In Vitro and in Silico Evaluation of the Potential for Neuroprotection of RhodioLife, a Rhodiola Rosea Roots Extract

Rhodiola rosea, an adaptogen plant from cold regions, has been previously proposed for alleviating dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. The goal of our study was to evaluate if our proprietary extract (RhodioLife) was able to elicit biological responses related to neuroprotection in neuronal cultures. NS20Y cells were cultured according to procedures and increasing concentrations of RhodioLife were added to the media. Viability at 24h using Presto BlueTM showed no statistically significant differences at those concentrations (0-50 ppm). Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis (G-coupled protein receptor [GCPR] array) showed statistically significant (p<0.05) upregulation of 3 genes- calcitonin receptor-like (CALCRL), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 2 (LPAR2) (4, 3 and 2-fold respectively). In silico evaluation of the bioactives contained in RhodioLife (www.molinspiration.com) revealed that Salidroside, Rosarin, Rosavin, Rosiridin, Cinnamyl alcohol and p-Tyrosol all had 1 or no violations of the Lipinski´s rule of five, suggesting favorable pharmacokinetics. The predicted G-coupled protein receptor bioactivity was greatest for Rosarin (0.39) and Salidroside (0.35). We conclude that RhodioLife contained substances which had relevant biological activity and molecular properties suggesting a role in neuroprotection.   Studies in suitable animal models are recommended.