Rhodiola kirilowii roots and rhizomes are traditionally used in China as a tonic, adaptogen, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drug. The plant is also used in the Chinese medicine for the enhancement of the ability of anti-anoxia, moreover it shows anticoagulative properties and decreases the level of blood sugar. R. kirilowii also protect people against cardiopulmonary function problems when moving to high altitude (4500 m).
The aim of this work was to study the in vivo effect of aqueous and 50% hydro-alcoholic extracts of R. kirilowii roots on metabolic activity of blood granulocytes in mice. Hydro-alcoholic extract of R. kirilowii exerted stimulatory effect in the lowest and in the highest dose applied. No difference from the control was observed in the group fed intermediate doses. In the case of aqueous extract intermediate doses presented inhibition of granulocytes chemiluminescence.