Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola RoseaRhodiola Rosea, roseroot, arctic root, or golden root is one of the most popular adaptogens. Rhodiola Rosea helps to fight stress, boost energy levels, help maintain homeostasis, and thus boost the feeling of well-being.1

Rhodiola Rosea grows in relatively colder regions like the Arctic region of Europe. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine in Nordic Europe. However, in recent years, it has become one of the most popular natural remedies for fighting stress and boosting physical endurance.1

Increased interest in Rhodiola Rosea also means that there are many clinical studies confirming its health effects. Science has also identified more than 140 organic compounds in the herb, known to be associated with its health benefits. It is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenes.1

Rhodiola Rosea Health Benefits

Below are some of the health benefits of this incredible herb:

  • Reduces Stress

    Irritability, mental tension, burnout, headaches, and fatigue due to chronic stress are some of the common problems many people face. Many people continue to experience these issues for months and years, and nothing seems to help. Medications are of little help in such conditions. However, Rhodiola Rosea has a long history of use as a remedy that helps overcome stress and its symptoms.2

  • Increases Mental Performance

    Rhodiola Rosea is a versatile herb and is especially good for improving mental performance. It may enhance reaction time, memory, and focus. It is especially good for those living with chronic stress. There are many ways in which it can be affective. It may help reduce anxiety, calm down nerves, reduce stress hormones, and more.1
  • Physical Performance

    In recent years, there has been increasing interest in Rhodiola Rosea’s role in managing fatigue and improving physical performance. Studies suggest that Rhodiola Rosea may improve reaction times. However, Rhodiola Rosea does not seem to beneficial in improving endurance. It is quite likely that these benefits are more due to Rhodiola Rosea’s impact on mental health and nerves, as it does not seem to increase energy production.3
  • Improves Mood

    Of course, one does not have to be living with mental health issues to enjoy the health effects of Rhodiola Rosea. Herbs like Rhodiola Rosea are for everyone. They help build mental resilience. Thus, one can even consume it without any mental health disorders. It can improve mood, boost memory, and reduce anxiety and stress in healthy adults. Those who use it regularly feel better and energised.4
  • Immune Support

    Rhodiola Rosea is a potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation, and now new studies show that it can also modulate gut microbiota and influence the gut-brain axis. It can boost immunity in several ways. Again, one does not have to be living with health disorders to enjoy Rhodiola Rosea’s benefits. Those who use Rhodiola Rosea regularly are less likely to develop infections and various chronic ailments.5
  • Blood Sugar Control

    Diabetes is widespread amongst people in developing and developed countries. Rhodiola Rosea is good for metabolic health. It boosts metabolic rates and promotes weight loss. Studies show that Rhodiola Rosea can also help with the management of diabetes by reducing inflammation. Further, it is known to reduce fasting blood glucose levels. It is also good for nerve health. Thus, it has multiple benefits for those living with diabetes.6
  • Heart Health

    Rhodiola Rosea is a traditional remedy used to help manage heart health. It is thought to help in multiple ways. Rhodiola Rosea reduces blood pressure, improves the contraction of heart muscles, lowers bad cholesterol, prevents the formation of plaque, and improves the regularity of heart contraction. Overall, its regular use is associated with better heart health.7

Rhodiola Rosea Side Effects

Rhodiola Rosea does not seem to cause any severe side effects. Studies suggest that it is safe for regular use for three months or even more. It can occasionally cause mild issues like dizziness, dry mouth or, on the contrary, excessive saliva production.8 

Properties

  • Anti-Inflammatory6
  • Antioxidant5
  • Anti-Stress2
  • Anxiety2
  • Blood Pressure – Reduces7
  • Cholesterol7
  • Diabetes / Blood Sugar6
  • Energiser3
  • Enhances Endurance3
  • Fatigue2
  • Heart Support / Health7
  • Immune Booster5
  • Memory Retention1
  • Mood Stabalising4
  • Nervine6 
  • Physical Endurance3 

References

  1. Ivanova Stojcheva E, Quintela JC. The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions—Encouraging Clinical Evidence. Molecules. 2022;27(12):3902. doi:10.3390/molecules27123902
  2. Anghelescu IG, Edwards D, Seifritz E, Kasper S. Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice. 2018;22(4):242-252. doi:10.1080/13651501.2017.1417442
  3. Jówko E, Sadowski J, Długołęcka B, Gierczuk D, Opaszowski B, Cieśliński I. Effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on mental performance, physical capacity, and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy men. J Sport Health Sci. 2018;7(4):473-480. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2016.05.005
  4. Cropley M, Banks AP, Boyle J. The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms. Phytother Res. 2015;29(12):1934-1939. doi:10.1002/ptr.5486
  5. Labachyan KE, Kiani D, Sevrioukov EA, Schriner SE, Jafari M. The impact of Rhodiola rosea on the gut microbial community of Drosophila melanogaster. Gut Pathogens. 2018;10(1):12. doi:10.1186/s13099-018-0239-8
  6. Jafari M, Juanson Arabit JG, Courville R, et al. The impact of Rhodiola rosea on biomarkers of diabetes, inflammation, and microbiota in a leptin receptor-knockout mouse model. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):10581. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-14241-7
  7. Chen Y, Tang M, Yuan S, et al. Rhodiola rosea: A Therapeutic Candidate on Cardiovascular Diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:1348795. doi:10.1155/2022/1348795
  8. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/rhodiola