Rosavin Benefits from Rhodiola Rosea Extract

Rosavin is one of the chemical components that has been isolated from the Rhodiola Rosea plant.

Rosavin is a cinnamyl alcohol glycoside that occurs alongside salidroside within rhodiola extracts.

This phytochemical is thought to be one of the primary active components in the herb and may be responsible for some of the mood lifting and anxiolytic effects of the herb.

Most Rhodiola supplements sold today specify the percentage of rosavins as the primary way to gauge the potency of the extract and the recommended dosage to take. It is important to identify the percentage of active ingredients in any herbal extract you take due to the potential for significant differences in concentration of active ingredients.

While research has yet to determine conclusively all of the active chemicals that play a role in delivering the effects of Rhodiola Rosea, rosavins continue to be identified as a key constituent.

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

Top Rhodiola Rosea Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Rosavins in Rhodiola Rosea

The chemical components and associated benefits of Rhodiola Rosea are proving difficult for modern medicine to distinguish.

This is primarily due to the fact that not all Rhodiola species are alike. Neither, would it seem, are all Rhodiola Rosea plants alike.

A research study published in 2010 found that extracts taken from 3 different varieties contained over 120 compounds extracted from the oils of plants.

Although many had isolated compounds in common, none were in exactly the same combination. The plants examined were from Bulgaria, China and India.

One interesting factor arising from the study was the discovery of the source of the pleasant rose-like aroma from which the name of the plant is attributed. The oil extract from the root was found to contain a substance known as ‘geraniol.’ When this compound is found with phenethylalcohol, which is also contained in Rhodiola Rosea, it produces the perfume of a rose.

Much of the work undertaken has been done on a phytochemical basis. This simply means the examination of the chemical composition of plants and herbs. It also includes investigation into the chemical properties or reactions of any compounds isolated.

In the case of Rhodiola Rosea the main compounds appear to be that of ‘salidroside’ and also the ‘rosavins.’ Rosavins, are collectively grouped as ‘phenylpropanoids.’ In the case of Rhodiola Rosea they comprise: Rosavin, Rosin and Rosarin.

What Do Rosavins Do?

Collectively and in conjunction with other compounds, Rosavins are said to reduce anxiety and nervousness. However although this is a property which is of great interest to many consumers, the other actions it may perform are of increasing intrigue to science.

It is not only being researched as to ‘if’ certain benefits are achieved but also ‘what’ conditions it can positively affect. More importantly to Western medicine is proving ‘how’ those beneficial results are realized.

Cell cultures in particular have been examined in light of how they are affected by Rhodiola rosea in general and the rosavins in particular. It has shown to be beneficial in respect of many potentially damaging biological reactions. These include anti-fatigue, anti-stress, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and protection from auto-immune conditions.

Additionally the benefits have been known to have longevity effects. It is said that Siberians who drink tea made from the herb often live to over 100. Even as recently as 2013 the Siberian Times reported that findings in the US confirmed the life-extending value of the tea in fruit flies.

The rosavins do not work in isolation. It is only when they are combined with the other compounds contained within specific varieties of Rhodiola Rosea that they are effective. In particular the chemical ‘salidroside’ is necessary to achieve beneficial results.

It is suggested that salidroside is the most potent of all the compounds contained within the herb. This however is again misleading, because it is the combined constituents and their ratios which produce the significant results.

It is claimed that the combination of compounds held within this valuable herb root not only increases the production of serotonin, but also decreases release of cortisol. Since serotonin is a relaxant and cortisol is a stimulant, it can be seen how the combined effects achieve the desired result. It can also be seen how, when people are producing the physical effects of anxiety, that these are significantly reduced.

Research into Rhodiola’s Effects

Research continues into identifying the individual qualities and benefits of rhodiola plants. One of the biggest challenges relates to isolating all of the potentially beneficial active chemicals.

Most Rhodiola plants, although they have some compounds in common, do not contain all of them. Correspondingly, although many plants in different regions around the world contain specific beneficial properties, they do not contain all of them.

The problems with different species of Rhodiola is further compounded by the geographical differences between Rhodiola Rosea plants . A plant from one country may not contain the same ratio of compounds as a plant of the same name from another.

Currently the Siberian Rhodiola Rosea is known to be of the highest quality and to positively affect ailments which include:

• Stamina
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Libido
• Muscle strength
• Energy
• Desire
• Longevity
• Fatigue

It is not known exactly how the rosavins work in conjunction with salidroside to positively affect the multitude of conditions which are currently suggested. Research will no doubt increase in intensity.

In terms of science and medicine, the knowledge currently surrounding the rhodiola rosea herb and its compounds is in its infancy. Western medicine may take many decades to reach the conclusions which Siberians and other nations have been taking advantage of for centuries.

Rate This Article

(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)