Rhodiola rosea

Binomial name

Rhodiola rosea
L.

 

Synonyms

Sedum rosea (L.) Scop.
Sedum rhodiola DC.
Rhodiola arctica Boriss.
Rhodiola iremelica Boriss.
Rhodiola scopolii Simonk.
Sedum scopolii Simonk.

Rhodiola rosea (Roseroot) is a plant in the family Crassulaceae that grows in cold regions of the world. These include much of the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains, and mountainous parts of Europe, such as the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathian Mountains, British Isles, Scandinavia and Iceland.

 

Uses of Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Russian research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents high altitude sickness. In one study, the Rhodiola rosea group decreased proofreading errors by 88% while the control group increased proofreading errors by 84%. Rhodiola rosea's effects are attributed to its ability to optimise serotonin and dopamine levels and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins.

The stimulant substances involved are referred to as adaptogens.

In Russia, Rhodiola rosea, also known as Arctic root or golden root, has been used for centuries to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life. Note that the term "Arctic Root" is a trademark name held by the Swedish Herbal Institute for a product which contains unique Rhodiola rosea extracts called SHR-5 in clinical trials.

 

History

Adaptogens were discovered in 1947 by the Russian scientist Dr. Nicolai Lazarev, who in fact coined the name "adaptogen". Dr. Lazarev was also the mentor of Dr. Israel I. Brekhman, who conducted extensive research on adaptogenic herbs. Dr Brekhman's first major focus was the now well known Panax Ginseng, also called Korean or Chinese Ginseng. This worked, but unfortunately it has a few drawbacks that have since become evident. It sometimes has side effects such as causing constipation and over-excitement in people for which it is too stimulating. Dr. Brekhman soon moved on to other herbs and became recognized as the world's leading expert on adaptogens. Since then, hundreds of experimental and clinical studies on adaptogens have been done - most of them in Russia and Germany. Most of these studies have shown the outstanding stress-protective and immune system enhancing capacities of adaptogens. Adaptogens may have some of the benefits of synthetic stimulants but without common drawbacks of stimulants.

 

Other adaptogens

Panax ginseng (Panax Ginseng)
Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng)
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)