Rhodiola rosea

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history

Rhodiola rosea (RS) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in cold climates, also known as rhodiola, arctic root or golden root. Rhodiola rosea has been traditionally used as medicine in Russia, Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine.[1] It is considered an adaptogen.[1]

Theory[edit | edit source]

Rhodiola rosea is considered an adaptogenic herb, used its stress-relieving properties by helping the body adept better and maintain homeostasis. It’s believed to help with fatigue primarily due to its effects on the body's stress response system. It is also theorized that RS ca help to balance cortisol levels, preventing the body from becoming overly stressed or depleted, which can lead to exhaustion.

Evidence[edit | edit source]

  • There is some evidevce in rodent models suggesting RS increases ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in cells, which is essential for energy.[2]

Notable studies[edit | edit source]

  • 2011, The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials[4] (Full text)
  • 2012, Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review[5] (Full text)
  • 2015, Rhodiola rosea: A Versatile Adaptogen[6] (Full text)
  • 2017, Rhodiola rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial (Full text)
  • 2018, Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review[7] (Full text)
  • 2018, Identification of ellagic acid from plant Rhodiola rosea L. as an anti-Ebola virus entry inhibitor[8] (Full text)

Risks and side effects[edit | edit source]

Potential side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and excessive saliva. The efficacy and safety of long-term use of Rhodiola rosea is not established due to lacking research.

Those with autoimmune diseases should show caution as there is a risk that Rhodiola rosea could stimulate the immune system, possibly worsening symptoms.

Costs and availability[edit | edit source]

Availability is limited, it is an endangered plant.[1]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Rhodiola Rosea Uses, Benefits & Dosage". Drugs.com Herbal Database. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  2. Abidov, M.; Crendal, F.; Grachev, S.; Seifulla, R.; Ziegenfuss, T. (2003-12). "Effect of extracts from Rhodiola rosea and Rhodiola crenulata (Crassulaceae) roots on ATP content in mitochondria of skeletal muscles". Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 136 (6): 585–587. doi:10.1023/b:bebm.0000020211.24779.15. ISSN 0007-4888. PMID 15500079. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. Gao, Lili; Wu, Chenghan; Liao, Yuansheng; Wang, Jinmin (2020-03). "Antidepressants effects of Rhodiola capsule combined with sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial". Journal of Affective Disorders. 265: 99–103. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2020.01.065. ISSN 0165-0327. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. Hung, Shao Kang; Perry, Rachel; Ernst, Edzard (February 15, 2011). "The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials". Phytomedicine. 18 (4): 235–244. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.08.014. ISSN 0944-7113.
  5. Ishaque, Sana; Shamseer, Larissa; Bukutu, Cecilia; Vohra, Sunita (December 2012). "Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review". BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 12 (1): 1208. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-70. ISSN 1472-6882. PMC 3541197. PMID 22643043.
  6. Khanum, Farhath; Bawa, Amarinder Singh; Singh, Brahm (2005). "Rhodiola rosea: A Versatile Adaptogen". Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 4 (3): 55–62. doi:10.1111/j.1541-4337.2005.tb00073.x. ISSN 1541-4337.
  7. Anghelescu, Ion-George; Edwards, David; Seifritz, Erich; Kasper, Siegfried (October 2, 2018). "Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review". International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice. 22 (4): 242–252. doi:10.1080/13651501.2017.1417442. ISSN 1365-1501. PMID 29325481.
  8. Spasov, A.A.; Wikman, G.K.; Mandrikov, V.B.; Mironova, I.A.; Neumoin, V.V. (April 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: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology. 7 (2): 85–89. doi:10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80078-1. ISSN 0944-7113. PMID 10839209.