OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of schisandra on the function of the pituitary-adrenal cortex, gonadal axis and carbohydrate metabolism in male rats undergoing experimental chronic psychological stress, navigation and strenuous exercise.

METHODSThirty-four SD rats were randomly allocated into a non-stress group (Group A), a stress control group (Group B) and a schisandra group (Group C). The latter two groups received 10 days of Benford's high-intensity training, followed by 3 hours of wearing floating with psychological stress and another 3 hours of running at the speed of 26.7 m/min. Then blood samples were immediately obtained for the measurement of the levels of testosterone (T), corticosterone (CORT), luteinizing hormone (LH) and blood glucose (Glu). Meanwhile the adrenal gland was excised and its cortex ultrastructure observed under the electron microscope.

RESULTSThe Glu level was increased while the T level decreased significantly in Group B as compared with Group A. The CORT level remained unchanged in Group B. Both the Glu and CORT levels were significantly reduced in Group C in comparison with B. However, no significant differences were found in serum LH levels among the three groups. And electron microscopy revealed a reduction of lipid droplets and apoptosis of the adrenal cortex cells in Group B as compared with C.

CONCLUSIONSchisandra can reduce the levels of CORT and Glu and protect the structure of the adrenal cortex.