Protective effects of Leuzea uniflora (L.) Holub (Rhaponticum uniflorum (L.) DC., Asteraceae) on the white rats' brain mitochondrial function in acute hypobaric hypoxia/reoxygenation were studied. The extract of L. uniflora in the dose of 100 mg/kg was administered to animals for 14 days. The effects of the extract on the brain mitochondria respiration rate as well as on the NADH- and succinate dehydrogenase activities were determined. The extract of L. uniflora increased the oxidative phosphorylation processes coupling in brain mitochondria, namely, it significantly stimulated basal respiration, caused an increase in NADH-oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase complexes activity, increased the ATP content, reduced the lipid peroxidation intensity and improved the antioxidant state. The results obtained indicate the presence of energy-protective and antioxidant activities of L. uniflora, which are due to its ability to reduce the oxidation of biomacromolecules in hypoxia/reoxygenation.
Keywords: Leuzea uniflora; antioxidants; hypoxia; mitochondrial respiration; oxidative phosphorylation; oxidative stress; reoxygenation.