Rhodiola: Benefits, Uses and Risks

Rhodiola – What Is It?

The adaptogenic herb Rhodiola rosea is well-known for balancing stress levels, enhancing mental clarity, and boosting physical endurance. Plants known as adaptogens, which include Rhodiola, assist the body in adjusting to stress on the physical, mental, and emotional levels.

For many years, Scandinavia, Russia, and Asia sections have used this unusual herb—also known as "golden root"—in their traditional medical procedures. It grows at high elevations in arctic regions of Asia and Eastern Europe. Rhodiola has been used for millennia by the Vikings to increase physical strength, by the Sherpa people of the Himalayas to climb high altitudes, including the summit of Everest, as it is known to prevent altitude sickness, and by Soviet astronauts as a physical and psychological aid when they ventured into uncharted territory.

According to studies, rosavin, which is exclusive to Rhodiola rosea, and salidroside are only two of the more than 150 types of bioactive chemical compounds discovered in Rhodiola that give it its medicinal benefits.

What are the Health Benefits of Rhodiola?

Regular users of Rhodiola claim that it helps with everything from anxiety and depression relief to tiredness reduction. Moreover, it enhances energy, endurance, and sports performance.

Additional advantages of Rhodiola for health are:

1. Reduce Burnout

As an adaptogen—a herb that helps the body combat both physical and mental stress—Rhodiola is one of these plants. Rhodiola is a naturally occurring stress reliever that helps avoid or mitigate the consequences of burnout, a fatigue reaction to prolonged exposure to stresses.3.

In a 12-week trial involving 118 individuals suffering from burnout and stress, 400 milligrams of rhodiola daily reduced symptoms of sadness and stress. Researchers deemed these findings promising and advised more research.

2. Reduce Symptoms of Depression

There is some evidence to support the use of Rhodiola for controlling depressive symptoms despite the lack of studies on the subject. For example, taking high doses of rhodiola daily along with sertraline (Zoloft) showed the greatest reduction of depression symptoms over 12 weeks compared to people taking sertraline alone or taking lower doses of rhodiola along with sertraline. This study involved people with depression who were between the ages of 18 and 50.

According to another study, Rhodiola was less likely to have negative effects than sertraline. The study team believes the plant is a useful substitute for those who cannot take conventional antidepressants.

3. Protects arteries 

The process by which calcium deposits stiffen blood vessels, particularly arteries, is known as atherosclerosis. People often experience this, and it becomes worse as they age. One of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes is atherosclerosis. However, certain decisions, like smoking and eating a bad diet, hasten the ageing process. According to research published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2017, Rhodiola shields the arteries from the damaging effects of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress.  

4. Help Boost Exercise Performance

Although little research exists on the impact of Rhodiola on sports performance, preliminary findings suggest that consuming the herb assists athletes in enhancing certain performance-related factors.

Short-term rhodiola supplementation increased the pace of barbell rises during bench press activities, according to research involving ten male participants. But even when the pace quickened, the subjects' strength endurance (or quantity of repetitions) dropped, the researchers discovered.

Another group of researchers discovered that Rhodiola improves anaerobic exercise performance, such as lifting weights. Participants in the 11-girl trial were given 1,500 mg of rhodiola daily for three days before exercise and then another 500 mg dosage 30 minutes before performance. The performance scores of the herb-taking group were higher than those of the placebo group.

5. Aid in Treating Chronic Diseases

Some scientists suggest that rhodiola is a helpful supplement for patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease because of its potential anti-aging and neuroprotective properties.

Additionally, the plant could have anti-cancer qualities. According to one research, Rhodiola helps lower the chance of developing cancer or having it recur, especially for those who have bladder, breast, colon, lung, or prostate cancer.

6. Reduces Blood Pressure 

Adults with high blood pressure comprise one in four. One billion individuals worldwide suffer from high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension. When a person's diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) is measured, and their systolic blood pressure (top number) is more than 90 mm/Hg or greater than 140/90, most physicians would diagnose hypertension in that patient. In the US, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommended in November 2017 that levels higher than 130/80 need medical attention.

In any scenario, blood pressure is regulated by eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, exercising often, and keeping a healthy weight. Medications are often needed when lifestyle modifications are insufficient; nevertheless, research indicates that rhodiola is also beneficial.

According to 2017 research, Rhodiola reduces blood pressure. Regular use of Rhodiola has been shown to reduce blood pressure, as per a 2012 research published in Phytotherapy Research. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, was shown to be lowered by Rhodiola in a rabbit research conducted in 2006. This is comparable to ACE inhibitors, a type of medication used by physicians. It's crucial to always follow the doctor's instructions before stopping blood pressure medication since many drugs need a gradual weaning-off process.

7.  Reducing Anxiety

People these days are busier than ever. It's thrilling that we are always connected and accessible, yet it also causes anxiety or overload. The extreme concern is the emotion of anxiety. Everyone has anxiety sometimes, but when those emotions take over, it develop a condition known as an anxiety disorder.

Because Rhodiola contains antioxidants, it helps alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, are used by the body to combat free radicals, chemicals that destroy cells. These antioxidants are abundant in plants and fruits.

According to research covered in an article in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, antioxidant supplements also assist persons with depression and generalised anxiety disorder to in feeling less stressed and anxious. Before the beginning of the investigation, the bodies of those who had these illnesses had lower amounts of antioxidants. Many of the subjects demonstrated reduced emotions of anxiety and despair after taking antioxidants for a predetermined amount of time.

8.  Helps control blood sugar 

Diabetes, more often known as diabetes mellitus, is a widespread disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher in those who have diabetes. Elevated hyperglycaemia harms blood vessels, neurones, and organs, including the kidneys and eyes, via oxidative damage. Diabetes raises the risk of renal failure, heart attack, stroke, and amputation of the foot.

Five per cent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes, whereas ninety-five per cent have type 2 diabetes. Whereas an autoimmune attack on the pancreas predominantly causes type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is primarily a lifestyle condition. If a person has type 2 diabetes, Rhodiola could be beneficial.

Dr Chen's 2016 research, which used an animal model, demonstrated that Rhodiola increased insulin's efficiency as a diabetic hormone. This is essential for managing blood sugar. Furthermore, a 2017 research published in Frontiers of Pharmacology revealed that the active component of Rhodiola aids in shielding the pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for manufacturing insulin.

Rhodiola's anti-diabetic properties were shown by a 2015 research by Dr. Tao Zheng, and a different 2017 study, which used animal tests, demonstrated Rhodiola's beneficial effects on blood sugar. However, further research with human volunteers is required. While many people who want to improve overall diabetes control use Rhodiola as an adjuvant, it must not be taken instead of diabetic drugs. Exercise and diet are also crucial.

9. Protects liver 

The liver's primary function is to filter poisons that enter our bodies. Occasionally, it gets overburdened. A diet high in junk food, alcohol, and fatty foods damages the liver and is harmful to one's health. When used more than 4 grams per day, medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol) also harm the liver. In actuality, 37% of instances of prescription medication-induced liver failure are related to paracetamol.

While salidroside, the active ingredient in Rhodiola, shields the liver from oxidative damage brought on by a fatty liver, a 2016 study published in BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology suggested that Rhodiola also protects against drug-induced liver damage. These findings were based on an animal model study conducted in 2014.

10.  Integrative Approach to Cancer 

Lung, colon, and breast cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies diagnosed globally, taking millions of lives annually. Worldwide, there are more than 15 million new instances of these three (and more) cancer kinds. Cancer prevention is a worthy endeavour that ought to be the aim of everybody. After receiving a diagnosis, a lot of individuals get traditional care that includes chemotherapy and surgery. Some, on the other hand, prefer an integrated strategy. Rhodiola could come into play later on.

The most common cancer in women and a major contributor to cancer-related mortality is breast cancer. A mammography only detects cancer in its early stages; it cannot prevent cancer. Cancer can be prevented in part by eating a healthy, mostly plant-based diet and maintaining a healthy body weight.

"...salidroside is a promising candidate target for the prevention and treatment of human breast cancer," according to a research published in Oncology Reports 2015.

According to other research, the active component of Rhodiola also helps lower the risk of lung and colon cancer. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are also important in the fight against cancer. It is also crucial for the body to get rid of pollutants.

11.  Radiation Therapy Support 

When undergoing radiation treatment for cancer, healthy cells suffer harm. According to the research published in Oncology Reports, salidroside, the active component, helps shield healthy cells from radiation harm.

12.  Helps Slow the Signs of Aging

Additionally, antioxidants promote more elegant ageing of the body. Over time, cells sustain damage that is a normal part of ageing, although certain antioxidants can slow down this process by acting on DNA. Additionally, these substances strengthen cells' ability to withstand harm from external stresses like radiation and smoking.

13.  Improves Memory

Rhodiola is often used to enhance mental clarity and memory. The benefits of Rhodiola on individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other attention disorders are still being researched. Due to its ability to lessen stress and exhaustion, Rhodiola has been shown to have a good effect on mental function in these trials.

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What are the Health Risks associated with the consumption of Rhodiola?

The adverse effects of Rhodiola are usually not very severe. However, the majority of herbal supplements do have negative effects, and certain drugs do not work well with them. It's advisable to consult the doctor about any possible hazards before beginning any therapy.  

1.  Medical Interaction

People with anxiety disorders find it attractive to include Rhodiola in their treatment plan since it lowers tension and anxiety. Combining rhodiola with over-the-counter anxiety medications, however, might lead to adverse effects, such as irregular pulse.

2.  Long-Term Side Effects

Few studies have been done on people to ascertain the possible advantages and disadvantages of Rhodiola; most studies have been done on animals. Nevertheless, the majority of human research is only done over brief periods of time. As a result, the long-term effects have not been fully investigated; thus, it could be wiser to stick to taking Rhodiola for shorter durations of six to twelve weeks.

Warnings Regarding Rhodiola Consumption

If a person is using prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a particular family of antidepressants, avoid taking Rhodiola rosea.

Interactions and Contraindications of Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea has no known dangers, although the manufacture of supplements and herbs is unregulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Most herbs and supplements have not undergone extensive testing, and the items' safety or contents are not guaranteed.  

Potential Drug Interactions

Rhodiola elevates heart rate when used in combination with prescription antidepressants. It also reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics on insulin or other medications. Thus, care must be used in these cases.

Rhodiola drops blood pressure. Thus, those with low blood pressure must exercise caution to prevent their blood pressure from falling too low while taking it. Rhodiola amplifies the effects of medications like warfarin and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Rhodiola inhibits the effects of immunosuppressants (such as medications used for multiple sclerosis).

Not Suggested for:

• Kids
• Those suffering from autoimmune diseases
• Women who are nursing or expecting

Before using Rhodiola, see a doctor if one has any pre-existing medical issues, particularly those listed above. 

Drugs metabolised by the CYP2C9 enzyme:

The several supplementary versions of Rhodiola rosea interact with different drugs. Those on medication must speak with their doctor before taking Rhodiola.

1. Serotonergic medications: 

Rhodiola prevents CYP2C9 from functioning as a metabolic enzyme in humans. However, the effects are small, and the study is restricted. This might influence the effects of medications, including warfarin, phenytoin, and losartan, metabolised by this specific enzyme.

2.  Stimulant medications:

When Rhodiola is used with certain serotonin-related drugs, such as paroxetine, it might cause symptoms that are similar to the serotonergic syndrome. Neuromuscular, autonomic, and mental status symptoms brought on by an excess of serotonin in the brain are hallmarks of serotonin poisoning, also known as serotonergic syndrome.

How To Take Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola enhances the effects of certain stimulant drugs since it has been shown to activate the central nervous system. Before including Rhodiola in their supplement regimen, anyone taking stimulant-containing drugs, such as those with ADHD, must speak with their physician.

Recommended Dosage

One can purchase Rhodiola rosea supplements, such as extracts or pills. It is also included in several herbal teas; some individuals prepare rhodiola tea at home using dried plant material. Long-term usage of Rhodiola is not advised, despite the fact that it has been used safely in research for up to six to twelve weeks. Studies on its long-term consequences are lacking.

There are no established standard dosages or recommended dietary allowances for Rhodiola since the research on its benefits and safety is limited (RDA). Nonetheless, research doses for the herb have varied from 300 to 1,500 milligrams.

Speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen. The professional can determine how much short-term medication is appropriate for the person and whether it's the correct choice together.

Is Rhodiola Rosea Safe?

There is little data about the safety of Rhodiola rosea. Nonetheless, several studies have shown no negative effects from Rhodiola. Researchers have shown that rhodiola has relatively low levels of herbal toxicity, making it seem safe and manageable for most individuals. Additionally, rhodiola could be less harmful than other adaptogens like ginseng.

Nevertheless, because of the fragmented nature of the study, it is hard to determine the supplement's level of safety. Different plant brands or extracts have differing safety and efficacy levels.

People Also Ask

Who should avoid taking Rhodiola supplements?

People who must avoid taking Rhodiola supplements include children, pregnant or breastfeeding females, individuals with bipolar disorder (as it triggers mood swings) and those already taking anxiolytic and antidepressant medications (to avoid possible drug interactions). It is essential to consult a healthcare expert before starting any supplement, including Rhodiola.

How long does it take for Rhodiola to work?

Rhodiola often starts working within 30 minutes to 02 hours after taking the supplement. It effects the energy, mood and provide relief from stress often noticeable on the day of taken dose. For long-term effects, individuals are often advised to ensure its consistent use for several weeks to notice benefits such as improved endurance and mental clarity.  

Is Rhodiola safe to take daily?

Yes, Rhodiola is generally safe to take daily for most people when used as per instruction from the healthcare expert. However, it is advised to start from lower doses and take on alternate days before making a daily ritual, to avoid the possible adverse outcomes, especially in individuals with prior health conditions.

Conclusion

The adaptogenic herb Rhodiola rosea is well-known for balancing stress levels, enhancing mental clarity, and boosting physical endurance. Plants known as adaptogens, which include Rhodiola, assist the body in adjusting to stress on the physical, mental, and emotional levels.

Rhodiola is a naturally occurring stress reliever that helps avoid or mitigate the consequences of burnout, a fatigue reaction to prolonged exposure to stresses. Evidence supports the use of Rhodiola for controlling depressive symptoms despite the lack of extensive studies on the subject. Rhodiola shields the arteries from the damaging effects of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress. Preliminary findings suggest that consuming the rhodiola herb assists athletes in enhancing certain performance-related factors. Rhodiola helps lower the chance of developing cancer or having it recur, especially for those who have bladder, breast, colon, lung, or prostate cancer. Because Rhodiola contains antioxidants, it helps alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety. The active component of Rhodiola aids in shielding the pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for manufacturing insulin, thereby preventing diabetes mellitus.

The adverse effects of Rhodiola are usually not very severe, however noteworthy. Combining rhodiola with over-the-counter anxiety medications lead to adverse effects, such as irregular pulse due to drug interactions. Individuals using prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a particular family of antidepressants, must avoid taking Rhodiola rosea. Long-term usage of Rhodiola is not advised, despite the fact that it has been used safely in research for up to six to twelve weeks. Studies on its long-term consequences are lacking. Researchers have shown that rhodiola has relatively low levels of herbal toxicity, making it seem safe and manageable for most individuals. Additionally, rhodiola could be less harmful than other adaptogens like ginseng.

Looking for Rhodiola supplements? Checkout Welzo’s variety of Rhodiola Supplements in affordable prices and quick delivery services at your doorstep.