Rhodiola Rosea and its main uses
Rhodiola rosea, also known
as Arctic Root or Golden Root, is a plant that is native to the mountainous
regions of Europe, Asia and the Arctic region. It grows in dry, cold areas and
has been a staple in the diets of many Eastern European and Scandinavian
countries for centuries. Traditionally, the plant was given to betrothed Siberian
couples to ensure the birth of many healthy children.
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic
herb. Siberian Rhodiola rosea extract has also shown to reduce and/or prevent
stress-induced cardiac damage, decrease myocardial catecholamines and cyclic
adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. It also reduces adrenal catecholamine
release, and can prevent heart arrhythmia. Siberian Rhodiola rosea is also
capable of improving thyroid function without the side effects of
hyperthyroidism.
During periods of exercise
or intense athletic training, Siberian Rhodiola rosea has been shown to improve
glycogen (the muscle fuel) production and therefore increase muscle power and
energy. This also helps to stave off fatigue during intense activity.
It boosts the breakdown of
fat cells and so can actually help the body burn fat better and help with
weight reduction and improved metabolism.
Over 300 human studies on Rhodiola rosea show that the plant has
anti-stress, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant properties, and that taking the
extract of the root produces no significant negative effects. This is in sharp
contrast to drugs for the same purposes, which typically cause sleep disorders,
digestive upset, sexual dysfunction and a variety of mood disorders.
Real Siberian Rhodiola
rosea root extract must contain rosiridin, rosavins and salidroside in ratios
approximately 3:1:1 that reflect the phytochemistry of the natural plant. For
example, the extract of Siberian Rhodiola rosea root should contain minimum 3%
rosavins, 1% rosiridins and 1% salidroside.
Positive effect on memory
Several clinical studies
have demonstrated the Rhodiola Rosea’s ability to substantially enhance
memorization and concentration. In one of the proofreading tests in the control
groups, performance of the patients who were given Rhodiola Rosea on the
prolonged experiment was about 88% better than for the patients who have been
give placebo.
The process of memory
formation is supported by interactions between special neurotransmitters
residing in the brain. Learning and memorization processes are associated with
increased activities of some neurotransmitters (as dopamine and serotonin) and with decreased activities of other neurotransmitters
(such as nor-epinephrine). Rhodiola Rosea extract – salidroside – has been
found as being effective in the process of moderate decrease of nor-epinephrine
amount in the brain, allowing improving the cognition and memorization. Acetylcholine is another neurotransmitter
that is both stimulated by Rhodiola rosea and is one of the key components to
improving and retaining memory.
Dealing with Alzheimer’s symptoms
One of the recent Chinese
studies confirmed that Rhodiola herb can remarkably improve the signs of memory
impairment in rats, affected by Alzheimer’s, which suggests that Rhodiola herb may
be able to prevent and treat AD. While the existing data on AD prevention and
treatment abilities is still inconclusive, there is no doubt that Rhodiola
Rosea may improve the general well being of the Alzheimer’s patients and slow
down the devastating effects of the memory loss.
Thus, Rhodiola rosea helps many of the precursors and symptoms of
Alzheimer's, including stress, depression, lethargy, and memory loss.
Caution
Currently, there are no
known drugs or herbal interactions associated with Rhodiola; however, research
is still being done on the product, especially here in the West. One should not
take Rhodiola while pregnant or breast-feeding as the risks to pregnant women
and nursing mothers have not been studied enough to know for certain if there
is a potential hazardous interaction. Because Rhodiola is a stimulant,
individuals with manic-depression (bipolar disorder) should not take this
product. Irritability and insomnia are two of the more common side effects of
Rhodiola. They are usually seen when more than 1,500 mg of the herbal is taken
a day.
If you're considering using Rhodiola in treatment of a medical condition,
make sure to consult a physician before you begin taking the herb.
Sources and Additional
Information:
