In today’s fast-paced world, stress is one of the most common challenges affecting both mental and physical health. Scientists are increasingly interested in natural compounds that may help the body adapt to stress, and one promising candidate is Sho-ko-sen, a pine nodule extract developed from Shawkea Pine Nodule (松康泉).
A recent study investigated how Sho-ko-sen influences autonomic nervous balance in young students exposed to mental stress. The findings suggest that this natural extract could play a role in reducing stress-related nervous system imbalances.
The Research at a Glance
The study, published in Current Topics in Pharmacology, explored the effects of Sho-ko-sen on young students performing stressful mental arithmetic tasks.
- Participants: 12 healthy students
- Design: Students were divided into two groups: a placebo group and a Sho-ko-sen group.
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Measures: Researchers tracked changes in:
- Autonomic nervous system balance (sympathetic vs. parasympathetic activity)
- Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic)
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Salivary α-amylase activity (a marker of stress response)
Key Findings
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Autonomic Nervous Balance
- Mental stress (U-K test) increased sympathetic nervous activity in the placebo group.
- Sho-ko-sen reduced this stress-induced sympathetic overactivation, helping to restore balance between sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) systems.
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Blood Pressure
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Stress normally raises blood pressure, but in this study, Sho-ko-sen helped stabilize systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo.
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Salivary α-Amylase Activity
- Stress boosted α-amylase activity in the placebo group, indicating heightened nervous system arousal.
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Sho-ko-sen blunted this increase, suggesting a calming effect at the biochemical level.
Why This Matters
The body’s autonomic nervous system is a crucial regulator of stress responses. Chronic overactivation of the sympathetic system has been linked to anxiety, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems. By supporting autonomic balance, Sho-ko-sen may help buffer the body against the harmful effects of ongoing stress.
The study also highlights how natural extracts like pine nodule compounds can act on neurotransmission. Previous research suggests that components of Sho-ko-sen may suppress catecholamine synthesis and secretion, reducing stress hormone surges.
Limitations and Future Directions
While the results are promising, a few caveats are worth noting:
- The study had a small sample size (n=12), so larger trials are needed.
- The participants were young, healthy students, meaning effects may differ in older adults or clinical populations.
- The precise mechanisms behind Sho-ko-sen’s stress-reducing effects remain under investigation.
Conclusion
This study provides early evidence that Sho-ko-sen pine nodule extract may help regulate stress responses by:
- Reducing sympathetic overactivity
- Supporting parasympathetic recovery
- Stabilizing blood pressure and stress-related biomarkers
Although more research is needed, Sho-ko-sen could represent a natural, plant-based aid for maintaining resilience in the face of everyday stress.