Rhodiola Rosea, also known as „golden root“ or „roseroot“ belongs to the family Crassulacea. It grows in dry sandy grounds in the mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. The Greek physicain Dioscorides first mentioned medicinal applications of the plant in 77 C.E.. For centuries, Rhodiola Rosea has been used in the traditional medicine of Russia and the Scandinavian countries for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness. Most of the research on this herbal supplement has been done in Russia and Scandinavia, and it is only recently that the West has become aware of the astonishing properties of Rhodiola Rosea.
Rhodiola Rosea Constituents
The phytochemistry of Rhodiola Rosea was investigated and six distinct groups of chemical compounds were found: phenylpropanoids, phenylethanol derivateives, flavonoids, monoterpernes, triterpenes, and phenolic acids.
Rhodiola Rosea in Medicine
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In traditional folk medicine, Rhodiola Rosea was used to increase physical endurance, work productivity and longevity, and to treat a number of diseases such as depression, anemia, gastrointestinal problems, infections, nervous system disorders, fatigue, and depression. In Middle Asia, Rhodiola Rosea was used to treat cold and flu, and Mongolian doctors prescribed it for cancer and tuberculosis. Vikings used the herb to increase physical strength and endurance, and in mountain villages of Siberia, couples about to be married, are still given a bouquet of Rhodiola Rosea roots to assure the birth of healthy children. In modern times, Russian scientists categorized Rhodiola Rosea as an adaptogen. Russian medical and pharmacological texts mention Rhodiola Rosea as a stimulant for fatigue, to treat somatic, infectious, mental, and neurological illnesses, and to increase memory, work productivity, and attention span in healthy people. In Sweden Rhodiola Rosea is used as a psychostimulant. In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries it is being prescribed as a general strengthener, to increase mental work capacity during stress, and as a psychostimulant.
Rhodiola Rosea Risks and Side Effects
As the risks to pregnant and nursing women have not been studied enough yet, these women are advised not to take Rhodiola Rosea. Patients suffering from manic-depression should not take the herb, as Rhodiola Rosea is a psychostimulant. Two of the more common side effects of Rhodiola Rosea are irritability and insomnia. They are usually observed when more than 1,500 mg of Rhodiola Rosea is taken per day. The daily dose recommended depends on the condition the product is taken for. It is considered safe to take the herb daily for a period of up to four months, after which a stop of two to three weeks is advised in order for the body to re-adjust.
