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Rhodiola roseaBanish depression, boost energy, lift insomnia, and moreIf antidepressant drugs are not for you, rhodiola might be a safe, natural alternative
From the alpine and arctic areas of Siberia and similar regions in the Northern Hemisphere comes rhodiola (rhodiola rosea), a hardy plant that is rapidly gaining popularity as a natural way to banish depression and anxiety, as well as boost energy and fight fatigue. Rhodiola was used in ancient times by the Greeks, and in more recent centuries is has been part of traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia, where it is recommended to treat headache, anemia, colds and flu, insomnia, and nervous system conditions. Rhodiola, which is also known as rose root and Arctic root, is an example of a classic adaptogen, a term used to describe a valuable tonic herb that strengthens the body’s resistance to the effects of physical stressors, such as overwork, overexercise, fatigue, extreme temperatures, and insomnia. All of these benefits are helping to make rhodiola an in-demand supplement. Rhodiola StudiesMore and more studies show that the traditional uses for rhodiola hold up to scientific scrutiny. For example, in a 2007 University of California, Los Angeles, study of people who had general anxiety disorder, use of rhodiola (340 mg of rhodiola rosea for 10 weeks) significantly reduced anxiety scores in all patients. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study performed in nearly 100 people ages 18 to 70, all of whom had mild to moderate depression, those who took rhodiola for six weeks experienced a significant improvement in depression, emotional stability, and insomnia when compared with those who took placebo. In several others studies, including one done in Belgium, researchers found that rhodiola improved exercise endurance in healthy volunteers and in athletes. Rhodiola also appears to improve mental performance and concentration. As to claims that rhodiola has anticancer and heart-protection properties, there is much less evidence. So far, studies done in rats have indicated that rhodiola possess both of these benefits, but no human studies have been done. Why Rhodiola WorksThe genus Rhodiola has more than 100 different species, and although about 20 of them are used in traditional Asian medicine, nearly all of the scientific research has been done on Rhodiola rosea. While other species may provide the same benefits as R. rosea, it has not been shown. More than one substance appears to be responsible for the benefits that rhodiola offers. So far, researchers believe the most active ingredients are rosavins and salidroside. Using RhodiolaRhodiola is an official medicine in Russia, France, Sweden, and several other European countries, and it is a part of traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. In the United States, rhodiola is available as an herbal supplement in capsule, tablet, and powder form. If you buy a rhodiola supplement, look for one that is standardized to a minimum of 3 percent rosavins and 0.8 to 1 percent salidroside, as this is the ratio found in the natural plant and the ratio used in clinical studies. ReferencesDe Bock K et al. Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2004; 14(3): 298-307. Darbinyan V et al. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue: a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine 2000; 7(5): 365-371. Shevtsov VA et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mentl work. Phytomedicine 2003; 10(2-3): 95-105.
The copyright of the article Rhodiola rosea in Herbal Medicine is owned by Deborah Mitchell. Permission to republish Rhodiola rosea in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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