Phytochemical Analysis of Nunavik Rhodiola rosea L

Abstract

This is the first report on the phytochemistry of Nunavik (Québec, Canada) populations of Rhodiola rosea L., a medicinal plant widely used in Eurasia as a tonic and adaptogen. The wild harvested rhizome of the Nunavik populations contained the marker phytochemicals (salidroside, rosarin, rosavin and rosin) reported in authentic Eurasian material, although in lesser amount. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC of the Nunavik populations also showed the presence of new marker compounds not found in the Eurasian material. For quantitative analysis of the phytochemicals, method validation was undertaken, and the marker phytochemicals were measured in the rhizome, leaf, stem, and seeds. The rhizome showed the highest amount of salidroside and rosavins, as well as the highest total phytochemical content. Consequently, the rhizome remains the most medicinally valuable part of R. rosea.

Characterization of the Anxiolytic Activity of Nunavik Rhodiola rosea

“…Recently discovered populations of R. rosea in Nunavik, Northern Québec, Canada, are used by the Inuit to promote mental and physical health [16,17]. Phytochemical work on this local roseroot variety has shown the presence of important marker compounds present in the Eurasian populations [18,19]. The purpose of the present study was 1) to characterize the anxiolytic properties of Nunavik R. rosea using standardized animal behavioural tests, and 2) to explore mechanism of anxiolytic activity using the GABA A -BZD receptor site as the target.…”

“…HPLC-DAD analyses were performed using previously validated methods [18]. Briefly, R. rosea extract was reconstituted in 90 % ethanol at 50 mg/mL, sonicated and filtered using 0.2-µm PTFE filters.…”

“…Identification was further confirmed by matching MS fragmentation patterns using electrospray ionization in the negative ionization mode. Quantification was based on the area under the peak and calculated based on linear calibration curves [18].…”

Changes in the Content of the Glycosides, Aglycons and their Possible Precursors of Rhodiola Rosea During the Vegetation Period

“…No work has been reported based on sampling (root and rhizome) in a controlled environment. Up to now the dynamics of the accumulation of the glycosides of roseroot have not been fully explored and only a few studies have been published [12,13,[16][17][18][19].…”

Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography (RRLC) Analysis for Quality Control of Rhodiola Rosea Roots and Commercial Standardized Products

“…The plant is distributed in Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America. For centuries it has been used in eastern European and Asian cultures as a tonic and adaptogen to aid physical endurance, extend longevity, protect against altitude sickness and help to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections and nervous system disorders [3,4].…”