Study on pharmacological action and application of salidroside

Abstract

Salidroside, as the main active component of Rhodiola, has attracted much attention in recent years due to its extensive pharmacological effects and potential applications in many fields. In this paper, its chemical properties, extraction methods, pharmacological effects, and application in medicine, health care products, cosmetics, and other fields were reviewed in order to provide a reference for its further development and utilization.

Introduction

Rhodiola rosea is a perennial herb, mainly growing in the cold, dry, hypoxic, strong ultraviolet irradiation of high-altitude areas, has a strong ability to adapt to the environment and vitality. As one of the main active ingredients of Rhodiola rosea, salidroside has a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, anti-tumor, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, and is widely used in medicine, health products, cosmetics, and other fields.¹

Chemical properties and extraction methods

Chemical Properties

Salidroside, chemical name (4-hydroxyphenyl) -β-D-glucopyranoside, molecular formula C₁₄H₂₀O₇, molecular weight 300.30. Its appearance is light brown red to white crystalline powder, gas fragrance, bitter taste, easily soluble in water, easily soluble in methanol, soluble in ethanol, and difficult to dissolve in ether. The melting point is about 159 ~ 160℃, the boiling point is 549.5±50.0°C, the density is about 1.46±0.1 g/cm³, and the acidity coefficient (pKa) is 9.98±0.15.²

Extraction method

Salidroside is mainly extracted from the dried roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola plants or from whole grasses. Commonly used extraction methods include ethanol reflux extraction, ultrasonic extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and so on. Among them, the ethanol reflux extraction method is one of the most commonly used methods, the specific steps include crushing Rhodiola rosea root and rhizome into coarse powder, reflux extraction with 70% ethanol, reducing pressure to recover ethanol, the resulting concentrated liquid through a series of treatments (such as filtration, extraction, etc.), and finally obtain Rhodiola rosea crude.

Pharmacological action

Antioxidant effect

Salidroside has a significant antioxidant effect, which can clear free radicals in the body and reduce the damage of cells caused by oxidative stress. Studies have shown that salidroside can enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes (such as SOD, GSH-Px, etc.) of cells, and reduce the damage indexes of oxidative stress (such as MDA, LDH, etc.), so as to protect cells from oxidative stress.³

Anti-fatigue effect

Salidroside has a significant anti-fatigue effect, which can prolong the exercise time and endurance of experimental animals, and shorten the recovery time after fatigue. The mechanism may be related to improving the energy metabolism of the body, improving muscle microcirculation, and promoting the removal of fatigue substances.

Anti-aging effect

Salidroside has an anti-aging effect, can prolong the life of experimental animals, improve the antioxidant capacity of the body, and reduce cell apoptosis and DNA damage. Its anti-aging effect may be related to regulating gene expression, promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and so on.

Anti-tumor effect

Salidroside can inhibit the proliferation and migration of tumor cells and induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Its mechanism may be related to interfering cell metabolism, changing the nature of cell coat, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and so on.⁴

Cardio-cerebrovascular protection

Salidroside can protect the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system, reduce blood pressure, lipid and blood sugar levels, and improve cardiac function and cerebral blood perfusion. The mechanism may be related to dilating blood vessels, reducing blood viscosity, and improving microcirculation.

Other pharmacological effects

In addition to the above effects, salidroside also has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation, enhanced immunity, and other pharmacological effects. These effects make it a potential application value in the treatment and prevention of many diseases.⁵

Applied research

Pharmaceutical Field

In the field of medicine, salidroside is widely used in the treatment of neurasthenia, altitude disease, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases. Its anti-fatigue, anti-hypoxia, anti-aging, and protection of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular functions make salidroside an important natural medicine component. In addition, it also has an anti-tumor effect, which provides a new idea and method for tumor treatment.

Healthcare products

In the field of health care products, salidroside is often used as an antioxidant, immunomodulator, and other ingredients. It can enhance the antioxidant capacity of the body, improve immunity, delay aging, and so on, which makes salidroside one of the hot raw materials in the healthcare product market. Health products containing it are widely used in improving physical fitness and preventing diseases.

Cosmetics Field

In the field of cosmetics, salidroside is favored for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Cosmetics containing it can slow the skin aging process, reduce skin damage and blemishes, and improve skin tone and texture. In addition, it also has certain moisturizing and repairing functions, which can enhance the skin barrier and reduce the damage of the external environment to the skin. Therefore, salidroside is widely used in cosmetics such as high-end skin care products, anti-aging creams, eye creams, and facial masks.

Conclusion

Salidroside, as a natural plant extract with various pharmacological effects, has shown wide application prospects in the fields of medicine, health care products, and cosmetics. With the continuous deepening of research and continuous progress of technology, the extraction process will be optimized and improved, its pharmacological mechanism will be clearer and clearer, and more breakthroughs will be made in the development of new drugs and the research of new preparations. At the same time, its cross-field applications will continue to expand and deepen, bringing more well-being to human health and life.

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