Molecular mechanisms of the effect of plant adaptogens

We have studied the role of heat shock proteins (HSP70) and p53 in the adaptogenic effect of the extract from Astragalus membranaceus (Fischer) Bunge and a complex herbal remedy “Kardekaim”, containing flavonoids and triterpenes as active ingredients, on the models of acute and chronic mental stress. Course prophylactic administration of Astragalus membranous extract at an experimental therapeutic dose of 50 mg / kg, and “Kardekaim” at a dose of 100 mg / kg has a pronounced stressprotective effect, prevent the symptoms of Selye’s triad: enlargement of the adrenal glands, atrophy of the lymphatic system including the thymus, and peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. At the cellular level, the stress-protective effect of Astragalus is accompanied by the activation of HSP70 synthesis in the thymus in 2.6 times, and “Kardekaim” by 56% (p