Rhodiola Rosea Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses

The benefits of Rhodiola rosea generally relate to its purported capacity to reduce mental and physical fatigue. Rhodiola rosea, commonly known as Golden Root, is a flowering plant that grows in the mountains of Central Asia, eastern North America and the Arctic.

It has a long history of traditional use and has even been recorded in the medical texts of Ancient Greece. A medical manuscript written by Greek physicians, De Materia Medica, refers to the medicinal use of R. rosea in 707 AD.

It has been used in Mongolia for cancer and tuberculosis, given to newlyweds for fertility in Siberia and used by Vikings to improve physical endurance and strength. [1]

Today, R. rosea is commonly used as an adaptogen, a natural substance thought to help the body cope with mental, physical and environmental stress. Rhodiola Rosea benefits are said to include improved mood, athletic performance, weight loss, cognitive function and more.

Rhodiola Rosea

Adaptogen Supplement

Mood

Stimulant

Athletics

How It Works:

• Adaptogenic herb for reducing stress
• Boosts energy, focus & mood
• May reduce sleep problems & irritability

Dosage:

Between 200 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Uses of Rhodiola Rosea

Golden Root has a long history of use in parts of Europe, Asia and Russia.

It has been traditionally used for aches and pains, depression, immune function, fatigue, stress, memory and cardiac disorders.

Today the herb is taken for mild depression, colds and flu, immune function, headache, fatigue and improving cognitive function (e.g., memory and focus).

It is also used for seasonal affective disorder, fibromyalgia and to restore balance to the central nervous system.

In China, Rhodiola rosea is still prepared for the treatment of colds and flu.

Rhodiola Rosea Benefits for Stress

Rhodiola Rosea is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural products used to help the body maintain balance or homeostasis in the face of environmental and mental stress.

The adaptogen concept has not been uniformly accepted by the scientific community and the exact mechanisms responsible for adaptogenic effects remain unknown. However, there are criteria that must be met in order for a natural product to be considered an adaptogen.

Adaptogens possess three central characteristics. First, they have to be non-toxic at appropriate doses. Second, they must produce a non-specific physiological response. Third, an adaptogen must encourage homeostasis, a medical term used to describe a state of normal balance in the body.

Some of the most commonly used adaptogens include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Ginseng and Holy Basil.

Rhodiola Rosea Research

Contemporary researchers are primarily interested in R. rosea for its adaptogenic health benefits. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted to examine the effect of R. rosea on physical fatigue and mental fatigue.

In a 2012 review article the authors noted that while some clinical trials have correlated R. rosea use with reductions in mental and physical fatigue, the existing data are contradictory and limited by poor design. The authors conclude that additional, high-quality clinical trials are necessary before the therapeutic effects and benefits of R. rosea are established.

Golden Root is also used for its ergogenic properties, that is, properties that allow the herb to enhance physical and mental performance. Similar to research into the plant’s adaptogenic properties, the data regarding the ergogenic properties of Golden Root are inconclusive.

Studies in Eastern Europe have indicated that R. rosea supplementation promoted enhanced endurance performance in humans and rats. It has also been observed to improve some measures of cognitive performance. Laboratory studies also indicate that the plant exhibits antioxidant benefits. [2]

Rhodiola Rosea Supplements

Rhodiola rosea supplements come in a variety of forms. Some supplements contain only Rhodiola rosea, while others use it in combination with other herbs to boost the possible health benefits. Supplement forms include tinctures, tonics, pills and capsules.

The bioactive constituents of R. rosea remain unclear, but two constituents of the plant — rosavins and salidrosides — are thought to play the largest therapeutic role. The naturally occurring ratio of rosavins to salidrosides is approximately 3:1, and some supplements are standardized to contain this ratio.

Adverse Effects of Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea supplements are generally well tolerated when taken appropriately. In clinical studies, R. rosea has been taken in doses ranging from 50 – 660 mg to a maximum daily dosage of 1,500 mg/day. [1] Few side effects have been reported. Mild and temporary side effects have included headache and difficulty sleeping.

Some people taking Rhodiola rosea for health benefits have reported an increase in blood pressure. The herb may exhibit some blood-thinning properties and individuals using other cardiac therapies, including blood thinners like warfarin or heparin, should speak to their doctor before taking this herbal extract.

Additionally, because Rhodiola rosea may thin the blood, supplementation should be stopped several weeks before a surgical procedure.

Rhodiola rosea may interact with other dietary supplements, including vitamin E. Individuals may also experience other side effects, which may include hypertension and anxiety. Do not take Rhodiola if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first speaking with your doctor.

It is recommended to speak to your doctor or naturopath before taking this supplement to learn more about possible Rhodiola rosea benefits and side effects.

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