Regular exercise is known to help protect and alleviate hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cancer [1,2]. However, strenuous exercise causes excessive production of reactive oxygen, lipid peroxides, and lactic acid, which can damage muscle tissues [3 – 5]. Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) is a perennial plant which grows in the alpine regions of Europe and Asia [6]. This study was conducted to examine the protective effects of fermented Rhodiola rosea extract against fatigue and exercise stress. As a result, Rhodiola rosea extract significantly inhibited L6 muscle cell death (57.4% at 50 ppm) and ATP reduction (70.0% at 50 ppm) caused by H2O2 damage. In addition, the oral administration of Rhodiola rosea extract in mice improved treadmill running time by 43.9% and blood profiles of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, lactate when compared to distilled water by 106.9%, 68.0%, 29.2%, 100.0%, 50.0% respectively. Given the above results, it is considered that Rhodiola rosea extract effectively protects against fatigue caused by strenuous exercise.
Acknowledgements: This study was supported by research program of Korea food research institute.
Keywords: Rhodiola rosea, exercise, anti-fatigue effect.
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