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Rhodiola
(Rhodiola rosea)
DESCRIPTION
Rhodiola rosea has been categorised as an adaptogen by Russian
researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance
to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical Stresses.
Research also indicates
great utility in asthenia conditions (decline in work performance,
sleep difficulties, poor appetite, irritability, Hypertension,
Headaches, and Fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical
or intellectual strain. The adaptogenic, cardiopulmonary protective,
and central nervous system activities of rhodiola rosea have
been attributed primarily to its ability to influence levels
and activity of monoamines and opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins
(1).
FOOD AND HERBAL USE
Rhodiola has not been used
in cooking, but possesses properties to enable individuals
to cope with everyday situations.
PHARMACOLOGY
This herb contains many
useful constituents, which have a beneficial effect on different
parts of the body.
The herb contains:
Phenylpropenoids (including rosavin, rhosavidin, rhodiolosid,
salidrosid). Additional constituents are thyrosol and cinnamic
alcohol, essential oil, anthraglycosides, beta-sitosterin,
daucosterol, monoterpenes, flavonoids, and 16-18% tannins
(2, 3).
SUGGESTED INTAKES
The active principle of
this herb is contained in the roots. Each tablet should provide
250 - 500mg standardised rhodiola rosea extract, providing
1% Salidrozid and 40% polyphenols, one to three times daily.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Increased mental
and physical performance:
Several clinical trials using double-blind placebo controls
have provided strong evidence that rhodiola rosea extract
imparts positive mood enhancement as well as anxiolytic properties
with no detectable levels of toxicity.
Rhodiola enhances mental
and physical performance. It has been widely used by athletes
to increase energy (4).
Rhodiola can help to oxygenate
the brain as well as muscle tissues, providing a dramatic
boost in energy levels (5).
Rhodiola has a positive
influence on the nervous system, increasing attention span,
memory, strength and mobility of the human body, improving
mental ability, primarily enhancing the qualitative indicators
of performed work (6).
Studies confirm the effectiveness
of rhodiola on physical rehabilitative processes which may
be attributed to a rapid normalization of lactic and uric
acid during recovery.
Stress reliever:
Rhodiola's ability to help the body adapt to Stress may lie
in its ability to enhance the level of serotonin, dopamine
and other brain neurotransmitters. Serotonin and dopamine
are normally broken down by the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase
(COMT) and active compounds extracted from rhodiola rosea
shown to inhibit the activity of COMT.
Research has shown that
rhodiola rosea can increase the level of neurotransmitters
by 30 per cent and decrease COMT activity by 60 per cent (7).
A recent study reported
that a preparation of rhodiola root extract on the stimulating
and normalizing of students during a stressful examination
had positive effects on physical fitness, mental fatigue and
neuro-motoric tests. Also a self-assessment of the general
well-being of each individual was also significantly higher
than placebo (8).
Rhodiola rosea can reduce
general Fatigue under certain stressful conditions (4).
Others:
Rhodiola seems to improve the ratio of muscle to fat, and
increases haemoglobin and erythrocyte levels in the blood.
Rhodiola possesses anti-Depression
agents, helps boost the Immune System and is thought to help
maintain the health of the heart.
SAFETY
Rhodiola is not recommended
during pregnancy and whilst breast feeding.
Rhodiola is free from any
known side effects at the doses recommended.
REFERENCES
1. Altern Med Rev, 2001,
6 (3): 293-302 Rhodiola rosea: A possible plant adaptogen
2. Pharmazie, 1968, 23 (7): 392-395
3. Pharmazie, 1969, 24 (2): 118-119
4. Phytomedicine, 2000,7 (5): 365-371)
5. N. Volkov, Moscow Institute of Physical Culture, 1995.
Rosavin, Rhodiola from Ameriden meets the standards set by
the research.
6. Saratikov AS., Krasnov EA. 1987.
7. Krendal FP et al. (1990) Kharkov, USSR, pp 31-32
8. Phytomedicine, 2000, 7 (2): 85-89
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