A botanical extract of Souroubea sympetala and its active principle, betulinic acid, attenuate the cortisol response to a stressor in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

- Souroubea sympetala extract and betulinic acid reduced ACTH-stimulated cortisol production by head kidney tissue in vitro.
- The cortisol response to an acute stressor was attenuated in rainbow trout fed betulinic acid supplemented food.
- Thus, S. sympetala and betulinic acid may be useful in mitigating effects of stress in aquaculture.