RHODIOLA ROSEA HERBAL MONOGRAPH
Rhodiola rosea.
Golden root, Roseroot, Arctic root.
Family: Crassulaceae.
Description: Rhodiola Rosea is a perennial plant with a thick rhizome. Native to the arctic areas of Europe and Asia, Rhodiola grows in dry sandy ground at high altitudes. The plant reaches a height of 70 cm & produces yellow blossoms.
Origin: Europe, Asia.
Energetics: Cool, dry.
Taste: Sweet, slightly bitter, spicy.
Parts used: Root.
Actions: Adaptogen, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antidepressant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, tonic.
Folklore & Traditions: Rhodiolsa rosea, native to Asia & Eastern Europe, has been prized for millennia as a neuroprotective herb. Evidence of the use of Rhodiola rosea for it’s physical effects to boost endurance and physical strength exists since Viking times. In Europe, Rhodiola has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries as a treatment for fatigue, weakness & mood disorders. It has been prescribed for cancer and tuberculosis in Mongolia, ingested for increased fertility in Russia , and used traditionally for over 1000 years in Tibet & the Western Himalayas for curing chronic illness & weakness The rhizomes and aerial parts of Rhodiola are edible, and are a traditional food in Greenland, North America & Alaska.
Constituents: Phenylpropa, carotenoids (rosavin, rosin, rosarin), phenylethanol derivatives (salidroside, tyrosol), flavinoids (rhodiolin, rhodionin, rodiosin, acetylrodalgin, tricin), monoterpernes (rosiridol, rosaridin), triterpenes, (daucosterol, beta-sitosterol), phenolic acids (chlorogenic, hydroxycinnamic, gallic acids)
Medicinal Uses: Support cognitive function, mental focus & mental stamina: Small doses of Rhodiola has been shown in studies to increase the bio-electrical activity of the brain, prolonging the actions of neurotansmitters such as adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin & acetylcholine in the central nervous system & brain by inhibiting the activity of enzymes responsible for their degradation As a consequence, the cognitive functions, attention, memory & learning functions of the brain are enhanced. Rhodiola has also been referred to as an ergogenic acid, a substance that enhances physical and/or mental performance,
Nootropic & neuroprotective: Rhodiola rosea has been prized for millennia as a neuroprotective herb in it’s native regions of Asia & Eastern Europe. It’s use increases cognitive function through anti-depressant action, stimulating concentration & memory enhancing pathways. It has been shown to target the neuroendocrine system, neurotransmitter receptors & molecular networks directly associated with uplifting the mood.
Stress relief: Rhodiola is anti-stress & anti-anxiety, and helps to decreases depression. Studies show Rhodiola use increases levels of beta-endorphin - the stress-relieving, feel-good, analgesic peptide - in the brain.
Fatigue & weakness: Rhodiola stimulates the nervous system, enhancing work performance, improving sleep, eliminates fatigue helps prevent adrenal fatigue. Increases blood circulation, energises, enhances performance & endurance.
Tumor growth suppression: Several studies on Rhodiola rosea have shown that it may inhibit the growth of lung, bladder, and colon cancer cells. Salidroside, a potent compound present in Rhodiola, has been shown in clinical trials to effectively inhibited the migration & invasion of MCF-7 cancer cells, and suppress tumor growth of breast cancer. Other recent studies have indicated taking Rhodiola daily markedly improved the survival rate of bladder tumor bearing mice, by 61%.
Cardiovascular health: Rhodiola rosea has powerful antioxidant & cardioprotective properties, and has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure & protect against cardiovascular disease.
Protects against oxidative stress: Rhodiola, like many adaptogens, protects the body from oxidative stress, enhancing the functions of detoxification, repair & regeneration of cells, eliminating free radicals and preventing cellular and DNA damage.
Menstrual tonic & aphrodisiac: Rhodiola helps facilitate blood flow, and is traditionally used to restore & regulate menstruation in women, treat erectile dysfunction & improve libido.
Chakra: Heart.
Astrological Influences: Uranus, Mercury.
Contraindications & Cautions: Rhodiola inhibits the metabolic capacity of CYP2C9 in humans, important in the oxidation of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. Contraindicated in Bipolar disorder.
Happiness Tea with Rhodiola root AVAILABLE here.
References: Ayales, Adriana. ‘Adaptogens’, 2019.
Hardin, J & Rose, K. Materia Medica : Profiles & Uses of Herbs, 2016.
https://www.edaegypt.gov.eg/media/wulbelnd/rhodiola-rosea-l-_1.pdf
www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/rhodiola-root
Zhongbo, L. Et al ’The Potent Anti-Tumor Effects of Rhodiola Drinking Are Associated with the Inhibition of the mTOR Pathway and Modification of Tumor Metabolism in the UPII-Mutant Ha-Ras Model’ 2023