rhodiola
Return to the Phytotherapy theme

Rhodiola

The plant for resistance and adaptation

Rhodiola rosea L.

Part used: roots

Ancestral use

Rhodiola is also known as “golden root” and “rose root”. The origin of this latter name is the subtle rose smell released by the rhizomes when they are cut. Its rhizome has been used for centuries to enhance endurance, calm nervous disorders and combat tiredness. In traditional medicine, rhodiola was also used for its natural tonic properties and to fight various infections1.

Botanical details

Rhodiola is a perennial plant with smooth leaves, 1 to 4 cm long, that are fleshy and serrated. It is a very resistant plant which grows at altitude of up to 4,000 m in the high mountains of Europe, Central Asia and North America as well as in cold regions, such as the Arctic. The underground part forms a thick rhizome, weighing several kilograms, which releases an odour similar to that of roses when cut2.

rhodiola flower

Properties

Rhodiola rhizome is unusual in that it acts on a number of systems: it protects the liver3 and heart4; 5, modulates immunity, regulates certain hormones6, inhibits the growth of cancers7; 8, and addictive behaviour9, improves physical performance and has positive effects on the central nervous system.
In particular, rhodiola improves mental capacities10;11, supports adaptation by limiting the effects of stress and provides protection from neurodegenerative diseases12; 13.
It can also be used as an antidepressant and anxiolytic14; 15; 16; 17, reduces fatigue and enhances adaptation to exercise18; 19.

Indications

  • Adaptation disorders involving anxiety
  • Mild to moderate depression
  • Addictive behaviour
  • Risks of degenerative diseases
  • Preparation for a physical or sporting challenge
  • Recovery after physical exercise

Possible combinations

Rhodiola + Guarana: 

when facing adaptation difficulties ahead of a one-off stressful event with an impact on energy levels, spirits and mental fatigue

rhodiola + guarana

Precautions

Contraindicated for pregnant or breast-feeding women, for anyone with bipolar disorder or who is hypersensitive to the active substances. When administered at an unsuitable dose, agitation and irritability is possible.

Who can give you advice ?

Who can give you advice ?

Find a healthcare professional near you, to advise you. Get advice

Find a healthcare professional near you, to advise you.

Get advice

Our references

  1. Farhath K. Rhodiola rosea : a versatile adaptogen. Food science and food chemistry 2005 ;4 :55-62.
  2. Slacanin I. Rhodiola rosea, une plante des graines au produit. La phytothérapie européenne 62, 24-29. 2011.
  3. Laremii IN, Grigor’eva N F.[Hepatoprotective properties of liquid extract of R hodiola rosea]. Eksp Klin Farmakol 2002 November ;65(6) :57-9.
  4. Afanas’ev S A, Alekseeva ED, Bardamova IB, Maslova LV, Lishmanov I. [Cardiac contractile function following acute cooling of the body and the adaptogenic correction of its disorders]. Biull Eksp Biol Med 1993 November ;116(11) :480-3.
  5. Maimeskulova LA, Maslov LN, Lishmanov I, Krasnov EA. [The participation of the mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors in the realization of the anti-arrhythmia effect of Rhodiola rosea]. Eksp Klin Farmakol 1997 January ;60(1) :38-9.
  6. BROWN R .P. GPLRZ. Rhodiola rosea : A phytomedical overview. Herbal Gram Journal 2002 ;40-52.
  7. Hu X , Lin S , Yu D, Qiu S , Zhang X , Mei R . A preliminary study : the anti-proliferation effect of salidroside on different human cancer cell lines. Cell Biol Toxicol 2010 December ;26(6) :499-507.
  8. Udintsev SN , Schakhov VP. Decrease of cyclophosphamide haematotoxicity by Rhodiola rosea root extract in mice with Ehrlich and Lewis transplantable tumors. Eur J Cancer 1991 ;27(9) :1182.
  9. Cifani C, Micioni Di BM, Vitale G, Ruggieri V, Ciccocioppo R , Massi M . Effect of salidroside, active principle of Rhodiola rosea extract, on binge eating. Physiol Behav 2010 December 2 ;101(5) :555-62.
  10. Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. 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 2000 April ;7(2) :85-9.
  11. Hillhouse BJ, Ming DS, French C.J., Towers. Acetylcholine Esterase Inhibitors in Rhodiola rosea. Pharm Biol 2011 ;42(1) :68-72. 50
  12. Zhang L, Yu H, Zhao X , Lin X , Tan C, Cao G et al. Neuroprotective effects of salidroside against beta-amyloid-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Neurochem Int 2010 November ;57(5) :547-55.
  13. Li X , Ye X , Li X , Sun X , Liang Q, Tao L et al. Salidroside protects against MPP (+)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by inhibiting the NO pathway. Brain Res 2011 March 25 ;1382 :9-18.
  14. Van DD, Marston A, Bravo J, Reist M , Carrupt PA, Hostettmann K. Monoamine oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. roots. J Ethnopharmacol 2009 March 18 ;122(2) :397-401.
  15. Chen QG, Zeng YS , Tang JY, Qin Y J, Chen S J, Zhong ZQ. [Effects of Rhodiola rosea on body weight and intake of sucrose and water in depressive rats induced by chronic mild stress]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao 2008 September ;6(9) :952-5.
  16. Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmstrom C, Panossian A. Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nord J Psychiatry 2007 ;61(5) :343-8.
  17. Perfumi M , Mattioli L. Adaptogenic and central nervous system effects of single doses of 3 % rosavin and 1 % salidroside Rhodiola rosea L. extract in mice. Phytother R es 2007 January ;21(1) :37-43.
  18. De Bock K., Eijnde BO, Ramaekers M , Hespel P. Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2004 June ;14(3) :298-307.
  19. Olsson EM, von SB, Panossian AG. 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 Med 2009 February ;75(2) :105-12.