Rubidium: Stimulator
Rubidium (Rb)
Activator of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Rubidium in the human body plays the role of an activator of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, it increases blood pressure and has antihistaminic effects.
The daily requirement for the human body is 0.1 mg.
The total amount of rubidium in the human body is about 1 g. An adult on a mixed diet consumes about 1.7 mg of rubidium per day, which, for example, significantly exceeds the intake of iodine, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, and nickel.
Daily, 1.5–4.0 mg of rubidium enters the human body through food. After 60–90 minutes of oral intake, rubidium can be detected in the blood. The average level of rubidium in the blood is 2.3–2.7 mg/L.
Rubidium is found in a bound state with erythrocytes, its concentration in erythrocytes is significantly higher than in plasma. More than 80% of rubidium is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The transport mechanisms of human and animal cells do not distinguish between rubidium and potassium ions, so these ions can compete with each other.
After absorption, rubidium accumulates in the brain and skeletal muscles. Rubidium can also accumulate in the placenta. The concentration of rubidium in bones is 26.7 µg/g, in ovaries – 20 µg/g, in lungs – 9.2 µg/g, in soft tissues – about 7.8 µg/g.
Rubidium is primarily excreted from the body through urine (up to 70%).
After absorption, rubidium accumulates in the brain and skeletal muscles. Rubidium can also accumulate in the placenta. The concentration of rubidium in bones is 26.7 µg/g, in ovaries – 20 µg/g, in lungs – 9.2 µg/g, in soft tissues – about 7.8 µg/g.
Rubidium is primarily excreted from the body through urine (up to 70%).
Biological role in the human body. Rubidium belongs to elements with insufficiently studied biological roles, but its necessity for the human body has been proven at present.
Currently, the stimulating effect of rubidium on circulatory functions and the effectiveness of its salts in hypotension of various origins has been established. This fact was first established by the famous Russian physician S.S. Botkin, who proved that rubidium chloride causes a prolonged increase in blood pressure, and this effect is primarily associated with enhanced cardiovascular activity and constriction of peripheral vessels. S.S. Botkin reached this conclusion in his dissertation “The Influence of Rubidium and Cesium Salts on the Heart and Circulation in Connection with the Lawfulness of the Action of Alkaline Metals,” defended in 1898.
The adrenergic and sympathomimetic effects of rubidium salts on central and peripheral adrenergic structures have been established, which are particularly pronounced when the tone of the sympathetic part of the central nervous system is suppressed and in cases of catecholamine deficiency. Rubidium salts are characterized primarily by an β–adrenergic stimulating effect.
The physiological role of rubidium also lies in its ability to inhibit prostaglandins PGE1, PGE2, PGE2–α and in the presence of antihistaminic properties; sometimes it acts as a synergist of potassium (although potassium is an antagonist of rubidium).
Rubidium salts affect nonspecific indicators of immunobiological resistance – they cause a significant increase in complement titer, lysozyme activity, and phagocytic activity of leukocytes.
The literature contains numerous data on the stimulating effect of rubidium salts on the functions of hematopoietic organs. In microdoses, they cause stimulation of erythropoiesis and leukopoiesis (by 20–25%), significantly increase the resistance of erythrocytes, and increase the hemoglobin content in them.
Rubidium chloride participates in gas exchange, activating the activity of oxidative enzymes; rubidium salts increase the body’s resistance to hypoxia.
Signs of rubidium deficiency: decreased appetite; low mood; asthenic manifestations; growth and development delay; abortions; premature births.
Main manifestations of rubidium excess: local irritation on the skin and mucous membranes; chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract; arrhythmias, sleep disturbances; headaches; proteinuria.
Rubidium is necessary: in the treatment of many diseases of the nervous and muscular systems, in particular, in cases of weakness, fatigue, anemia. Due to its antihistaminic action, it may be useful in various allergic diseases.
In the late 19th to early 20th century, due to its neurotropic action, based on competitive interaction with potassium ions, rubidium salts were used to strengthen the nervous system, and later – as an antiepileptic and hypnotic agent.
In the late 19th to early 20th century, due to its neurotropic action, based on competitive interaction with potassium ions, rubidium salts were used to strengthen the nervous system, and later – as an antiepileptic and hypnotic agent.
Dietary sources of rubidium: vegetables: eggplants, ginger, zucchini, potatoes, onions, carrots, parsnips, parsley, black radish, turnips, beets, celery, asparagus, tomatoes, pumpkin, horseradish, garlic; greens: basil, coriander (cilantro), green onions, parsley greens, arugula, lettuce, celery greens, dill, garlic greens, spinach; mushrooms: white mushrooms, champignons; fruits: avocados, quinces, plums, pineapples, oranges, watermelons, bananas, grapes, cherries, pomegranates, grapefruits, pears, melons, strawberries, figs, kiwis, cornelian cherries, cranberries, gooseberries, mangoes, tangerines, sea buckthorn, peaches, plums, black currants, feijoa, persimmons, sweet cherries, blueberries, apples; dried fruits: raisins, dried figs, dried apricots, dates, prunes; nuts and seeds: peanuts, sesame, macadamia, almonds, brazil nuts, walnuts, cedar nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, hazelnuts; grains and legumes: beans, peas, buckwheat, corn, millet, hard wheat, unrefined rice, wild rice, rye, soybeans, beans, lentils; tea, coffee.
The majority of rubidium (about 40%) enters the body through tea and coffee. For example, black tea contains about 100 mg/kg of rubidium.
The majority of rubidium (about 40%) enters the body through tea and coffee. For example, black tea contains about 100 mg/kg of rubidium.