Anxiety and salivary cortisol modulation in exercise induced stress, using a phytotherapic product containing Rhodiola Rosea.

Jurcău, Ramona; Jurcău, Ioana; Bodescu, Cristian

Background. Phytotherapic products may influence the effect of stress on anxiety and salivary cortisol. Aims. The objective of the study is to highlight the phytotherapic modulation of dynamic peri -stress changes induced by intense short duration physical exercise on two parameters (anxiety and salivary cortisol), in sedentary subjects. Methods. The chosen subjects (n=24) were selected according to the requirements of the study. Stress was represented by intense short duration physical exercise, made with a Monark Ergomedic 839E cycle ergometer. The analyzed indicators were anxiety and salivary cortisol. The phytotherapic product (PP) used contained Rhodiola Rosea. Statistical evaluation was made on the basis of Student test. Results. Anxiety and salivary cortisol were reduced immediately pre- and post-stress in subjects who were administered the PP, compared with subjects who did not follow the phytotherapic treatment. Conclusions. 1) Anxiety and salivary cortisol were significantly reduced immediately pre- and post-exercise, in the case of stress caused by intense short duration physical exercise, in sedentary persons, under PP influence. 2) There were differences in dynamic developments between the PP treated group and the untreated group, for anxiety and salivary cortisol. 3) The influence of the PP used was significantly more intense on anxiety than on salivary cortisol, immediately pre- and poststress. 4) The PP used may be an effective, safe and accessible modulation path for stress caused by intense short duration physical exercise in sedentary persons.

HYDROCORTISONE; ANXIETY; PHYSIOLOGICAL stress; MEDICAL botany; ROSEROOT; GLUCOCORTICOIDS; PHYSIOLOGY

Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 2012, Vol 13, Issue 3, p213

1582-1943

Academic Journal