Planta Med 2008; 74 - PH36
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1084881

Effects of the pickled fruit and the constituents of the fruit of Prunus mume for relieving tension in man and rats

K Yamada 1, H Ina 1, K Matsumoto 2, T Miyazaki 1
  • 1School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy & Life Science, 1432–1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0392, Japan
  • 2Umekenkyukai Foundation, 1–1-26 Gakuencho, Settsu, Osaka 566–8566, Japan

To investigate the effectiveness of the constituents of Prunus mume fruit for relieving tension in man and rats, the effects of the pickled fruit of P. mume on chlomogranin A and cortisol levels in saliva of man, and the effects of benzyl β-D-glucopyranoside (BG) and chlorogenic acid (CA), the constituents of the fruits of P. mume, on ACTH and catecholamine (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine) levels in the plasma of experimental menopausal model rats (M-rats) [1] were examined. Decreased chlomogranin A and cortisol levels in saliva of men by fatigue stress were significantly recovered by eating the pickled P. mume fruit. BG obviously recovered catecholamine levels decreased by ether stress and increased dopamine to high levels. On the other hand, CA significantly decreased the ACTH level increased by ether stress. These results suggest that the pickled P. mume fruit, BG and CA may contribute to relieving the tension in men and rats.

Benzyl β-D-Glucopyranoside (BG)

Chlorogeneric Acid (CA)

Reference: 1. Ina, H. et al. (2004) Biol. Pharm. Bull. 27:136.