Rhodiola Root
An Introduction to Rhodiola Root
The Rhodiola rosea is a flowering perennial plant that has a fragrance that is similar to a rose, although it is no relation to the common rose. The colours of its flowers are red, pink, or yellow. The key active ingredients in this herb are Rosavin, Rosarin, and Rosin. Only the herb grown in Russia (West and Northern Siberia) has a high enough level of potency to be effective.
Rhodiola rosea, or Russian Rhodiola, is useful as an anti-aging supplement and also is used to help cope with stress. In Russia and Scandinavia, this plant has been used for centuries and is called “Golden root”. It is used to manage life in cold and stressful climates, such as Siberia and it improves both physical and mental performance. It has been used to treat Russian cosmonauts, soldiers, political leaders and athletes. This plant is used to improve the memory and nervous system, by stimulating the blood flow to the muscles and brain. It has been used to prevent alcohol and drug addiction.
In Russia, Rhodiola has been used by top athletes to raise their energy levels, improve their endurance, increase their resistance to strain, and improve their overall performance level. It has properties that protect the heart after strenuous exercise by quickly returning the heart rate to its normal level. This supplement also has the ability to rejuvenate DNA cells by increasing the efficiency of repairs.
Rhodiola rosea has been successfully used to treat depression, and this result was proven in a clinical trial. For the period of one month, a study group of 150 participants used Rhodiola rosea extract, and following this trial period sixty-six percent had positive results. Their depression had gone into remission and their mood was improved. They were more outgoing, friendly and active, and no longer felt listless.
When compared to other anti-depressants and anti-stress supplements such as St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo biloba and Panax Ginseng, the Rhodiola rosea was a much stronger and more effective treatment. As well, its tonic levels were five times less than Panax ginseng.
As a means to stimulate the immune system, Rhodiola is used to improve the body’s ability to fight toxins that lead to infection. It stimulates Natural Killer cells that search for infection in our body and destroy them. Then it also alleviates stress so the person can fight bacterial and viral infections more efficiently. When a person is under stress, their body expends energy that would be available for other functions, so the result is lower immunity and overall deterioration in health.
Some groups of people who benefit from the properties of Rhodiola include drivers, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, pilots, and other occupations that require alertness for long periods of time and attention to detail. As well, the elderly find its rejuvenating properties and anti-aging properties to be beneficial.
Bulgarian research studies have shown the Rhodiola rosea has been effective in treating weight loss. When this herb is taken in combination with physical exercise, it is effective in breaking down stored fat cells.
Although many clinical studies have been conducted on the effects of Rhodiola, there have been no known side effects that have resulted from its use, as it has a very low level of toxicity. Those who should avoid using Rhodiola include pregnant and breast-feeding women, as there is a lack of information available on its safety. When taking high doses of Rhodiola (1500 to 2000 mg daily), insomnia may result.
In animal tests, the many benefits of Rhodiola have been shown but the benefits to humans still need further testing to be proven. The only benefit that has been proven in human studies is the treatment of mild to moderate depression. In a clinical trial in Armenia in 2007, doses of 340 to 680 mg per day were taken by patients, and the result showed a significant improvement in mental state. The claim that Rhodiola improves physical performance was inconclusive in clinical studies.
The recommended dosage when taking Rhodiola is one to two capsules daily, taken first thing in the morning and again in the early afternoon. It is not recommended to take this herb in the evening as it can cause insomnia. Each capsule or tablet contains 100 mg, but the dosage can be increased to 200 mg. three times daily if required. A considerable high dose would be 1000 mg or more daily.
The positive results of increased energy levels and elevated moods can occur within a few days of taking the herb. The use of Rhodiola has improved memory functions and learning ability, and anxiety levels are reduced.
