Generality
Rhodiola ( Rhodiola rosea ) is a small herbaceous plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family.
Widespread in the sub-Arctic and mountainous regions of the whole of Eurasia, including the Alps, the rodiola is also known as " golden root " or " arctic root ".
In conditions of prolonged psycho-physical stress, rodiola seems to reduce the general fatigue and fatigue. In the preliminary tests, the rodiola proved to be neuro-protective and involved in increasing longevity (this latter aspect was not subsequently confirmed on the mammalian organism).
After ginseng, rhodiola is probably the second most widespread and used adaptogenic plant in the world.
Indications
When to use rhodiola?
Rhodiola is a medicinal plant with a rich and fascinating history; the drug that is derived from it is known since time immemorial as a useful aid to reinvigorate the mind and the body.
The part used, today as then, is the root, which lends itself mainly to the treatment of mental stress and generalized physical fatigue.
In particular, the rodiola is indicated in the food integration of those who want:
- Optimize functions: hepatic, muscular, cardiac, intellectual;
- Reduce fatigue symptoms and promote recovery from physical muscular exhaustion;
- Counter the mild depressive symptoms associated with weakness and fatigue
- Promote cognitive activity;
- Improve antioxidant defenses;
- Reduce the feeling of hunger;
- In humans, increase sexual vigor.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefits has rhodiola shown?
Rhodiola is used in herbal medicine as an adaptogenic drug; like ginseng and eleuterococcus, it improves the resistance and defenses of those who take it, stimulating the body to react positively to situations of psychophysical stress.
The pharmacologically active compounds identified in the rhodiola root are numerous (about 140) and include:
- Species-specific phenolic glycosides
- Organic acids (gallic, caffeic and chlorogenic)
- Flavonoids
- Catechins
- proanthocyanidins
- Other tannins etc.
The principal phenolic glycoside of rhodiola is salidroside, towards which commercially available extracts are generally standardized.
This glycoside is also known as rodioloside or rhodosine, and is present in the root in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1%.
Other characteristic glycosides with synergistic action are rosavine, rosarin and rosiridin.
The concentrations of a phenolic compound called para-tyrosol (0.03 - 0.2%) are also significant.
Salidroside and para-tyrosol influence the levels and activities of monoamines (dopamine, adrenaline, norepinephrine, serotonin), through an inhibition of the enzyme responsible for their degradation; the result is an improvement in the general metabolic activities (liver, muscles, heart) and intellectual (antidepressant effect, better mnemonic capacity and concentration). The same active principles exert a balancing action on opioid peptides (betaendorphins), of which rodiola seems to induce synthesis.
The alcoholic or aqueous extracts have shown marked antioxidant properties, attributable to various substances, in particular flavonoids and organic acids. In some studies, rhodiola has shown antifame properties (in case it is taken before meals) and lipolytic (stimulates lipases active in adipose tissues, favoring the mobilization of fatty acids). Such actions suggest a possible use in adjuvant preparations of low-calorie dietary regimes.
A certain effectiveness against male sexual disorders is supported by the traditional use of rhodiola in love filters.
Especially in the case of stress linked to prolonged low intensity motor activity, the rodiola shows a certain accelerating effect on muscle recovery and decreases the symptoms of fatigue.
| Rodiola: main properties |
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| Main indications |
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Doses and Mode of Use
How to use rhodiola?
The recommended daily dose of rodiola varies according to the concentration of active ingredients in the extract.
In several studies, rhodiola extract standardized with rosavine (3.6%), salidroside (1.6%) and para-tyrosol (<0.1%), was used at doses between 100 and 170 mg per day.
Doses and method of use: can they change according to their origin?
The chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from Rhodiola root varies according to the origin. For example, rosavina, rosarina and rosina are found at maximum concentration in the rhodiola of Russian origin .
The main components of Bulgarian rodiola essential oil (a variety that also contains cinnamic alcohol) are geraniol and mirtenol.
In Chinese rhodiola the main components are geraniol and 1-octanol.
In Indian culture it is phenylethyl alcohol.
This suggests that the dose and the way of use can change based on the raw material and the therapeutic objective; before consumption, it is advisable to consult an experienced herbalist.
Rhodiola as a food
The rhodiola leaves and buds have a bitter taste and are usually consumed raw or cooked in a similar way to spinach; sometimes they are added to mixed salads.
Side effects
Rhodiola appears to be a fairly safe drug, with fewer side effects than other adaptogenic drugs.
High dosages can cause insomnia and irritability.
Contraindications
When should rhodiola not be used?
The use of rodiola is to be avoided in people who suffer spontaneously from anxiety, sleep disturbances or delicate sleep, short temper and nervousness.
Rhodiola is also not recommended for people with high blood pressure and heart failure.
It is advisable to avoid the association of rhodiola with certain drug therapies (see below).
Pharmacological Interactions
What drugs or foods can modify the effect of rhodiola?
Rhodiola may interfere with the therapeutic action of: antidepressants, anxiolytics, barbiturates, diuretics etc.
Precautions for Use
What do you need to know before taking rhodiola?
Until 2012, the studies that evaluated the effects of rhodiola on human beings showed no significance regarding the plant's phytotherapeutic characteristics.
The "Food and Drug Administration" (FDA) has not approved rhodiola-based medicines due to the lack of information on safety and efficacy against: Raynaud's syndrome, altitude sickness and depression.
Rhodiola has also been included in the "FDA's Poisonous Plant Database".
