TRADE NAME: Rhodiola Rosea

OFFICIAL NAME: Golden Root

TYPE OF SUPPLEMENT: Strength, Cognitive Function

WHAT IT IS: Rhodiola Rosea is a plant native to Siberia. It has been used for many centuries to treat everything from the common cold and boosting the immune system, to relieving mental stress. Also known as ‘Golden Root’, ‘Arctic Root’, and ‘Crenulin’, the active components in Rhodiola Rosea are cinnamol alcohol glycosides (Rosin, Salidroside, Rosarin, and Rosavin).

HOW IT WORKS: In small doses, Eastern block studies have shown Rhodiola Rosea stimulates norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. The scientific study of Rhodiola has revealed its ability to mobilize fatty acids from adipose tissue, and activate adipose lipase, a key enzyme in which the body needs to burn fat storage. It also increases the body’s ability to utilize oxygen, which contributes to reduced mental fatigue, enhanced endurance, and to boosting energy. Rhodiola improves the immune system by stimulating the Natural Killer Cells, which seek and destroy the infected cells in our body. It also improves T-cell immunity and increases the bodies resistance to toxins accumulated during infection.

PRIMARY AFFECTS: Over the last 30 years, there have been over 90 Eastern block studies on the effects of Rhodiola Rosea. The bulk of Eastern block studies show Rhodiola Rosea having degrees of efficacy with respect to improving cognitive function, improving thyroid function, aiding the bodies adaption to stress, having cardio protective and anti-carcinogenic properties as well as improving sexual function. Clinical studies have shown that Rhodiola has alleviated the symptoms of depression, as well as improved sexual functioning. In a controlled study of Rhodiola’s fat burning ability, it has shown an increase of serum fatty acid levels by 6% while rested and 44% after an hour of exercise. Considered an ‘adaptogen’, Rhodiola displays a wide variety of healing properties.

EFFECTIVE DOSAGE LEVEL: True Rhodiola Rosea has a ratio of 3:1 for Rosavins to Salidroside in order to be maximally effective. In the range of 100mg to 300mg daily, but usually 200mg to 600mg are taken a day, containing 2-3% Rosavins and 0.8-1% Salidroside in a ratio of 3:1. Rhodiola has more stimulating effects at a lower dosage, and is more sedative at a higher dosage. Rhodiola is most effective when taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before a meal.

SUPPLEMENT CONFLICTS: There are no known conflicts or interactions. Due to lack of information, Rhodiola should not be taken while breast feeding or pregnant. Due to the antidepressive effect of Rhodiola Rosea, bipolar individuals who become manic when taking stimulants should not use Rhodiola Rosea.

SIDE EFFECTS: No known side effects.