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Rhodiola

Materia Medica

Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea

adaptogenendocrinenervous

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) — an adaptogen for fatigue, stress, low mood and athletic performance, with a gentle, non-jittery lift.

Work in progress Updated May 2019

Rhodiola Summary

Rhodiola was made famous by some earlier research done by Russian scientists in the 1960s. Although a lot of this research still hasn’t been released to the public, there has been a lot of new studies put forward to make up for this loss.

Rhodiola is well revered as an adaptogen for treating fatigue, cognitive decline, depression, and for athletic enhancement. It’s considered to be a mild stimulant, though it doesn’t produce the “wired” feeling many other stimulants produce. It increases energy levels and makes us more tolerant of stressful situations.

Although there is still a lot of research lacking, we know that Rhodiola can reduce cortisol levels in the body after exposure to stress, however, the details on how this interaction exists is still not well understood. There is also a great deal of confusion around which chemicals are active in the herb, some studies showing the rosavins, others tyrosol and the rhodiolasides.

As a result, each manufacturer tends to have a preference for one chemical group over the other in their products.

What Is Rhodiola Used For?

*Rhodiola rosea* is mainly used for its adaptogenic qualities, especially those specific to lowering cortisol levels. It’s reliable for improving fatigue in debilitated or chronically fatigued people, as well as those experiencing generalized adaptive disorder, depression, or acute periods of extreme stress.

Rhodiola is a popular nootropic additive for increasing focus and mental endurance and is popular among athletes for increasing physical endurance as well.

Botanical Information

Although Rhodiola rosea is the preferred species used, there are many species used in various indigenous medical systems such as Rhodiola alterna, Rhodiola brevipetiolata, Rhodiola crenulata, Rhodiola kirilowii, Rhodiola quadrifida, Rhodiola sachalinensis, and Rhodiola sacra.

The Crassulaceae family contains 34 genera and 1400 species. Most of the plants in this family can be found in colder climates.

Another medicinal species in this family is Kalanchoe.

Habitat, Ecology & Distribution

Rhodiola grows at high altitude, mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, the Arctic, and North America.

Pharmacology & Medical Research

Altitude Sickness

Salidroside and Tyrosol from Rhodiola cerrulea extracts have been shown to regulate AMPK 11Reference 11Reznick et al. · 2006The role of AMP‐activated protein kinase in mitochondrial biogenesis, which plays a major role in energy homeostasis 10Reference 10Lee et al. · 2013In vitroRhodiola crenulata and its bioactive components, salidroside and tyrosol, reverse the hypoxia-induced reduction of plasma-membrane-associated Na, K-ATPase expression via inhibition of ROS-AMPK-PKCξ pathway. It was also shown to maintain sodium channel transport by preserving NA+, K+, ATPase activity. The authors concluded that this mechanism may be responsible for Rhodiola’s ability to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness, particularly HAPE 11Reference 11Reznick et al. · 2006The role of AMP‐activated protein kinase in mitochondrial biogenesis.

CNS Stimulant

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the CNS stimulating activity of Rhodiola rosea 8Reference 8Panossian et al. · 2005ReviewStimulating effect of adaptogens: an overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration based on various cognitive and fatigue scores.

Other studies have found the use of rhodiola at varying doses inconclusive as a stimulant 7Reference 7Shevtsov et al. · 2003RCTA randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work.

Memory & Cognitive Performance

Rhodiola extracts have been shown in animal models to improve learning capacity and short/long-term memory in animals trained to perform certain tasks 2Reference 2Petkov et al. · 1986Effects of alcohol aqueous extract from Rhodiola rosea L. roots on learning and memory.

Rhodiola has been shown to inhibit monoamine oxidase (both MAO-A and MAO-B) in animal studies 4Reference 4Van Diermen et al. · 2009Monoamine oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. roots.

Depression

MAO-A inhibitors are effective in the treatment of depression 20Reference 20Priest et al. · 1995Reversible and selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A in mental and other disorders. Rhodiola has been shown to inhibit MAO-A & B in animal studies 4Reference 4Van Diermen et al. · 2009Monoamine oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. roots. Other animal studies investigating the use of rhodiola on depression has shown a non-dose dependent improvement on depression scores in mice, which is due to the tyrosol and rhodiolaside content specifically 16,18,19Reference 16Kurkin et al. · 2006Antidepressant activity of some phytopharmaceuticals and phenylpropanoidsReference 18Perfumi et al. · 2007AnimalAdaptogenic and central nervous system effects of single doses of 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside Rhodiola rosea L. extract in miceReference 19Panossian et al. · 2008AnimalComparative study of Rhodiola preparations on behavioral despair of rats.

A randomized double-blind clinical trial using a standardized Rhodiola rosea extract showed a significant antidepressant activity in the treatment group compared to placebo. This was based on various depressive symptoms including insomnia, emotional instability, and somatization. 17Reference 17Darbinyan et al. · 2007Clinical trialClinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.

Stress And Fatigue (Adaptogenic)

A group of 56 healthy physicians in a double-blind randomized clinical trial were either given Rhodiola rosea extracts or placebo control for 2 weeks. Physicians were chosen based on criteria that investigated the likelihood that these physicians would experience mental exhaustion during a normal shift. A series of tasks were then given after each night shift to investigate any changes on mental fatigue as measured by a set of complex tasks. All of the physicians treated with Rhodiola rosea were noted to show improved test scores compared to those not treated with the herb. These effects were observed to be most active after two weeks of use, and not a single adverse reaction was reported during the study. 3Reference 3Darbinyan et al. · 2000RCTRhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty.

Another study investigating the mental and physical effects of a long term, low dose (SHR-5 50 mg) on students during examination periods found significant improvements on test scores among the treatment group 9Reference 9Spasov et al. · 2000RCTA double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. They were looking for the presence of mental and physical fatigue indications. The only test that showed no improvement in this study was the tapping test (muscular activation).

A study investigating the effects of Rhodiola rosea on free cortisol levels in chronically fatigued patients noted a reduction in cortisol levels after just a single treatment, and significantly after a 28-day course of treatment 21Reference 21Olsson et al. · 2009RCTA randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Rhodiola was also shown to reduce serum blood levels of cortisol after a stressful event in rabbits 22Reference 22Panossian et al. · 2007The adaptogens Rhodiola and Schizandra modify the response to immobilization stress in rabbits by suppressing the increase of phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase, nitric oxide and cortisol.

Animal research has shown that Rhodiola rosea extracts can reduce the expression of c-Fos in the hypothalamus of rats 23Reference 23Xia et al. · 2016AnimalSchisandra chinensis and Rhodiola rosea exert an anti-stress effect on the HPA axis and reduce hypothalamic c-Fos expression in rats subjected to repeated stress. The expression of this gene is considered to be a valuable marker for identifying the activation of cells in the central nervous system associated with the stress response 24Reference 24Luckman et al. · 1994Induction of c-fos expression in hypothalamic magnocellular neurons requires synaptic activation and not simply increased spike activity. This suggests the mechanism of action for Rhodiola rosea on reducing cortisol levels is the result of HPA modulation in the hypothalamus, such as increasing feedback sensitivity and therefore reducing overall CRH release rather than acting directly on the adrenal glands.

Withdrawal

A Rhodiola rosea extract was shown to improve withdrawal symptoms in mice, with a noted increase in 5HT activity in treated animals. 1Reference 1Mannucci et al. · 2012AnimalSerotonin involvement in Rhodiola rosea attenuation of nicotine withdrawal signs in rats.

Phytochemistry

Rhodiola’s activity is usually pinned to two groups of phenylpropanoid glycosides. Salidroside (and its aglycone tyrosol) is the marker shared across the genus and drives much of the adaptogenic, MAO-inhibiting and anti-fatigue activity seen in the research 4,5,6Reference 4Van Diermen et al. · 2009Monoamine oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. rootsReference 5Ganzera et al. · 2001Analysis of the marker compounds of Rhodiola rosea L.(golden root) by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographyReference 6Panossian et al. · 2010ReviewRosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. The rosavins — rosavin, rosin and rosarin — are different: this group of cinnamyl glycosides is essentially unique to Rhodiola rosea, so its presence is what separates true R. rosea from cheaper species such as R. crenulata, which carry salidroside but little rosavin 5,6Reference 5Ganzera et al. · 2001Analysis of the marker compounds of Rhodiola rosea L.(golden root) by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographyReference 6Panossian et al. · 2010ReviewRosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. Commercial extracts are standardised to roughly 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside, preserving the ~3:1 ratio found in the root 6Reference 6Panossian et al. · 2010ReviewRosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy.

Constituent Summary

Figures are the conventional standardisation targets for Rhodiola rosea extract (share of standardised extract); root content varies with species and source. † marks the markers used to authenticate true R. rosea against related species 5,6Reference 5Ganzera et al. · 2001Analysis of the marker compounds of Rhodiola rosea L.(golden root) by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographyReference 6Panossian et al. · 2010ReviewRosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy.

Grouped by class · 4 compounds
Phenylpropanoid3 compounds2 with data
PhenylpropanoidRosavins †~3% (standardised extract)
PhenylpropanoidSalidroside †~1% (standardised extract)
PhenylpropanoidRhodiolasidesNo data
Phenolic acid1 compoundno data
Phenolic acidTyrosolNo data

Clinical Applications

Rhodiola serves as a reliable adaptogen with little to no side effects noted in any of the studies listed. It’s useful for those suffering from high-stress conditions, chronically fatigued, or depressed.

This herb is also useful for increasing athletic performance in athletes and reducing the chances of being affected by altitude sickness when traveling above 2500 meters.

References

  1. Mannucci, C., Navarra, M., Calzavara, E., Caputi, A. P., & Calapai, G. (2012). Serotonin involvement in Rhodiola rosea attenuation of nicotine withdrawal signs in rats. Phytomedicine, 19(12), 1117-1124. [animal studies]
  2. Petkov, V. D., Yonkov, D., Mosharoff, A., Kambourova, T., Alova, L., Petkov, V. V., & Todorov, I. (1986). Effects of alcohol aqueous extract from Rhodiola rosea L. roots on learning and memory. Acta physiologica et pharmacologica Bulgarica, 12(1), 3-16. [animal studies]
  3. Darbinyan, V., Kteyan, A., Panossian, A., Gabrielian, E., Wikman, G., & Wagner, H. (2000). Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine, 7(5), 365-371. [RCT]
  4. Van Diermen, D., Marston, A., Bravo, J., Reist, M., Carrupt, P. A., & Hostettmann, K. (2009). Monoamine oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. roots. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 122(2), 397-401. [animal studies]
  5. Ganzera, M., Yayla, Y., & Khan, I. A. (2001). Analysis of the marker compounds of Rhodiola rosea L.(golden root) by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin, 49(4), 465-467. [chemical analysis]
  6. Panossian, A., Wikman, G., & Sarris, J. (2010). Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. Phytomedicine, 17(7), 481-493. [review article]
  7. Shevtsov, V. A., Zholus, B. I., Shervarly, V. I., Vol’skij, V. B., Korovin, Y. P., Khristich, M. P., … & Wikman, G. (2003). A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine, 10(2), 95-105. [RCT]
  8. Panossian, A., & Wagner, H. (2005). Stimulating effect of adaptogens: an overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration. Phytotherapy Research, 19(10), 819-838. [Review]
  9. Spasov, A. A., Wikman, G. K., Mandrikov, V. B., Mironova, I. A., & Neumoin, V. V. (2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine, 7(2), 85-89. [RCT].
  10. Lee, S. Y., Shi, L. S., Chu, H., Li, M. H., Ho, C. W., Lai, F. Y., … & Chang, T. C. (2013). Rhodiola crenulata and its bioactive components, salidroside and tyrosol, reverse the hypoxia-induced reduction of plasma-membrane-associated Na, K-ATPase expression via inhibition of ROS-AMPK-PKCξ pathway. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013. [in vitro].
  11. Reznick, R. M., & Shulman, G. I. (2006). The role of AMP‐activated protein kinase in mitochondrial biogenesis. The Journal of physiology, 574(1), 33-39.
  12. Kerharo, J., & Adam, J. G. (1974). La pharmacopée sénégalaise traditionnelle: plantes médicinales et toxiques. (Pharmacopoeia).
  13. Steinegger, E., & Hansel, R. (1992). Pharmakognosie 5 Aufl. Kap 6.2. 1. Freie Phenolcarbonsauren Springer Verlag Berlin. (Pharmacopoeia).
  14. Hjaltalin, O. J. (1830). Islenzk grasafrædi. Koben havn.
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  16. Kurkin, V. A., Dubishchev, A. V., Ezhkov, V. N., Titova, I. N., & Avdeeva, E. V. (2006). Antidepressant activity of some phytopharmaceuticals and phenylpropanoids. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, 40(11), 614-619.
  17. Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Malmström, C., & Panossian, A. (2007). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic journal of psychiatry, 61(5), 343-348.
  18. Perfumi, M., & Mattioli, L. (2007). Adaptogenic and central nervous system effects of single doses of 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside Rhodiola rosea L. extract in mice. Phytotherapy Research, 21(1), 37-43.
  19. Panossian, A., Nikoyan, N., Ohanyan, N., Hovhannisyan, A., Abrahamyan, H., Gabrielyan, E., & Wikman, G. (2008). Comparative study of Rhodiola preparations on behavioral despair of rats. Phytomedicine, 15(1-2), 84-91.
  20. Priest, R. G., Gimbrett, R., Roberts, M., & Steinert, J. (1995). Reversible and selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A in mental and other disorders. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 91(s386), 40-43.
  21. Olsson, E. M., von Schéele, B., & Panossian, A. G. (2009). A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta medica, 75(02), 105-112.
  22. Panossian, A., Hambardzumyan, M., Hovhanissyan, A., & Wikman, G. (2007). The adaptogens Rhodiola and Schizandra modify the response to immobilization stress in rabbits by suppressing the increase of phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase, nitric oxide and cortisol. Drug target insights, 2, 117739280700200011.
  23. Xia, N., Li, J., Wang, H., Wang, J., & Wang, Y. (2016). Schisandra chinensis and Rhodiola rosea exert an anti-stress effect on the HPA axis and reduce hypothalamic c-Fos expression in rats subjected to repeated stress. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 11(1), 353-359.
  24. Luckman, S. M., Dyball, R. E., & Leng, G. (1994). Induction of c-fos expression in hypothalamic magnocellular neurons requires synaptic activation and not simply increased spike activity. Journal of Neuroscience, 14(8), 4825-4830.