Chemo-mapping and biochemical-modulatory and antioxidant/prooxidant effect of <i>Galium verum</i> extract during acute restraint and dark stress in female rats

<div><p><i>Galium verum</i> is a well-known medicinal plant which is used in various pathologies. <i>G</i>. <i>verum</i> extracts are characterized here using chromatography, where among the rich pool of phenolic acids of flavonoids two known anti-stress modulators, chlorogenic acid and rutin are identified in high quantities. Additionally, the extracts are characterized using a series of <i>in vitro</i> assays (EPR, DPPH, TPC and TEAC). Considering the chemical findings, the potential beneficial effects of the <i>G</i>. <i>verum</i> extract are explored here in a living organism exposed to stress induced oxidative damages. Thus, the biochemical-modulatory and antioxidant roles of two doses of <i>G</i>. <i>verum</i> extract are examined in animals exposed to acute restraint and dark stress (S). The animals were divided in groups [control, S, SG1 (exposed to 25 mg <i>G</i>. <i>verum</i> extract), SG2 (50 mg extract)]. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS from 4.43 to 8.06 nmol/mL), corticosterone from 0.43 to 1.96 μg/dL and epinephrine from 44.43 to 126.7 μg/mL, as well as decreased antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD/CAT) were observed in the S group. The <i>G</i>. <i>verum</i> extract afforded a near-normal equilibrium within the biochemical parameters of animals exposed to RS, by reducing oxidative damage (TBARS at a 3.73 nmol/mL; CS at 0.90 μg/dL; EP at 63.72 μg/mL) and by restoring the antioxidant balance.</p>