Main active constituents

Rhodiola Rosea has phenylpropanoid constitituents: rosavin, rosin, and rosarin, called collectively "rosavins".

Physiological Effects

Parts Used: Root

Traditional Use and Health Benefits Native to Siberia, Rhodiola Rosea has a long and enduring history as a herbal adaptogen. It was used by the Vikings to enhance physical strength and endurance and Chinese Emperors used to send expeditions to bring back this “golden root” to be used in medicinal preparations.

A common saying in Siberia is, “People who drink Rhodiola Rosea will live to be over 100”, and it is still given to newlyweds to ensure fertility and the birth of healthy children. A closely guarded secret among many Siberian families, Rhodiola Rosea has been used for centuries in the traditional medicine of Russia and Scandinavia.

Rhodiola Rosea Benefits

Adaptogen Discovered in 1947 by the Russian scientist Dr Nicolai Lazarev, who in fact coined the term “adaptogen”, certain plants were studied for their outstanding stress-protective and immune boosting qualities. Rhodiola Rosea was a “second generation” adaptogen (the first generation being members of the Ginseng family), and has been used by the Siberian peoples for time immemorial to cope with the cold Siberian climate and the stresses of living in such an extreme environment.

Rhodiola's adaptogenic benefits partly stem from a phytochemical it contains - salisdroside - a compound that relieves anxiety and stress. Rhodiola helps to balance cortisol levels - the stress hormone - in the body. If they are too high it can bring it down, conversely if they are too low it can bring them up, this is the power of an adaptogen.

Rhodiola repairs exhausted and burnt out adrenals, making it highly effective to combat stress, fatigue, anxiety and worry. It enhances wellbeing by supporting two neurotransmitters that are essential for mood and mental function - serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are crucial to sharp focus and memory and have a huge impact on the ability to stimulate feelings of happiness.

Longevity Rhodiola Rosea has been extensively researched for its promising effects on anti-aging and longevity. Research suggests that its key active constituents; salidroside and several rosavin compounds are responsible for this herb's longevity effects. Salidroside has been found to protect human cells from premature aging when exposed to oxidative stress. This is especially true of skin cells, it preserves aging skin cells' ability to divide thus maintaining healthy glowing skin. 

Rhodiola works through various pathways to naturally energise and give the immune system a boost. Recent studies suggest that Rhodiola also prevents endothelial dysfunction - a process that can lead to high blood pressure and athersclerosis (hardening of the arteries). 

If you want to stay mentally sharp well into old age then Rhodiola Rosea's adaptogenic qualities supercharge the brain and nervous system, helping you to stay strong not only physically but mentally and emotionally too. 

Athletic Performance Used by the Russian Olympic Team to maximise their potential in athletics and body building, Rhodiola Rosea helps to increase stamina and endurance by increasing red blood cell count and lowering oxidative damage. With red blood cells main job being to carry oxygen to muscles, having a higher count can dramatically improve athletic performance and help to delay fatigue.

Rhodiola is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, aiding in the rapid recovery of muscles and improved endurance. It has been found to increase synthesis of ATP – the energy currency of the cell – producing more energy for power and endurance.

Contraindications/Precautions

Do not take Rhodiola if:

• You are taking antidepressants: Rhodiola may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs. In addition, there was a case of fast and irregular heartbeat in a young woman who took Rhodiola along with her antidepressant for 3 days.

• You are taking drugs for high blood pressure: Rhodiola may increase the risk of side effects.

• You are taking CNS stimulant drugs: Rhodiola may increase the risk of side effects.

• You are taking CYP450 3A4 substrate drugs: Lab studies suggest rhodiola may increase the risk of side effects.

• You are taking CYP450 2C9 substrate drugs: Rhodiola may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs, including phenytoin and warfarin.

• You are taking P-gp substrate drugs: Lab studies suggest rhodiola may increase the risk of side effects.

Disclaimer

This information is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

Additional Resources

• Rhodiola rosea: A Possible Plant Adaptogen (nutradvance.pt)

• Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review (nih.gov)

• Rhodiola rosea L.: an herb with anti-stress, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties for cancer chemoprevention (nih.gov)

• Rhodiola Rosea Benefits - Natural Health Guide (indigo-herbs.co.uk)

• Frontiers | Rhodiola rosea L. Improves Learning and Memory Function: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms | Pharmacology (frontiersin.org)