proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of aboveground and underground tissues of Rhodiola algida, an important ethno-medicinal herb endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Transcriptome sequencing is a powerful tool for the assessment of gene expression and the identification and characterization of molecular markers in non-model organisms. Rhodiola algida L. (Crassulaceae), endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent altitude sickness and eliminate fatigue. Illumina-based high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of aboveground and underground tissues of R. algida respectively yielded 5.40 million and 5.18 million clean reads. A total of 82,664 unigenes averaging 577bp in length were generated from the aboveground clean reads, with 86,237 unigenes of 502-bp mean length obtained from the underground tissues. Of 55,028 unigenes compared with sequences in UniProt databases, 20,413 unigenes had significant similarities with existing sequences in NR, NT, Swiss-Prot, GO, KEGG, and COG databases. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified 237,294 SNPs from 154,636 contigs of aboveground tissues and 197,540 SNPs from 144,963 underground-derived contigs. The information uncovered in this study should serve as a valuable resource for the characterization of important traits related to secondary metabolite formation and for the identification of associated molecular mechanisms.

Rhodiola integrifolia: hybrid origin and Asian relatives

We investigated the relationship among North American Rhodiola integrifolia Raf., Rhodiola rosea L., and Rhodiola rhodantha (A. Gray) H. Jacobsen by sequencing a fragment of the nuclear-encoded chloroplast-expressed glutamine synthetase (ncpGS) gene from these three species and from selected Asian representatives of the genus. We found that R. integrifolia is a hybrid descendant of R. rosea and R. rhodantha lineages. We also found that the ncpGS gene and the internal transcribed spacer regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA of Asian Rhodiola algida Fisch. &amp; Mey. are very similar to those of R. rhodantha. In accordance with known chromosome numbers and species morphology, we therefore propose to move R. algida into the subgenus Clementsia of the genus Rhodiola, which so far contains only two species, R. rhodantha and Asian Rhodiola semenovii (Regel &amp; Herder) Boriss.

Anti-hypoxic activity at simulated high altitude was isolated in petroleum ether extract of Saussurea involucrata

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRhodiola algida, Saussurea involucrata, and other herbs grown in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau have long been used to prevent and treat acute mountain sickness. Aim of the studyTo screen and identify the anti-hypoxic constituents in the herbs grown in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau of Northwestern China. Materials and methodsThe anti-hypoxic activities of 20 selected plateau herbs were examined against two positive controls, Rhodiola algida and acetazolamide, using the normobaric hypoxia model of mice. The herb with the highest activity was successively extracted with 70% ethanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The extract with the highest activity was identified by comparing the survival time of mice under normobaric hypoxia condition after being subjected to different extracts. The identified extract was further tested by simulating high altitudes through an acute decompression model and a chronic decompression model for mice. ResultsThe herb found to have the highest anti-hypoxic activity was Saussurea involucrate (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip, and the most effective fraction was in the petroleum ether extract. Administration of petroleum ether extract of Saussurea involucrata (PESI) to mice at 50mg/kg significantly decreased the mortality of animals under acute decompression conditions. Changes in biochemical indicators for glycometabolism and energy metabolism, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in brain and cardiac muscle, lactic acid (LAC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood and cardiac muscles, blood sugar, and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle were reversed under chronic decompression conditions. ConclusionsSaussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip exhibits high anti-hypoxic activity that may be effective in preventing acute mountain sickness, and the active constituents are mainly in the petroleum ether extract.

The Study of Cytostatic Effect on MCF-7 Cells of the Alcohol Extract of Rhodiola Algida Var. Tangutica

Aims: To study the anti-tumor effect on MCF-7 cells and the related mechanism of the alcohol extract of Rhodiola algida Var. tangutica Methods: The effective constituent of the extract was detected with the high efficiency liquid chromatography. The survival rate of MCF-7 cells was evaluated by MTT test. The morphological change of cells was observed with optical microscope. The apoptotic influence of the extract on cells was researched with Annexin V-FITC/PI kit and flow cytometry Results: The main constituent of the extract contained the salidroside and tyrosol. The extract caused decrease in the survival of MCF-7. The results of optical microscope showed the vacuole and apoptotic body in MCF-7 cells. The FCM analysis showed that lower concentrations of the extract caused much apoptotic cells and higher concentrations led to much necrotic cells Conclusion: The extract of Rhodiola algida Var. tangutica inhibits division of MCF-7 cells and the cytostatic and antiproliferative effect was related to apoptosis induction mechanism.

Rhodiola algida improves chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in breast cancer patients

Objective: Oral ulcerative mucositis, a common adverse effect due to mainstream cytotoxic drugs, limits the nutritional intake of cancer patients. Rhodiola algida is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate the immune system. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of this herbal extract on healthy human lymphocytes in vitro, the homeostasis of cancer patients and the healing time of oral ulcers. Method: The constituents of Rhodiola algida were analyzed by RP-HPLC. Lymphocytes isolated from 462 healthy subjects were treated with 100 ug/ml Rhodiola algida for 48 h. The activity of the cells was measured by cell proliferation reagent and ATP assay. The level of various cytokines and mRNA content of lymphocytes were determined. Rhodiola algida demonstrated no toxicity in animals, which had been orally fed with 1 mg/ml Rhodiola algida for 30 days. 130 breast cancer patients from Huaxi Hospital of Sichuan University were recruited between 2006 and 2007. They received four cycles of 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide after modified total mastectomy. These patients were randomly assigned to test and control groups. Rhodiola algida mixture was consumed by the test group for 14 consecutive days after each cycle of chemotherapy. All patients were given 0.2% chlorohexidine mouth wash to be used every day. Complete blood counts, liver and renal function tests together with the number and size of oral ulcerations were analyzed after each cycle. Weight loss, complaints of nausea or vomiting and degree of pain were noted. Results: The optimal concentration of Rhodiola algida favored the proliferation of lymphocytes. The levels of IL-2, IL-4, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and the mRNA content of these cytokines were also enhanced. White blood cell (WBC) levels returned to normal range in both groups 1 week after every cycle of chemotherapy. WBC count increased faster in patients using Rhodiola algida; they presented with smaller and fewer oral ulcers. There were no liver or renal complications observed in any patients. Conclusion: Rhodiola algida increases immunity of patients who are receiving chemotherapy post mastectomy and decreases the quantity of oral ulcers. Thus Rhodiola algida has the potential to be used concurrently with chemotherapy to alleviate the occurrence of oral ulcers.

Production of Th1- and Th2-dependent cytokines induced by the Chinese medicine herb, Rhodiola algida, on human peripheral blood monocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevance Rhodiola algida, an herb ingredient used in Chinese medicine, has been clinically proven to be effective in enhancing human immune responses. Aim of study This study attempted to identify the potential immunomodulatory effect of Rhodiola algida extract in human immune system in vitro, and to examine its underlying molecular effects. Materials and methods Firstly, the bioactive marker compound salidroside was used for standardization of Rhodiola algida extract by reversed-phase HPLC. Secondly, the regulation of human immune responses was investigated in human peripheral blood monocytes. A series of cytokines known to play important roles in the human immune responses were examined. Results The current study provided quantitative assay for the marker compound, salidroside, in the Rhodiola algida extract for ensuring the quality consistency of Rhodiola algida used in the following experiments. Biological assay indicated that Rhodiola algida stimulates human peripheral blood lymphocytes and its underlying immunomodulatory effects probably through its regulation of IL-2 in Th1 cells and IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 in Th2 cells. Conclusion The findings may enable us to further explain the pharmacological properties in Chinese medicine and make Rhodiola algida a very promising immunomodulating agent.