Rhodiola Rosea Root

Rhodiola Rosea Root

Rhodiola rosea also known as “golden root” is a unique medicinal herb that grows at high altitudes in the arctic areas of Asia and Eastern Europe. Historically, the Vikings used Rhodiola rosea as a natural supplement for boosting physical strength and improving muscle mass. This ancient medicinal herb is considered as an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps your body fight and adapt to physical, chemical and environmental stress. In addition, Rhodiola rosea is a nutrient powerhouse, consisting of several health-boosting organic compounds such as phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones. Rhodiola rosea is available in many herbal shops in the form of capsules, pills, and tea.

Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea Root

An overwhelming body of high quality research supports the following health benefits of Rhodiola rosea root:

Improves Exercise Performance and Recovery

Rhodiola rosea helps improve exercise performance. In a 2004 study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, researchers observed that healthy young adults who consumed 200 mg of Rhodiola rosea root extract one hour before exercise significantly increased their capacity for endurance exercise.^[1] In another study, healthy untrained volunteers who consumed Rhodiola rosea root extract had a significant reduction in muscle inflammation as evidenced by reduced levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein.^[2]

Prevents Neurodegenerative Disease

Recent research confirms that Rhodiola rosea has potent antioxidant effects that protect cells of the nervous system. Researchers at the Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine in China found that salidroside, an active constituent found in Rhodiola rosea, protects human nerve cells from free radical-induced cell death, suggesting that this effect can help prevent various neurodegenerative diseases.^[3]

Fights Stress

As an adaptogen, Rhodiola rosea can help enhance the body’s response to stress. In fact, a 2012 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that Rhodiola rosea root extract supplementation at a dose of 200 mg twice daily for 4 weeks significantly improved life-stress symptoms of all volunteers to a clinically relevant degree.^[4]

Improves Cognitive Function

One twelve-week study found that Rhodiola rosea extract in combination with vitamin and mineral supplementation on 120 adults with cognitive impairment resulted in positive changes in their physical and cognitive responses without any adverse side effects.^[5]

Aids in Weight Loss

A controlled placebo study conducted in 130 overweight patients at Georgian State Hospital showed that daily Rhodiola rosea extract supplementation resulted in a mean weight loss of 19 pounds (11% reduction in total body fat).^[6]   

Wards Off Depression

In a clinical trial involving 150 patients suffering from depression, participants who were given Rhodiola rosea root for one month experienced significant improvement in symptoms of depression and daytime weakness.^[7]

Fights Cancer

A 2005 study published in the Phytotherapy Research found that rhodioflavonoside and gallic acid in Rhodiola rosea root can inhibit the growth and reproduction of human prostate cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death.^[8]   

References:

1. De Bock K, Eijnde BO, Ramaekers M, Hespel P. Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Jun;14(3):298-307.
2. Abidov M, Grachev S, Seifulla RD, Ziegenfuss TN. Extract of Rhodiola rosea radix reduces the level of C-reactive protein and creatinine kinase in the blood. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2004 Jul;138(1):63-4.
3. Zhang L, Yu H, Sun Y, et al. Protective effects of salidroside on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Eur J Pharmacol. 2007 Jun 14;564(1-3):18-25.
4. Edwards D, Heufelder A, Zimmermann A. Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS® 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms–results of an open-label study. Phytother Res. 2012 Aug;26(8):1220-5. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3712.
5. Fintelmann V, Gruenwald J. Efficacy and tolerability of a Rhodiola rosea extract in adults with physical and cognitive deficiencies. Adv Ther. 2007 Jul-Aug;24(4):929-39.
6. Zakir Ramazanov, Z. et al. (1999) “New secrets of effective natural stress and weight management, using Rhodiola rosea and Rhodendron caucasicum” ATN/Safe Goods Publishing, CT.
7. Brown R, Gerbarg P, Ramazanov Z. Rhodiola rosea: a phytomedicinal overview.    American Botanical Council. 2002; 56:40-52.
8. Ming DS, Hillhouse BJ, Guns ES. Bioactive compounds from Rhodiola rosea (Crassulaceae). Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2005; 19(9):740-3.