Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!

This week, we will be exploring the clinical applications of the resilient, perennial herb known as Rhodiola Rosea. There have been numerous clinical trials performed on this adaptogen – showcasing this herbs diverse benefits. In the year 2000, Spasov AA et al wrote a double-blind pilot study published in Phytomedicine and entitled, “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.” about the overall effect of Rhodiola rosea on college students during a demanding examination period. This study demonstrated a 50% improvement in psychomotor function and mental fatigue. Since then, there have been continued trials on depression, mood stabilization, sexual function, effects on fatigue from mononucleosis and other post illness fatigue including Lyme’s disease.

Depression and Anxiety

Rhodiola has been used for decades in Russia and elsewhere for alleviation of anxiety, depression, and even insomnia. There have also been several clinical trials performed on the benefits of Rhodiola in treating mild to moderate depression as well as anxiety. In one study published in 2008 in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine by Alexander Bystritsky et al and entitled, “A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD),” evidence suggests that there was an overall reduction in generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. This clinical trial was performed over a 10 week period with 10 individuals taking 340mg of Rhodiola rosea extract.

Another study entitled, “Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled trial” written by Jun J Mao et al and published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2015, found that Rhodiola seemed to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression – although the effects were mild. Although the effects were more mild compared to Sertraline, Rhodiola did show milder side effects which pose to be more favorable in the long run.

Chronic Fatigue

Those living in the Artic region have been using Rhodiola to assist in managing stress factors that come with living in such a cold region. In one clinical trial entitled, “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” written by Erik M Olsson et al and published in the 2009 edition of the journal Planta Medica, they pursued the efficacy of Rhodiola to treat those with stress-related fatigue. There proved to be a significant decrease in fatigue symptoms after only one week, with a statistically significant improvement by week 8 of the study. Overall, this shows a strong promise for treatment of those suffering with prolonged or chronic fatigue.

In the book, “The Rhodiola Revolution,” written by Dr. Richard P. Brown and Dr. Patricia Gerbarg, Dr. Gerbarg recalls her firsthand experience using Rhodiola for restorative purposes to boost her energy levels. Prior to use, she had been suffering from chronic and debilitating pain and fatigue in relation to being treated for Lyme’s disease. She reported that after only 10 days of using Rhodiola rosea, her mind was clearer, her concentration was sharper, and her memory was starting to improve. Both physicians immediately started treating their patients with Rhodiola – treating a multitude of different cases involving fatigue, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, memory problems, less of sexual interest, and even impotence.

Physical and Mental Performance

Rhodiola rosea has been known to maximize your energy and enhance physical and mental performance. Many people take it prior to exercise or to improve their concentration and reduce fatigue. In one clinical trial entitled, “Effects of chronic Rhodiola Rosea supplementation on sport performance and antioxidant capacity in trained male: preliminary results” written by A Parisi et al and published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, they studied the effects of chronic Rhodiola supplementation on physical performance in a group of competitive athletes in an endurance exercise over a 4 week period. The study found that it helped reduce lactate levels and improve musculoskeletal damage and soreness after an exhaustive exercise.

Another study published in 2009 entitled, “The effects of an acute dose of Rhodiola rosea on exercise performance and cognitive function” written by Eric Noreen et al and published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that those taking Rhodiola rosea were able to complete the 6-mile time trial course in a shorter amount of time. They also found a significantly lower average heart rate during warm-up.

Final Recommendations

Here are Nancy’s Fullscript choices she recommends in order of preference:

It should be noted that rhodiola rosea should be taken early in the day due to its ability to interfere with sleep or cause vivid dreams during the first few weeks of use. The amount taken per serving and number of times a day has differing effects on everyone. It is highly recommended that you consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism if you are considering taking Rhodiola because of its spectrum of outcomes dependent upon serving or dosage amounts.

Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.

Resources:

Medical News Today | Scientific Wellness | Herbalgram | Sports Performance Bulletin