Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Nutrient Content | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Rhodiola rosea
Common Names
- Arctic root
- Golden root
- Rose root
- King’s crown
- Hong Jing Tian
- Rosenroot
- SHR-5
Parts Usually Used
The root is most commonly used for medicinal purposes.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Rhodiola is a perennial flowering plant that grows in cold regions and at high altitudes in Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Crassulaceae family. The root contains over 140 active compounds, with rosavin and salidroside being the most studied.
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Where Found
Rhodiola is native to the cold regions of Europe and Asia, including the Arctic and mountainous areas. It has been used traditionally in Russia, Scandinavia, and other European countries.
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Medicinal Properties
Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress. Potential medicinal properties and uses include:
- Reducing fatigue and exhaustion in prolonged stressful situations
- Enhancing physical and mental performance, including endurance exercise performance
- Improving cognitive function, memory, and attention
- Alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Possible anticancer and cardioprotective effects
Rhodiola’s effects are attributed primarily to its ability to optimize serotonin and dopamine levels, and to its antioxidant properties.
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Biochemical Information
Rhodiola root contains over 140 active ingredients, the two most potent being rosavin and salidroside. Other key compounds include rosin, rosarin, and tyrosol. These compounds are thought to contribute to rhodiola’s adaptogenic effects.
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Legends, Myths and Stories
Rhodiola has been used in traditional medicine systems in Russia and Scandinavian countries for centuries to increase physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, and to treat fatigue, depression, and impotence.
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Uses
Today rhodiola is primarily used as a dietary supplement to:
- Enhance physical and mental performance
- Reduce stress and fatigue
- Improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression
- Potentially as an adjunct treatment for certain cancers and heart disease, although more research is needed in these areas
Formulas or Dosages
Rhodiola is most often taken as a capsule or tablet, usually standardized to contain 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside. Dosages vary depending on intended effect but range from 100-1500 mg/day in divided doses, often taken before meals. Exact dosing isn’t well established.
For chronic administration, it is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase over 1-2 weeks, taking occasional breaks to avoid long-term tolerance development. Acute dosing, 1-2 hours before an acute stressor, may also be beneficial.
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Nutrient Content
While a complete nutrient analysis was not provided, rhodiola likely contains various vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. The key active components are rosavins and salidroside.
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How Sold
Rhodiola is sold in the form of capsules, tablets, teas, and liquid extracts. Look for products that are standardized for 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside and that ideally have had their contents verified by a third party. The dried root or crude root extracts may also be available.
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Warning
Rhodiola is generally well tolerated with few adverse effects reported. Possible side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and insomnia. Caution is advised for individuals taking prescription medications, especially antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, due to possible interactions. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.
As with any dietary supplement, consult a qualified healthcare provider before using rhodiola in the treatment of any health condition. Be aware that dietary supplements are not as closely regulated as pharmaceuticals, so quality and potency may vary between products.
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Resource Links
Top Herbs and Supplements to Naturally Manage Depression Symptoms
Rhodiola Root Extract Shows Promise for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Rhodiola Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-883/rhodiola
Healthline – 7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Rhodiola rosea
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Rhodiola
