Rhodiola Rosea for Depression and Fatigue Review

Rhodiola rosea, more commonly known as Golden root, has been used for thousands of years to lift mood and increase energy.

Rhodiola rosea is a perennial flowering plant that prefers cold climates such as the Arctic and northern Asia. The herb has long been administered to treat a variety of health issues due to its adaptogenic and antioxidant benefits.

The use of Rhodiola Rosea for depression is growing as reviews say this herb does not cause the emotional blunting side effect of many prescription anti-depressants. The dopaminergic and serotonergic effects of rhodiola extract have been found effective in relieving mild to moderate depression, and in reducing stress.

How does this herbal supplement work for depression and how should it be used?

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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Rhodiola Rosea Uses

Adaptogenic components found in Rhodiola rosea boost immune system function and promote balance or homeostasis in the body.

The antioxidant properties found in the herb are also beneficial in promoting health and wellness.

The supplement is often used to promote anti-aging effects on skin to cells to muscle tissues, organs, including the heart, and the blood.

Rhodiola rosea also show anti-cancer effects by enhancing the resistance of the body to toxins and free radicals that can damage DNA.

There are also significant mental benefits attributed to this plant, with regards to emotional well-being, energy, mood swings, stress and depression.

Rhodiola Rosea for Depression

Bioactive components found in Rhodiola rosea aid the transportation of tryptophan – an essential amino acid – through the blood brain barrier. This chemical is not produced by the body and must be ingested through the foods we eat or through nutritional supplements.

Tryptophan is an essential building block in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, promoting healthy sleep cycles and mood stability. Tryptophan is first converted into 5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HTP), which then is used to synthesize serotonin.

When levels of serotonin are high, it promote a sense of contentment and relaxation. Serotonin is also necessary for the synthesis of melatonin – a neurotransmitter that regulates our sleeping and waking cycles.

Rhodiola and Serotonin

Serotonin is one of the most important brain chemicals that controls our emotions. It is not only responsible for our mood, but regulating our body temperature, our behaviors, our blood pressure, our sense of appetite, and our perception of pain, among others.

Serotonin, classified as an indolamine, is found throughout the body, most especially in the brain, the gastrointestinal tract lining, and in blood platelets. Fluctuating levels of serotonin can wreak havoc on our sense of contentment, and inadequate levels in are linked with depression.

Since Rhodiola rosea makes more serotonin precursors available in the brain, it is able to naturally increase levels of the neurotransmitter within the centers of the brain that regulate mood. This provides a clear anti-depressant effect.

Rhodiola rosea has been used to combat depression, especially in regions where short days and long winters contribute to a condition known as a Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. This is especially prevalent in northern regions of Europe, Russia, Asia, and North America.

When there is less daylight, our bodies are not able to synthesize as much Vitamin D, which impairs serotonin productions. Rhodiola may counteract this by increasing serotonin in the brain and by preventing the breakdown of this neurotransmitter once it is released from your neurons. Both of these mechanisms result in a mood-lifting effect.

Rhodiola and Dopamine

In the same way that rhodiola increases the synthesis of serotonin, it also boosts production of dopamine.

Rhodiola is observed to increase the availability of dopamine precursors within the brain and it acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor to prevent the breakdown of this chemical.

Monoamines are classified as either indolamines or catecholamines. Catecholamines include neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, while indolamines include serotonin.

Catecholamines are mainly responsible for functions of the sympathetic and central nervous system. They have an excitatory impact on our reactions and nerve impulses. Dopamine and Norepinephrine, in particular, are connected to our reward cycle and feelings of pleasure, motivation and drive.

Rhodiola increases levels of these two chemicals in the brain, resulting in increased energy, concentration, excitement for life and mental motivation. This is another factor that contributes to the benefits of Rhodiola rosea for depression.

Rhodiola and Cortisol

Chronic stress is another condition that is often linked to depression. Stress can include both physical and mental states, caused by environmental changes or external circumstances that require a heightened state of alertness. Our body deals with stress by releasing hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine to give us a short-term energy boost.

But with chronic stress, these chemicals become depleted and we can experience fatigue, sleep problems, reduced immune system functioning and a sense of being emotionally drained.

Due to its adaptogenic components, the Rhodiola rosea herb enhances the body’s capability of responding to stress by manufacturing components that help to balance monoamines found in the central nervous system. In addition to making more norepinephrine available, this herbal extract also reduces cortisol levels. This can contribute to improved mood balance and offer further anti-depressant benefits.

How to take Rhodiola for Depression

Anti-depressant benefits of rhodiola rosea have been demonstrated in studies at a dosage of between 200-600 mg per day. This is sometimes paired with other supplements including l-tyrosine and 5-HTP to support higher levels of serotonin and dopamine.

In one study, three groups of participants were given either 340 mg of rhodiola once a day, 340 mg twice a day for a total of 680 mg daily, or a placebo. The group that received 680 mg per day experienced the greatest benefits with the largest decrease in reports of depression symptoms.

Furthermore, this group reported no major side effects and also saw improvements in mood swings, ability to fall asleep, as well as energy levels.

Guidelines for Rhodiola Rosea Use

Rhodiola rosea is beneficial in the treatment of a number of conditions not limited to depression. However, it is important for consumers to understand the limitations and/or side effects that may be associated with the herb.

Side effects are few, but because the herb acts as a blood thinner, it is not recommended for anyone currently taking blood thinners due to cardiac conditions. If you are scheduled for surgery, stop taking the herb at least two weeks before.

Talk to your doctor about the safety and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea supplements as well as dosage recommendations. Dosage depends on the age, overall health and wellness, and any contributing medical conditions or factors.

Always follow label instructions and refer to your pharmacist, doctor, or health care practitioner when considering Rhodiola rosea for depression, especially if you’re already taking prescription or other over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements.

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