dellsguy67

Rhodiola rosea is a green leafy plant with yellow flowers, which, at maturity, reaches a height of about two and a half feet. Rhodiola rosea is indigenous to the high polar regions of Northern Siberia where its grows at elevations between 11,000 and 18,000 feet above sea level. While the leaves of Rhodiola rosea are used for some treatments and in various foods such as salads, it is the gold colored root of the plant which has been most effectively utilized in medicine for approximately 2,000 years.

Medicinal applications of Rhodiola rosea were first noted in literature in about the year 77 A. D. by the Greek physician, Dioscorides. In De Materia Medica, considered to be “the most successful botanical textbook ever written,” Dioscorides refers to the plant as Rodia riza. Later, in the mid-1700's, it was the “Father of Taxonomy,” Carl von Linné, who gave the plant its botanical and species names, Rhodiola rosea L.

So cherished is Rhodiola rosea that, for several centuries, foreign emperors would send expeditions, sometimes illegally, into Siberia to obtain the plant from the high and wild places where it grew. For nearly a thousand years, Siberian traders secreted the plant down ancient trails south to the Caucasian Mountains. There the Georgians would trade their wonderful wines, citrus fruits, garlic and money for the precious golden roots of Rhodiola rosea.

In Siberian folk medicine, Rhodiola rosea was used to increase physical endurance, reduce depression and fatigue, to provide resistance to high altitude sickness, and to provide resistance to, and treatment for, colds and flu during frigid Siberian winters and chilly, damp springs. Rhodiola rosea roots were given to couples prior to marriage to assist in the birth of healthy children. Mongolian doctors prescribed Rhodiola rosea preparations for the treatment of tuberculosis and cancer (Khaideva and Menshikova 1978). In many cultures, including Caucasian Georgian, the roots of the Rhodiola rosea plant also were used to increase and maintain physical endurance and clarity and peace of mind.

Between 1749 A. D. and 1961 A. D., medicinal applications of Rhodiola rosea were described in the scientific literature of France, the Republic of Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Russia and the Soviet Union, and Sweden. For several decades in Europe, including the British Isles, Rhodiola rosea has been sold as lignum rhodium in pharmacies. During the twenty-seven years from 1961 through 1987, over 119 pharmacological and clinical studies on Rhodiola rosea were performed and published in scientific literature (Darbinyan et al. 2000). During the last thirteen years, at least 60 more pharmacological and clinical studies on Rhodiola rosea have been performed and published in scientific literature, 14 of which were published during the last year-and-a-half alone (PM 2001). Research on the medicinal applications of this unique plant is expanding at an excited rate

Modern research has shown that Rhodiola rosea is adaptogenic and, therefore, Rhodiola rosea provides resistance to conditions which put stress on the human organism. Rhodiola rosea improves mental abilities, including the increasing of short and long-term memory; increases physical work performance; increases resistance to the harmful effects of oxygen or too little oxygen, radiation, toxins, cold, and strenuous exercise. Rhodiola rosea has also been shown to be an effective treatment for emotional stress and depression – two of the efficacies for which it is now becoming most famous.

Rhodiola rosea
Stress and depression
Stress and depression are imposed factors that disrupt the normal biochemical and physiological equilibrium of the human organism. There are many physiological mechanisms that occur in the body that may explain the causes of depression.

Depression is a complex interplay of both physiological and psychological processes that ultimately culminate into feelings of sadness, indifference and irritability. Normal sleep patterns are disrupted and the victim’s appetite and weight may vary considerably. Sufferers feel encumbered with fatigue and find it difficult to think clearly and concentrate. Often, feelings of shame or guilt and a preoccupation with death or dying occupy their thoughts.

During any one year period, about 18.8 million American adults are suffering from a depressive illness (NIMH 2001). Approximately 35 to 40 million Americans living today will suffer major depressive episodes during their lives (NFDI 2001). Typically, the first episode occurs between the ages of 25 and 44 with the incidence increasing with age. Regardless of age, depression affects women twice as often as men. It is estimated that the cost of lost productivity, replacement personnel, medical care and loss of life due to depression totals between $15 to $35 billion dollars per year in the United States (NFDI 2001).

Uncontrolled stress can lead to all types of maladies including concomitant depression. It is an unfortunate fact that about 80% of all illnesses can be tracked back to stress. Stress related illnesses are estimated to cost American businesses $50 to $75 billion per year in lost productivity alone (Reference). Furthermore, according to the Statistical Abstract of the United States, stress related diseases are two of the five top reasons for hospital admissions and the leading cause of death in the United States (Powers 2001). This being the case, it would seem a good idea to educate the public about the deleterious effects of stress, and to initiate far-reaching stress relief programs and workshops. Unfortunately, this is not being done, and schools rarely touch on the subject. You can bet that every grade school student knows how to guard him or herself against Lyme disease, but few ever have been instructed in how to deal with stress. The mainstream medical community sometimes portrays meditation and other antistress techniques as unorthodox treatments, and yet the problem of stress continues to increasingly decay our society, costing us billions of dollars in health care.

Many of us are familiar with the famous Social Readjustment Rating Scale of 1960's (Holmes and Rahe 1967). The test allowed readers to gauge susceptibility to illness, according to stressful events experienced during a preceding twelve month period. Few researchers in the late 1960's, however, could have imagined how dramatically the pace of life would accelerate during the next thirty-plus years. Many new conveniences actually have led to an increase rather than a decrease of our responsibilities and work loads – all of which must be handled in an environment of increased traffic of every form and social expectations. It seems reasonable that at least 50 additional stress points could be scored by every person living and working during this first decade of the 21st century; a factoring which undoubtedly would show that tens of millions of additional and unsuspecting Americans are living potentially dangerous, stressful lives. The results of America’s Mental Health Survey 2001 (RSWI 2001) indicate that a staggering 88 million Americans are now experiencing symptoms related to mental health disorders such as clinical depression and generalized stress disorders, even though few have ever been diagnosed with either disorder (RSWI 2001), and therefore only those few usually show up in the statistics. It is apparent that many Americans, surely many other people of the world as well, are overburdened with stress and they need help now.

Stress is a silent killer, with little resistance mounted against it. Unlike bacteria, viruses and even cancer, which our immune systems can counteract and destroy, stress suppresses immunity and lessens our resistance to other forms of attack. This may be the key to how stress has been able to secure such a foothold in modern society; it kills by lowering resistance thereby allowing other opportunistic and degenerative diseases to flourish, which produces more stress and depression. Thus, over time stress and depression overtake our emotions and destroy our immune systems

Many studies have shown the deleterious effects that stress has on general immunity in the body. One study found that medical students showed a higher risk of getting mononucleosis during examination periods than during less stressful times. Children exposed to high levels of stress were shown to have lowered immunity in the lungs than children who were not stressed (McEwen and Stellar 1993). In sum, when we are stressed, we are much more likely to become infected with opportunistic viruses and bacteria, and wound healing is delayed.

Rhodiola rosea
The premier adaptogen
For thousands of years people all around the world have used adaptogens (although the term “adaptogen” was not coined until 1947) to help their bodies deal with the effects of stress depression. Ancient cultures revered adaptogenic herbs for their balancing properties, but the need for such plants has probably never been so great as it is today.

Rhodiola rosea, the premier adaptogen, has been shown to normalize the immune system and glucocorticoid hormone levels in a positive way, bringing them into balance. In this way Rhodiola rosea can cut down on the harmful effects stress has on the immune system before they occur. All truly adaptogenic herbs can help to relieve stress in the body and thereby exert some protective effect on the immune system; but Rhodiola rosea is chief among adaptogens when it comes to both optimizing the body’s metabolism and immune enhancement. In short, Rhodiola rosea can be seen as a unique, balancing, antistress, antidepression, immunoprotective herb well suited to become part of any modern herbal protocol.

Of all depression states, the therapeutic effect of Rhodiola rosea was most clearly expressed in depression states of psychogenic origin. Rhodiola rosea also is effective in depression states of somatogenic origin; that is in patients who had become depressed following flu and influenza, for example, and who experienced daytime sleepiness and a decrease in energy levels. But regardless of the causes of the depression, after administration of Rhodiola rosea, abilities of patients to complete intellectual and physical work loads improved as early as the third to fourth day.

The main targets of Rhodiola rosea are stress/depression-related molecules called neurotransmitters as well as other active molecules in our brain. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin each possess their own unique properties.

The neurotransmitter, serotonin, was first isolated in 1948 and was later identified in the central nervous system. It is one of the most actively investigated chemicals in the human system, specifically as it relates to its role in brain function.

Although the amount of serotonin in the brain is comparatively small, when compared to amounts found in other parts of the body, its importance in brain function cannot be underestimated. This ubiquitous chemical participates in many processes, including smooth muscle contraction, temperature regulation, appetite, pain perception, behavior, blood pressure and respiration. Serotonin, because of its ability to constrict blood vessels, has been suggested as a possible treatment for migraine headaches which occur when blood vessels in the brain dilate.

Serotonin is perhaps the most implicated in the etiology of treatment of various disorders, particularly those of the central nervous system, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, stroke, obesity, pain, hypertension, vascular disorders, migraine and nausea. The functions of serotonin are numerous and also appear to involve control of sleep, memory and learning, mood, sexual behavior, hallucinogenic behavior, cardiovascular function, endocrine regulation, and depression.

Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, therefore the biosynthesis of brain serotonin takes place within the brain. Brain serotonin is synthesized from its precursor amino acid called tryptophan, which is actively transported into the brain from our diet. Smoke, alcohol, herbicides and pesticides, nitrite and iodine adversely affect the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

Substances that have antidepressant activity generally positively interfere with levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Most antidepressants do so by blocking the decomposition of neurotransmitters, or by blocking the exit of neurotransmitters into nerve endings. Either action increases the availability of necessary amounts of neurotransmitters in the brain, and should thereby alleviate symptoms.

Several antidepressants have proven to be efficient in the treatment of depression – even in the treatment of atypical depression; that is depression which manifests itself in symptoms including initial insomnia, vegetative inactivity, passivity, anxiety, panic disorder, and borderline personality disorders. However, successful treatment with antidepressants often doesn’t occur easily.

Further findings of America’s Mental Health Survey 2001 (RSWI 2001) indicate that 54% of Americans who have taken antidepressant medications, asked their doctors to switch them to other antidepressant medication. Of the 54% who asked to be switched, 50% of patients said it was because of negative side effects, 28% said their antidepressant was not effective, and 18% said their antidepressant made them feel worse.

Evidence suggests that Rhodiola rosea may help those, buried by feelings of depression, to climb out of their psychological holes, and do so without side effects.

Clinical studies on Rhodiola rosea were performed at leading Soviet universities and medical academies but, unfortunately, results from those studies were not revealed. For decades, Rhodiola rosea was a well-kept mental and physical performance secret of both Soviet astronauts and athletes. After more than 40 years of research and official use in the U. S. S. R., we now understand that the major reason the government “controlled” the research on Rhodiola rosea was because of the extraordinary medicinal properties of Rhodiola rosea. As an adaptogen, researchers concluded that Rhodiola rosea is much more pharmacologically active than other adaptogens, including Panax (Korean) ginseng, Siberian ginseng, Schizandra, and Aralia.

Rhodiola rosea
Mental health: Clinical studies
Depression is a consequence of insufficient levels of serotonin in the brain. Some people are born with low levels of serotonin and, therefore, they are predisposed to more easily become emotionally depressed and stressed. Serotonin levels also can be depleted by traumatic life events (Wood and Wood 1993). Regardless of the cause(s), maintaining healthy brain chemistry is a prerequisite to good mental health. Research points to Rhodiola rosea playing an important role, not only in the biosynthesis, but also in the preservation of existing serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Additionally, scientists have found that Rhodiola rosea extract enhances the level of serotonin in brain. Rhodiola rosea’s ability to help the body adapt to stress may lie in its ability to enhance serotonin levels.

Rhodiola rosea’s proven effectiveness at treating depression and stress-related disorders has led Russian doctors to use it alone and sometimes in combination with antidepressants. By either method of application, the general, intellectual and physical productivity levels of patients increased, while their lengths of stays in hospitals decreased. Furthermore, side effects normally associated with tricyclic antidepressants were lessened when the antidepressants were used in combination with Rhodiola rosea (Saratikov et al. 1968). Rhodiola rosea has proven itself to be a safe and effective adjunct to conventional antidepressant therapy.

In one of many Soviet studies, 128 individuals, 17 to 55 years old with pronounced depressive states of varied origins were observed (Krasik, et al. 1970b). After administration of the Rhodiola rosea preparation – 10 drops of tincture equivalent to 100mg of extract – twice a day for one to four months, a substantial decrease or complete disappearance of the clinical manifestations of depression was noted in 64% of the patients. The subjective improvement in the conditions of patients were confirmed by psychological testing, as well as by increased work productivity (Germano and Ramazanov 1999; Saratikov 1974; Saratikov and Krasnov 1987).

In a study at Tomsk State Medical Science University (Saratikov and Krasnov 1987), patients suffering from paranoid experiences or profound emotional alterations took 100 mg. of Rhodiola rosea twice a day for one to four months. Symptoms, including general weakness, increased fragility, daytime sleepiness and disturbances in nocturnal sleep, either decreased or disappeared altogether. In those with deep depressive manifestations, an improvement was seen in the majority of patients: They became more sociable and active and their motivational levels increased.

In another study, treatment with Rhodiola rosea extract also produced a marked therapeutic effect in patients suffering from neuroses. Prior to treatment, the 65 patients in the study complained of insomnia, increased irritability, and various somatic disturbances, and they were diagnosed with various forms of neuroses. Following a prescribed course of 100 mg. of Rhodiola rosea extract 3 times a day for 10 days, normalization of mobility commenced in the patients and they exhibited enhanced excitatory and inhibitory processes as well. The improvement of motoric conditioned reflexes developed after first administration, and their magnitude and durability increased, the latent period was shortened, concentration improved, and generalization of cortical excitation was limited. It also was shown that differentiation to positive and negative stimuli formed more readily and the interactions of both signal systems normalized. The latent period of the speech reactions was shortened in all patients; refusal reactions, attention span and memory improved; verbosity disappeared in patients and patient responses became more meaningful (Saratikov et al.1965; Kaliko and Tarasova 1965, 1966).

Results of investigations by Drs. V. Semko and V. N. Sudakov, between 1981 and 1986 at Tomsk State Medical Sciences University’s Research Institute of Psychiatry, also suggest a positive action of Rhodiola rosea extract in nervous and mental disturbances of exogenous organic genesis. The maximal therapeutic effect was observed in patients at the initial stages of the development of nervous and mental disturbance due to post-traumatic and vascular lesions of the brain.

The use of Rhodiola rosea extract is also justified in comprehensive supportive therapy for improving and stabilizing a remission of the “asthenic” type.

Asthenia is a psychosomatic disorder characterized by mental and physical fatigue, dyspnea (labored breathing), giddiness, precordial pain (chest pain) and palpitations. It occurs in individuals exposed to stressful conditions, especially intense mental demands. Patients suffering from asthenia should be treated with Rhodiola rosea extract for a period of at least 1 to 2 months. Follow up observations will show that an obvious therapeutic effect was achieved. Decreases in sluggishness, expansion of the spheres of interests, increases in intellectual and physical work productivity, and the appearance of a feeling of cheerfulness and vivacity will become evident (Krasik et al. 1970; Krasik et al. 1970).

Drs. Saratikov and Krasnov administered Rhodiola rosea to patients exhibiting symptoms of asthenic syndrome. A desired therapeutic effect was achieved. Muscle weakness, constant sluggishness, hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), low motivational levels and apathy declined after the administration of 100 to 150 mg. daily of Rhodiola rosea extract. Patient symptoms decreased so much that the researchers were able to decrease patient dosages of Rhodiola rosea to 50 mg. per day (Saratikov and Krasnov 1987; Krasik et al. 1970; Krasik et al. 1970).

These clinical studies and others, as well as hundreds of years of successful daily usage, clearly demonstrate that Rhodiola rosea extract significantly calms emotions and decreases and/or eliminates depressive symptomatology.

Human intellect and memory
Due to a combination of its psychostimulant and adaptogenic properties, Rhodiola rosea extract has proven to be a valuable therapeutic agent in apparently healthy individuals with a tendency to weaken during a course of work which requires an increased intellectual load (Krasik et al. 1970 a).

Rhodiola rosea also was shown to be an effective fighter against so-called “afternoon tiredness” conditions. In an animal model it was found that Rhodiola rosea activates the “energetic batteries” – the production of creatine phosphate and ATP in brain cells. More about Rhodiola rosea’s effect on creatine phosphate and ATP will be discussed later in this chapter.

Effect of Rhodiola rosea extract on ATP and creatine phosphate ( M/g) in brain cells.

In order to prevent weakening, 27 apparently healthy students, physicians, and scientific workers aged 19 to 46 years were prescribed Rhodiola rosea extract for 2 to 3 weeks. The dose of 100 mg. three times a day was administered several days before anticipated intensified intellectual work and throughout the entire period of substantial intellectual strain. In all cases, the course of Rhodiola rosea extract prevented decompensation during work requiring prolonged and stressful intellectual activity (Krasik et al. 1970; Krasik et al. 1970).

In another study, a proofreading test was conducted based on the so-called “Anfimov table.” The Anfimov table offers the possibility of obtaining comparative results that characterize the quality and quantity of work performed.

One hundred twenty students from 20 to 28 years of age performed the proofreading test twice, once before and one hour after taking the Rhodiola rosea preparation. The control group received a solution which lacked extracts of Rhodiola rosea but was otherwise similar in appearance to the solution given to the treatment group. The difference in the number of symbols corrected in five minutes before and after taking Rhodiola rosea served as a quantitative measure of the herb. A change in the percentage of errors made in the process characterized the quality of work performed (Zapuskalova 1962).
The results of the test clearly demonstrate Rhodiola rosea’s ability to enhance intellectual function. In the control groups, the change in the number of symbols corrected after one hour was insignificant while the percentage of errors made increased. In the treatment group, Rhodiola rosea exerted a stimulating effect on intellectual activity. In 84 to 88% of the subjects taking Rhodiola rosea, the number of symbols corrected increased by 5 to 7% while the number of errors made decreased by 3 to 5%. The quality of work performed was dependent on fatigue that set in during the study, and Rhodiola rosea effectively increased a person’s resistance to fatigue.

To test the duration of Rhodiola rosea’s effect, investigators observed the treatment group one, two, three, four, six, eight and 24 hours after taking 100 mg. of standardized Rhodiola rosea extract. When compared to the control group we, again, are astonished by Rhodiola rosea’s effects. After one hour, those taking a placebo experienced a 13% increase in the number of errors made. By the fourth hour the number of errors increased by 37 %, the sixth hour by 88% and by the eighth hour a whopping 180 % increase was observed. In the Rhodiola rosea group, a 56% decrease in the number of errors was observed and this effect lasted four hours. After that, the percentage of errors made increased but to a lesser extent than control. The investigators concluded that the preparation of Rhodiola rosea improves intellectual work capacity after a one-time dose and this effect is primarily seen in the quality of work performed. (Saratikov and Krasnov 1987).

Rhodiola rosea
Improvement of hearing
V. F. Oleynichenko (1966) investigated the influence of Rhodiola rosea extract on the functioning of auditory organs of 22 healthy individuals. Three of the subjects were pilots at a Soviet airport. The other nineteen subjects were working in a noisy electromechanical production plant. The noise intensity at the work site was 100 to180 decibels.


Decibels (dB) – Measure of relative intensity of sound waves
Source: Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission. Workers’ Health & Safety Division. Hearing Conservation Plan. (1998)

Prior to treatment, the perception of whispered and conversational speech was determined, and tuning forks and tonal audiometer tests also were done, on all 22 subjects. Air and bone conduction measurements of hearing were made through either earphones (air) or through a vibrator placed on the mastoid bone behind the ear (bone). A lower conduction reading correlates to a decrease in hearing function. A decrease in air and bone conduction for speech tones was identified in all 22 subjects.

Following examination, 100 mg. of Rhodiola rosea extract was prescribed to be taken by each subject 2 times a day for 2 to 3 weeks.

By the end of the second week of the test period, air and bone conduction for speech tones increased in all 22 individuals: by 10 to 20 decibels in 20 subjects, and by 30 to 40 decibels in 2 subjects. For the high tones, air conduction had increased by 10 decibels in 9 subjects, by 30 to 40 decibels in 3, and remained unchanged in 10 individuals; bone conduction for all tones had increased by 10 to 30 decibles in 9 and remained unchanged in 13 of the individuals.

How Rhodiola rosea increases auditory function is still speculative but may be mediated through the herb’s ability to enhance serotonin levels in the brain. Studies have shown that serotonin administered directly into the brain exerts a substantial influence on processes that increase the brain’s reactivity to sensory stimulation (Place reference).

Rhodiola rosea
Unique phytochemical composition
There are at least two dozen species of Rhodiola of which apparent pharmacological activity in sixteen species has warranted chemical analysis. However, years of experimentation with the various species of Rhodiola has clearly demonstrated that only the species Rhodiola rosea produces the unique and powerful health enhancing results reported in various trials. But why?

Research by Zapesochnaya et al. (1983, 1984, 1985a, b), Kurkin et al (1982, 1984, 1985,1986a,b, 1988, 1991), Kurkin and Zapesochnaya (1987, 1990) presented convincing evidence that the chemical composition of Rhodiola rosea root is very different from other species of Rhodiola. Using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography method, Dubichev et al. (1986) and Bikov et al. (1999) demonstrated that the root of Rhodiola rosea contains cinnamyl alcohol -vicianoside rosavin, rosin and rosarin and that these substances were specific to Rhodiola rosea and were not detected in any other species of Rhodiola. While the presence of salidroside, another key component of Rhodiola rosea, was found in other species of Rhodiola, the presence of both rosavin and salidroside was found only in Rhodiola rosea, thereby making Rhodiola rosea unique.

Plant Species Rosavin Salidroside
Rhodiola rosea, + +
Rhodiola quadfida Fish et Mey, - +
Rhodiola gelida Schrenck, - +
Rhodiola heterodonta Boriss, - +
Rhodiola sacchalinensis, - +
Rhodiola pinnatifida Boriss, - +
Rhodiola kirilowii (Tibet) Regel, - +
Rhodiola crenulata, - +
Rhodiola coccinea - +
Rhodiola sacra - +
Rhodiola alterna, - +
Rhodiola brevipetiolata, - +
Rhodiola wolongensis, - +
Rhodiola fastigita, - +
Rhodiola ellipticum Max. - +

Rhodiola sacra - +

Based on the above analysis, as well as other convincing science, the Russian Pharmacopoeia Committee adopted a new standard for Rhodiola rosea extract using both rosavins and salidroside as marker compounds to identify true Rhodiola rosea extract (Krasin and Zapesochnaya 1986; Kiriyanov et al. 1991; Saratikov and Krasnov 1996). Nonetheless, although rosavins and salidroside are key pharmacologically active components of Rhodiola rosea and, therefore, their volume is normally standardized in high quality supplements, further research indicates that standardized extracts should contain all other active constituents naturally found in Rhodiola rosea as well. The inclusion of the whole Rhodiola rosea extract in supplements has been shown to produce far superior physiological activity compared to the activity produced by purified individual components alone. Finally and equally important, Rhodiola rosea should never be diluted with other species of Rhodiola – all of which are pharmacologically inferior to Rhodiola rosea. Attempts to do so during the late 1980's, in order to reduce costs and meet supply demands, resulted in dramatic declines in quality and effectiveness. Fortunately, such attempts were abandoned long ago by ethical producers of nutritional supplements. Nonetheless, a mid-2001 keyword search on the Internet revealed over 2,000 web-sites offering for sale what are referred to as Rhodiola or Rhodiola rosea products. However, follow up research showed that very few of the promoters who own the web-sites actually sell true Rhodiola rosea extract as defined herein.

Phytochemical composition of Rhodiola rosea’s root and rhizome.
Tricin-5-O-glycoside (Kurkin et al. 1982)
Tricin-7-O-glycoside (Kurkin et al. 1982)
Kaempherol (Kurkin et al. 1984)
Rhodiolin (Zapesochnaya et al. 1983)
Rhodionin (Zapesochnaya et al. 1984)
Rhodiosin (Kurkin et al. 1984; Zapesochnaya et al. 1983, 1984, 1985a, b)
Rosavin (Zapesochnaya and Kurkin 1982)
Rosin (Zapesochnaya and Kurkin 1982; Zapesochnaya et al. 1984)
Rosarin (Kurkin et al. 1984)
Hydroxyrosin (Triandrin) (Kurkin et al. 1991; Furmanowa et al. 1999)
Cinnamic alcohol (Zapesochnaya and Kurkin 1982)
Tyrosol (Zapesochnaya et al. 1983, 1984, 1985a, b; Saratikov and Krasnov 1987)
Salidroside (Saratikov and Krasnov 1986)
Caffeic acid (Saratikov and Krasnov 1986)
Gallic acid (Saratikov and Krasnov 1986)
Beta-sitosterol (Krasnov and Beiz 1968)

Rhodiola rosea
Effective weight management
Although dietary fat (lipids) is an essential factor for life and good health, because it plays a crucial role in the normal operation of our brain, cell membranes and energy production, fat is in other ways causes several problems within the human body.

High fat intake causes people to be overweight and obese and is responsible for increasing the onset potential of cardiovascular related diseases, diabetes, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, certain cancers, and other disorders. People who are obese have a 50 to 100% increased risk of death from all causes, compared with normal-weight individuals (NIDDK 1998).

Individual genetics, endocrine conditions, environments and developed behaviors may certainly play a part in one becoming obese. Nonetheless, it is believed that obesity cannot occur without an excessive uptake of calories – and, again, it is fat that has the most calories.

Most dietary fat (lipids) is in a form called triglycerides, which is a type of fat that stores itself in the body. Triglycerides represent esters of fatty acids and glycerol. In order to be absorbed into the body and stored or finally used, dietary fat must first be broken down into free fatty acids. As previously described in Chapter 2. under Rhododendron caucasicum and weight management, the key enzyme in fat breakdown is called pancreatic triglyceride lipase. In humans, pancreatic triglyceride lipases are found in the gastrointestinal tract, bound to epithelial surfaces. These enzymes break down into free fatty acids the fat we consume in pizzas, hamburgers, barbecues and other high fat foods.

The resulting free fatty acids then cross intestinal membranes and are absorbed. After absorption, fatty acids are distributed with blood flow. Some of the fatty acids break down in the mitochondria to produce vital energy, and the remaining nonutilized portion of fatty acids is accumulated in the “fat warehouse” which is adipose tissue. In the absence of pancreatic triglyceride lipases or by blocking lipase activity, dietary fat would not be absorbed into the body. Instead, dietary fat would simply become part of stools which pass through the body. Therefore, partially blocking the activity of pancreatic triglyceride lipases is a potentially useful tool in reducing of fat absorption.

But what about the fat that already has crossed the intestinal membranes, been absorbed and is now stored in the “fat warehouse,” which is adipose tissue?

Rhododendron caucasicum both inhibits pancreatic triglyceride lipase to reduce the amount of fat absorbed, and activates a completely different lipase enzyme, called hormone sensitive lipase, to break up fat from adipose tissue. But when it comes to activating hormone sensitive lipase to break up adipose tissue, Rhodeola rosea is most effective.

More than 30 years of research performed in former U. S. S. R., and hidden from Westerners, provides fascinating and dramatic evidence that the administration of Rhodiola rosea extract activates hormone sensitive lipase and mobilizes fatty acids from adipose tissue in healthy volunteers and obese patients.

Bulgarian researchers demonstrated that administration of Rhodiola rosea stimulates the biosynthesis of chemicals called epinephrine, norepinephrine and adrenocorticotropic hormone (Petrov et al. 1984). Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and adrenocorticotropic hormones activate adenilate cyclase (cAMP) in adipose cells by triggering seven-helix receptors. Hormones regulate the activity of the hormone sensitive lipase-key enzyme in fat metabolism. The increased level of cAMP activates the adipose tissue hormone sensitive lipase. Hormone sensitive lipase plays a key role in breaking down fat stored in adipose tissue (Stryer 1995).

Fatty acids released from adipose tissue circulate with blood flow and eventually enter into the mitochondria to produce energy. Once fatty acids are released from fat tissue, it is important to use them, by burning them off, as soon as possible. This can be done through simple exercise.

Rhodiola rosea does its job perfectly, by causing fat to release from adipose tissue and making fatty acids available for use. After that, it is simply up to the person who wants to lose weight to spend few minutes burning away the released fatty acids. Take the Rhodiola rosea, then burn off the fatty acids by going for a 30 to 40 minute walk. It’s that simple.

Rhodiola rosea
Weight reduction: clinical research
In a clinical study, patients were divided into two groups. The first group of 133 people received 200 mg. of Rhodiola rosea extract, and a control group of 137 people received placebo capsules. Samples of blood serum were taken after 30 minutes of normal walking. A significant increase of fatty acid content in serum was detected in the group which took the 200 mg. of Rhodiola rosea extract. The level of difference in the total fatty acids indicates that the experimental group which received Rhodiola rosea did far better than the placebo group. Again, it is clear that administration of Rhodiola rosea stimulates the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue and significantly increases the energy status under various physiological conditions (Abidoff 1997).


Rhodiola rosea activated fatty acid release into serum in healthy volunteers after 30 minutes of walking.

The effect of Rhodiola rosea extract on weight reduction and fat metabolism was studied at Georgian State Hospital. 300 mg. per capsule of Rhodiola rosea extract was administered three times daily before each meal. Sixty minutes after each meal patients in both the experimental and placebo groups were forced to walk for 30 to 40 minutes. As a daily meal, test subjects were instructed to order from a regular menu but to keep their calorie intake under control, and they were restricted from eating fast foods such as pizza and potato chips. The total number of 130 obese subjects, consisting of 70 men and 60 women aged between 29 to 60 years old, 42.2 years old on average, was administered Rhodiola rosea for a period of 90 days. The control group of 143 obesity patients received the same meals but did not receive Rhodiola rosea extract.

In the group taking Rhodiola rosea extract, the average weight of 175 pounds at the beginning of the testing dropped to 154.5 pounds by the end of the test period. 92% of the patients administered the Rhodiola rosea extract experienced weight loss during the clinical research period, and their average body fat ratio of 31.07% at the start of the test decreased to 25.14%. In addition, the general health conditions, mood and sleep patterns of the group administered Rhodiola rosea was improved. It is interesting that the placebo group also experienced weight reduction. Their weight dropped from an average of 173 pounds to 165 pounds. The weight reduction exhibited by the placebo group shows what some dietary common sense and simple exercise can do for people (Abidoff 1997).

Another clinical study also examined fatty acid release in humans in response to the administration of Rhodiola rosea. In a group of 121 healthy volunteers (23 to 65 years of age), fatty acids release was measured at resting conditions (so-called “quite conditions”) and after 1 hour of bicycle exercise. Administration of Rhodiola rosea enhanced the level of fatty acids in blood serum under both tested physiological conditions. The level of fatty acids at time zero (expressed as 100%) was corresponded to the level of fatty acids in baseline.

Evidently, Rhodiola rosea activated fatty acids release from fat tissue under normal physiological conditions. However, the effect of Rhodiola rosea extract on fatty acids enhancement was much stronger during the simple exercise test.

These results provide clear evidence that the combination of exercise and Rhodiola rosea is a powerful tool in the activation of fat tissue lipase and the breakdown of stored fat.

The same clinical study revealed that the presence of rosavin in Rhodiola rosea was responsible in lipase activation, because species of Rhodiola rosea lacking in rosavin did not activate lipase. This discovery clearly indicates that the presence of rosavin in the extract is an important factor in lipase activation and fatty acid mobilization from adipose tissue. Other species of Rhodiola, devoid of rosavin, did not stimulate hormone sensitive lipase (Abidoff 1997).

Rhodiola rosea and Rhododendron caucasicum
Synergetic effect of weight reduction
Research has shown that the administration of Rhodiola rosea taken together with Rhododendron caucasicum is particularly effective on weight reduction in certain female patients.

Dr. M. T. Abidoff conducted a study on 45 women, between 21 to 42 years old, 35.2 years old on average, and 164.5 pounds in average weight who had each delivered a child and also finished lactation over 4 months before the tests. The average obesity index was found to be approximately 130%. Three tablets each containing 100 mg. Rhodiola rosea extract and 100 mg. Rhododendron caucasicum extract were administrated three times a day for the period of 12 weeks. For the first six weeks the average weight reduction was gradual (5 to 6%), but it reached as much as 14% at the end of the 8 week experimental period. At the same time the body fat ratio dropped as well. The most noticeable fat reduction was around the waist, which was reduced by 11.5% on average, although busts were reduced by only 5% on average. It could be safely said that on a diet with a combination of Rhodiola rosea extract and Rhododendron caucasicum extract, only body fat could be reduced, not vital muscle. It appeared from the test results that fat reduction first started from the fattiest part of all. After three months of treatment, fat around the waist was reduced significantly
(Abidoff 1997).

Rhodiola rosea
Performance and energy
Throughout the years, many have pondered Rhodiola rosea’s ability to enhance physical performance. Many have demonstrated Rhodiola rosea’s anabolic effects, including the capacity to increase body weight by improving the muscle-fat ratio, and increase hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels. Muscle proteins and glutamic acid also are enhanced with Rhodiola rosea. All these factors indicate that Rhodiola rosea promotes anabolism, the building of body tissues and muscle tissue. Rhodiola rosea will, by positively changing the protein balance in athletes, increase the mass of contractile muscle fibers as a result of increased workloads.

An abundance of scientific research on Rhodiola rosea is directed towards the extract’s abilities to enhance physical performance. Based on these studies, scientists and trainers increasingly are recommending Rhodiola rosea for improving speed and strength abilities and enhancing the recovery process.

Using 112 athletes, researchers discovered that 89% of those supplementing with Rhodiola rosea showed a more rapid improvement in performance in sports such as track and field, swimming, speed skating and ski racing. Speed and strength qualities of the tested individuals improved in comparison to the control group. Researchers also revealed that out of those supplementing with Rhodiola rosea, 69% displayed accelerated adaptation to climatic and social conditions, and 86% demonstrated improved appetite. An improvement in general condition and functional parameters such as pulse, arterial pressure, vital capacity of the lungs, strength of the back muscles, endurance of the hand under static tension, coordination of movements, shortening of the recovery period, time of normalization of the heart rate and the arterial pressure, were observed by the end of the study in subjects who had taken Rhodiola rosea extract. Thus, for example, at the 10th minute of the recovery period, the pulse slowed by a factor of 2.5 under the influence of Rhodiola rosea extract (to 67 beats per minute), while in the control group, it slowed only by a factor of 1.9 (to 86 beats per minute). Judging by the time course of the pulse pressure, prescribing Rhodiola rosea promoted an improvement in the respondent reaction of the blood circulatory apparatus to the physical load. Side effects such as palpitations, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, etc., we not observed (Saratikov and Krasnov 1987).

In 52 individuals, aged 18 to 24 years, a preparation including Rhodiola rosea proved to enhance the duration of physical performance by 12%. Amazingly, work performance increased to 28% after the test subjects were initially fatigued and then asked to perform the test (Seifulla 1999).

The influence of a preparation of adaptogens, including Rhodiola rosea, on work capacity and functional state of the cardiovascular system of healthy individuals during intense and prolonged physical loads in low temperatures was investigated. The study employed highly qualified skiers during training races and during a biathlon that required the athletes to ski for 12 miles while carrying a rifle and shooting at halts.

The subjects, 42 individuals 20 to 25 years of age, took the relevant preparation (10 drops equal to 100 mg. of Rhodiola rosea extract and 2 ml of Siberian ginseng extract) or a similar dose of placebo solution 30 to 60 minutes before the star of the test.

The athletes who received Rhodiola rosea and Siberian ginseng extracts had better technical results by comparison with the control group, and a statistically significant greater number of strikes on target during shooting at halts in the biathlon. The arms of athlete’s who took the Rhodiola rosea and Siberian ginseng preparation were subject to a lesser degree of tremor than those of individuals in the control group, evidently as a result of less pronounced fatigue and better preservation of coordination after traveling the distance before shooting.

Thirty minutes after completing the competition, the heart rates in both the group which received Rhodiola rosea and Siberian ginseng and the control group were recorded. In the Rhodiola rosea group, heart rate was 104 to 106% that of baseline. In the control group, the average heart rate was 128.7%.

Functional tests were carried out immediately thereafter: 30 minutes, 1 and 2 hours and a day after the end of competitions. The Letunov method of combined trial tests was used, which includes the performance of three loads – 20 squats in 30 seconds, a 15 second run of maximal intensity, and a 3 minute run at a rate of 180 steps per minute. A positive influence of Rhodiola rosea and Siberian Ginsing was identified, both in relation to work capacity levels and the time course of the recovery of pulse rate and arterial pressure. Judging by the results of the functional tests, the preparations in question positively affected the normalization of the hemodynamic indices in the recovery period.

Rhodiola rosea
Stimulates production of ATP and creatine phosphate
According to the Russian researcher, Nikolai Yakovlev, the best way of increasing the body’s energy status is through daily training. Daily exercise increases the consumption of energy and consequently would force our bodies to produce more energy containing molecules called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate: two major sources of energy in living organisms.
ATP – the universal source of energy – is generated by the oxidation of carbohydrates, fat and proteins. ATP, often called high-energy phosphate compound, serves as an immediate donor of free energy. The turnover of ATP is extremely high. Each synthesized molecule is burned within a minute of its formation. A resting human burns about 88 pounds of ATP molecules in 24 hours. During high muscle workload, the rate of utilization of ATP may be as high as 1.1 lb per minute. Biosynthesis of ATP can occur only if ATP is continuously regenerated from its precursor called adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (Stayer 1995).

Creatine phosphate is a reservoir of high-energy phosphoryl groups that can be efficiently transferred to ADP and eventually accumulates as ATP. Therefore, high levels of Creatine phosphate could maintain high levels of ATP during intensive muscular workload.

It is important to note that the rate of energy recovery, ATP and creatine phosphate re-synthesis will be affected by the nature of the compound used in mitochondria to generate energy.

Normally, glucose is used by the mitochondria to produce energy. However, carbohydrates are a relatively poor source of energy, although glucose is considered the easiest and fastest source of energy. Fatty acids, though, are the richest source of energy, and use of those compounds in energy production increases the energy status of organisms. Fatty acids play a greater role in supporting the energy demands of the body during long-term exercise than glucose alone. Rhodiola rosea has been shown to increase the levels of fatty acids found in the blood, and this may partly explain how Rhodiola rosea enhances performance and increases endurance.

Fatty acids are activated by L-carnitine before they enter into the mitochondria where these rich-in-energy compounds are metabolized. This liberated energy is eventually used in the production of ATP and Creatine phosphate. Rhodiola rosea has been shown to increase muscle ATP and creatine phosphate levels.


These results clearly show that Rhodiola rosea stimulates production of ATP and creatine phosphate in muscle tissue, which thereby increases our energy status. Improvement in eyesight and motor coordination was also an additional benefit noted in these studies (Sal’nik 1979).

Adaptogens provide the basis through which people can build up an energy reserve to be tapped when the body needs it most: Under extreme physical tension and during recovery from fatigue. Test subjects administered adaptogenic extracts rapidly displayed improved indicators for energy and endurance, and athletes were able to improve the results of their athletic endeavors.

Observations were also conducted on weightlifters, wrestlers and gymnasts. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that Rhodiola rosea extract increased physical work capacity, decreased fatigue and improved the general mental and physical state of the test subjects.

Through extensive experiments on swimmers, skiers and other athletes, scientists around the world have reliably demonstrated the value of adaptogens for increasing stamina and accelerating recovery processes after physical exertion.

There were no side effects noted in any of the mentioned studies. Moreover, no negative influences were noted on the functions of either the adrenal cortex or the endocrine glands. Additionally, a comparison experiment was conducted with commonly known anabolic steroids. Rhodiola rosea’s effect was comparable to that of the steroid compounds, yet Rhodiola rosea had none of the negative affects on the function of the adrenal cortex. The androgenic effects of anabolic steroids and their accompanying side effects were not revealed in the Rhodiola rosea extract (Seifulla 1999).

Based on in-depth studies by Russian scientists, researchers and trainers have recommended Rhodiola rosea in many areas of athletics for improving speed and strength abilities, as well as for enhancing the muscular density. Since it actively influences the metabolic processes in the organs and tissues, Rhodiola rosea extract is effective for preventing and eliminating the myocardial over-tension associated with physical exercise. This greatly contributes to the recovery processes after physical work.

Many laboratory studies have shown the anabolic affects of Rhodiola rosea, including the capacity to increase body weight by improving the muscle-fat ratio, and increase hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels. Rhodiola rosea also has been shown to raise the total level of protein content in the blood, and to reduce the build-up of uric acid. The proven net result of this herbal nutrient is that the body’s muscle building processes outpace the muscle breakdown processes, leading to greater endurance and performance levels.

All of the above factors indicate that Rhodiola rosea extract will, by positively changing the protein balance in athletes, increase the mass of contraceptive muscle fibers as the result of increased work loads. This greatly helps competitive athletic performance by supporting the level of physical training even during the periods of lower activity, which precede competitions.

Rhodiola rosea seems to be a powerful supplement that could enhance performance in today’s top athletes. Rhodiola rosea can produce equally effective results in males and females of all walks of life.

Rhodiola rosea
The Russian aphrodisiac
For several centuries Rhodiola rosea has had a well-earned reputation as a powerful sexual stimulant, and it’s the preferred ingredient in many folk medicine love potions. The legendary Ukrainian prince Danila Galitsky (XIII century), who had a considerable reputation for remarkable amorous feats, used to say that he took strength from this golden root. The favorite concoction of Ukrainian lovers is the Rhodiola rosea alcoholic drink.

Due to the findings of modern research, Rhodiola rosea, minus its mixture and fermentation with alcohol, has been approved recently as an official Ukrainian medical drug for enhancement of sexual performance.

The clinical research of Dr. Kodkin, a medical doctor at the First Medicinal Institute of Moscow, indicates successful treatment of sexual disturbances in men with Rhodiola rosea. Thirty-five patients suffering 1 to 20 years from weak erection, premature ejaculation, or a combination thereof, were observed. The overwhelming majority of these patients also complained of irritability, excitability, poor sleep and sweatiness. Rhodiola rosea extract was prescribed in a dose of 100 to 150 mg. for 3 months. The result: A substantial improvement in sexual function in 26 patients; normalization of prostate fluid (increase in the number of lecithin globules), and an increase in the content of 17-ketosteroids in the urine were also noted (Cherdinzev 1971).

Rhodiola rosea
Treatment of amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. There are two types of amenorrhea: primary and secondary.

In primary amenorrhea, menstruation has never occurred at all. In most cases, this is simply due to the late onset of puberty. In some cases, causes of primary amenorrhea include disorders of the uterus, ovaries, or pituitary gland. Secondary amenorrhea refers to women who have missed three or more periods after their regular menstrual cycle has been established. The most common causes of secondary amenorrhea are pregnancy, emotional stress, illness, certain medications, oral contraceptives, and/or excessive exercise.

An experimental investigation of Rhodiola rosea preparations on the functioning of the sex glands served as a basis for N. D. Gerasimova (1970) to use the extract for the treatment of amenorrhea. Of the 40 female test patients, 14 were aged 19 to 25 years old, 20 were 25 to 35 years old, and 6 were older than 30. Seven women suffered from primary amenorrhea and 33 from secondary. Amenorrhea of the first degree was present in 29 women, amenorrhea of the second degree was present in 4, amenorrhea of the third degree was present in 7. By the time of their treatment, the duration of the illness ranged from 5 months to 5 years and beyond. All patients were subjected to general clinical examinations and a special gynecological investigation. The character of the sexual cycle was determined by functional diagnostic tests. Basal temperatures, the "pupil" sign, the arborization phenomenon, the cytology of a vaginal smears were studied; the length of the uterine cavities were measured and histological examinations of endometriums was performed. Sex chromatin was identified in some patients, the functional state of the thyroid was investigated on the basis of its uptake of radioactive iodine, and the function of the adrenal cortex was studied on the basis of the plasma 11 HCS content.

The patients were prescribed Rhodiola rosea extract in a dosages totaling 100 to 180 mg. per day for two weeks. The Rhodiola rosea preparations were administered 1, 2 to 3 times a day in the majority of patients depending on the severity of their conditions and, in some cases up to 4 times per day, over a period of up to three months. The general conditions of all the patients improved significantly, and a normal menstrual cycle was restored in 25 patients suffering from secondary amenorrhea of the first degree when treated with Rhodiola rosea extract. The basal temperature became biphasic. The "pupil" sign was absent in the majority of examinees before treatment. After treatment with Rhodiola rosea, the “pupil” sign appeared on the 8th to 9th day and persisted to the 16th day of the menstrual cycle. The arborization phenomenon was not found before treatment, but it was clearly identified after a course of treatment with Rhodiola rosea. The length of the uterine cavity had decreased to 5 to 5.5 cm. in 25 women before treatment. The uterus acquired normal dimensions after treatment and the length of its cavity became 7 cm. In the case of the histological examination of the endometrium, a distinct secretory phase was found in the epithelium after treatment. Pregnancy occurred in 11 out of 25 women with a restored menstrual cycle

Rhodiola rosea: final remarks
Neither addiction nor psychological habituation to the preparation has been detected during clinical trials of Rhodiola rosea extract.

Rhodiola rosea was effective as a stimulant in cases of fatigue in apparently healthy individuals and patients with stress and depression states.
Rhodiola rosea was proven to be effective for apparently healthy individuals with a tendency to “quick changes in mood.”

Rhodiola rosea helps to restore work capacity during performance and after prolonged intensive physical loads.

Rhodiola rosea was effective in the prevention of sexual disturbances with a tendency towards impotence.

Rhodiola rosea activates the hormone sensitive enzyme lipase which thereby removes fat from its storage place-fat tissue.

Rhodiola rosea stimulates weight reduction in healthy and obese people.

__________________
To save 5% on your TrueProtein.com purchase, use discount code: DAS235
--------------------------------------

SUCCESS = CONSISTENCY X TIME
- Sniffy54

--------------------------------------
"Consistency can take you a log way"
- Homonunculus

JNo20

Great post Dells. I've been taking Rhodiola regularly for the past couple years. It really helps to deal with stress and for mental acuity.

__________________
Meet PRs @220
Squat: 675, (8-22-2008)
Bench: 455, (8-22-2008)
Deadlift: 611, (3-29-2008)
Total: 1735, (8-22-2008)

dellsguy67

bump

__________________
To save 5% on your TrueProtein.com purchase, use discount code: DAS235
--------------------------------------

SUCCESS = CONSISTENCY X TIME
- Sniffy54

--------------------------------------
"Consistency can take you a log way"
- Homonunculus

dellsguy67

bump

__________________
To save 5% on your TrueProtein.com purchase, use discount code: DAS235
--------------------------------------

SUCCESS = CONSISTENCY X TIME
- Sniffy54

--------------------------------------
"Consistency can take you a log way"
- Homonunculus

bouncer dave

interesting. thanks.

__________________
old family red nose



"The guy with the biggest butt lifts the biggest weights."

— Paul Anderson


Waiting for true protein down under