Rhodiola is a plant used in traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia to enhance physical and mental performance, stimulate the nervous system, fight depression, and to improve sleep.

The antioxidant properties of the flavonoids and organic acids present in rhodiola are said to be responsible for its effects. Experiments done in rats demonstrate that rhodiola has cardioprotective and anticancer properties but human data are lacking. Supplementation with rhodiola has been shown to improve physical endurance and mental performance, and to reduce stress-induced fatigue in humans. Rhodiola rosea is a potent adaptogenic herb and therefore has a protective effect against a variety of stress conditions. Clinical studies have resulted in a decrease in stress induced fatigue and an increase in mental work capacity with administration of 100mg – 200mg Rhodiola rosea extract daily.

Claims for Rhodiola

• Rhodiola may assist with the relief of symptoms associated with environmental stress.
• Rhodiola is a tonic herb which may be beneficial in times of stress.
• Rhodiola may assist the body with relaxation in times of stress.
• Rhodiola may aid symptoms associated with stress.

Mechanism of Action

Rhodiola exerts cardioprotective and central nervous system stimulant effects by altering the levels of biogenic monoamines such as dopamine, nor-epinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. This modulation is believed to result from inhibition of the enzymes monoamine oxidase and catechol-o-methyl transferase that are responsible for monoamine degradation (10). Rhodiola also aids the transport of neurotransmitters in the brain. It is thought to help the body adapt to stressors by preventing release of catecholamine and increase in cyclic AMP levels in the myocardium, and by depleting adrenal catecholamine.

Rhodiola is eminently suitable in combinations with other popular adaptogens (whole body tonics) including Siberian ginseng and astragalus, liver tonics including silymarin and brain tonics including ginkgo.

Clinical study

In this study 161 cadets, ages 19 to 21 years, were randomized to receive either a single dose of standardized rhodiola extract, a single dose that was 50% stronger than the standardized dose, or placebo. Researchers found that the cadets who received rhodiola extract showed significant lowering of fatigue as measured by an antifatigue index compared to those on placebo. There was no difference in the index between the two dosage groups. However, these results cannot be generalized. More well-designed studies are warranted.

Shevtsov VA, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 2003;10(2-3):95-105.

Source: Sloan Kettering http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69356.cfm

Suggested combination options

Rhodiola rosea (roseroot) extract standardised to 2% rosavin:

1. Rhodiola, Siberian ginseng and 200mg astragalus
2. Rhodiola and milk thistle (silymarin)
3. Rhodiola and ginkgo