Rhodiola‐Water Extract Induces β‐endorphin Secretion to Lower Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola) is grown at high altitudes and northern latitudes. It is mainly used clinically as an adaptogen, but antihypertensive effects have been reported for the extract. These have not been well investigated, so in the present study, we evaluated the effect of Rhodiola‐water extract on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and investigated the potential mechanism(s) for this action. In conscious male SHRs, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate were recorded using the tail‐cuff method. Plasma β‐endorphin was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Rhodiola‐water extract decreased SBP in SHRs in a dose‐dependent manner, and this action was more significant than that in normal group named Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats. This reduction of SBP in SHRs was inhibited by pretreatment with the selective opioid μ‐receptor antagonist, cyprodime, but not by naloxonazine, an antagonist specific to opioid μ1‐receptor. Also, the SBP‐lowering action of Rhodiola‐water extract was attenuated in adrenalectomized SHRs. Moreover, Rhodiola‐water extract dose‐dependently increased β‐endorphin release in SHRs, and the elevation of β‐endorphin in SHRs was higher than that in WKY. Thus, we suggest that Rhodiola‐water extract can induce release of β‐endorphin to lower SBP in SHRs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.