PLANT ADAPTOGENS .2. BRYONIA AS AN ADAPTOGEN

Bryonia, a well-known medicinal plant used mainly in homeopathy as an antiinflammatory, has never been considered an adaptogen. However, muc h evidence has been accumulated during the last decade indicating that Bryonia roots have adaptogenic properties. This review summarizes the reports (published mainly in Russian) on the chemical composition, th e pharmacological and biochemical investigations of the active princip les of Bryonia alba roots. It also summarizes reports on clinical tria ls of a Bryonia extract (tablets prepared from a standardized powder o f Bryonia alba root, called ''Loshtak'' in Armenia) that indicates it is an adaptogenic and restorative drug with immunomodulatory, stress-p rotective and tonic properties that increase the nonspecific resistanc e of an organism toward harmful stimuli. The major active components o f the Bryonia extract are cucurbitacin glucosides and trihydroxyoctade cadienoic acids (THODA). The biological activities of these compounds are associated with biosynthesis of eicosanoids and corticosteroids, w hich are important mediators in the immune, endocrine and nervous syst ems. Clinical trials show that the Bryonia extract was effective in tr eating workers at the Chernobyl Nuclear reactor who suffered from vege tovessel dystonia and other accompanying illnesses as a result of that facility's well-known accident. It was also effective in preventing r adiation-induced disorders and cytostatic side effects in cancer thera py. The use of Bryonia extract in healthy athletes increases their end urance, working capacity and heart rate restoration after physical loa ding. No side effects caused by Bryonia extract intake were recorded d uring these trials.