Rhodiola - Herb for Mental Endurance

Rhodiola Rosea, so named for the fragrant rose-like aroma from its roots, has been used for centuries to increase physical and mental endurance and improve performance. So valuable was this golden root that Siberians transported it – in secret – across the Caucasian Mountains to trade it for wine, fruit and honey. As a native plant of Arctic lands, it has been used for centuries in Norway, Russia and other countries. Recently, Rhodiola rosea has become popular for its adaptogenic effects, helping buffer the effects of stresses in everyday life.

Increases neurotransmitters

The Rhodiola family includes several species of plants. However only Rhodiola rosea contains phenylpropanoids, believed to provide the cognitive enhancement and emotional calming of this herb.

Rhodiola rosea contains specific chemical compounds that act to create the effects of mood elevation, increased focus, reduced stress and increased physical stamina. 

These compounds directly stimulate the release of neurotransmitters in the brain:

Researchers have found increases of serotonin (mood), dopamine (learning, internal sense of reward, mood) and norepinephrine (mood) in subjects given Rhodiola.

Rhodiola rosea also increases neurotransmitters indirectly by enhancing the brain’s absorption of nutrients used to make the neurotransmitters.

Improves Stamina

Rhodiola increases mental and physical stamina:

•  Rhodiola given to a group of 161 cadets aged 19-21 improved physical performance and decreased mental fatigue when tested at different dosages.
• Rhodiola was given to 56 young healthy physicians on night call. They experienced improved cognitive performance, including associative thinking, short-term memory, concentration and speed of audio-visual perception.
• A group of students given Rhodiola for 20 days during an examination period experienced improved physical fitness, less mental fatigue, and overall sense of well-being.

Promotes Healthy Brain Aging

Rhodiola rosea also has been used traditionally to promote healthy aging. Research suggests that Rhodiola protects the brain by reducing oxidative stress, a cellular process underlying dementia and other chronic diseases. Researchers have also found an effect of slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in memory. For this reason, Rhodiola is being studied as a potential preventive agent for Alzheimer’s disease.

Rhodiola rosea, historically used for endurance and mental performance, is gaining in popularity. Like many botanical medicines, researchers are continuing to study its benefits in brain health and aging. If you are taking Rhodiola be sure to discuss with your physician to check for possible interactions. Purchase a supplement stating the full name of the plant species “Rhodiola rosea”, and make sure that it is standardized for compounds unique to this species: rosavin, rosin, and rosarins (remember: sounds like a rose!)

References:

Compounds in Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview  

Study of Cadets

A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work 

Study of Physicians

Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue--a double blind crossover study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty.

Study of Students

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.

Study of Effects on Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors in Rhodiola rosea