[Effect of stress and the adaptogen cucurbitacin R diglycoside on arachidonic acid metabolism]

Rat leukocytic lipoxygenase activity is decreased in stress. The production of 12-hydroxy-5z, 8z, 10E-heptadecatrienic acid (12-HHT) (the product of cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid-AA) is increased. Cucurbitacin R diglucoside (CRD), an adaptogen, raising working capacity and corticosteroid secretion, produces a similar effect on leukocytes. Preliminary injection of CRD to animals prevents changes caused by stress, which indicates a CRD adaptogenic effect on the body.