P-04-004 Stress-Induced Female Sexual Dysfunction: Beneficial Effect of the Rhodiola Rosea Extract Rosalin® (WS® 1375)

Extract

Objective

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen that has been shown to increase resistance to stress. Sexual dysfunction is one of the symptoms frequently occurring with stress overload. The positive effects of Rosalin® on life-stress symptoms have already been demonstrated in clinical studies. We investigated if a proprietary dry extract from R. rosea roots and rhizomes (1.5-5:1) (Rosalin®; WS® 1375) could influence stress-induced sexual dysfunction in rodents, and related this to the previously gained experience from clinical cases.

Methods

Ovariectomised female rats treated with oestradiol valerate (10 μg/kg) and progesterone (0.5 mg/kg) to synchronise the oestrus cycle and ensure sexual receptivity received daily Rosalin® (75, 150 or 300 mg/kg) or vehicle for 3 days. They were then subjected to immobilisation for 30 min or handling only. Sexual behaviour was assessed 1 h after stress by placing a female rat together with a male rat into a 2-compartment box connected by an opening sized to permit only movement of the smaller female between compartments. Subsequently, the number of visits of the female to the male were counted during 12 min.