Alcohol- and water-based extracts obtained from Rhodiola rosea affect differently the number and metabolic activity of circulating granulocytes in Balb/c mice.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Rhodiola rosea (RR) rhizomes with roots extracts are traditional natural drugs originated from Asia and now commonly used as adaptogens and antidepressants. The aim of this work was to study the in vivo effect of aqueous (RRW) and 50% hydro-alcoholic (RRA) extracts on the number and metabolic activity of blood granulocytes in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Mice were fed for 7 days RR extract in daily doses 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 mg. The metabolic activity of blood granulocytes was determined by measuring of their luminol-dependent chemiluminescent activity in scintillation counter, after zymosan stimulation. RESULTS Number of blood granulocytes was diminished and their chemiluminescence was enhanced in all groups of mice fed R.rosea hydro-alcoholic extract. Aqueous extract (RRW) was ineffective in all doses applied. CONCLUSION This study revealed difference in the number and metabolic activity of granulocytes mice fed RRA or RRW extracts. Immune characteristics of some individual compounds from RRA and RRW extracts, selected by HPLC analysis, should be carried out in the next experiments.