Stress-Reducing Effects of Brown Rice Koji

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether a diet supplemented with brown rice koji (BRK) results in a reduced stress response in rats and mice. BRK, which has been suggested as a candidate for use as a stress- and fatigue-fighting supplement, was compared with red ginseng extract (RG) for its stress-reducing potential. The animals in this study were divided into no-stress, stress, RG, and BRK groups of 8 to 10 animals each. Stress was induced by means of immobilization (being restrained in plastic tubes for 30 min and electroshock (0.5 mA in mice or 2 mA in rats for 5 min). The no-stress group was not exposed to stress. Rats in the RG group received oral doses of 200 mg RG extract/kg body weight daily. The BRK group was fed a 30% BRK diet and exposed to stress. Animals were given supplements for 7 days before being exposed to stress, and then were given supplements for 5 days with exposure to stress. When the stress exposure ended, the animals were observed for stress-related changes in behavior and their plasma corticosterone levels were measured. BRK supplementation was associated with a partial blockade of the effects of stress on locomotion and elevated plus-maze test results in rats and mice. It was also associated with a partial reduction in stress-induced behaviors such as freezing, burrowing, smelling, face-washing, and rearing. BRK supplementation did not have a significant effect on plasma corticosterone levels, which were increased in the animals exposed to stress (p<0.01). The mice in the RG group received RG in water (2 mg RG/ mL $H_2O$), and the BRK group received a 30% BRK diet (weight) for 7 days. Both groups were evaluated for signs of fatigue. BRK supplementation increased endurance, as indicated by time on the rota-rod, in cold water, and on the horizontal wire. These results suggest that BRK supplementation partially protects the animal from the effects of stress and may also contribute to resistance to fatigue on physical exertion.