Rhodiola rosea

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Rhodiola rosea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Rhodiola Species: R. rosea
Binomial name
Rhodiola rosea L.
Synonyms
Sedum rosea (L.) Scop. Sedum rhodiola DC. Rhodiola arctica Boriss. Rhodiola iremelica Boriss. Rhodiola scopolii Simonk. Sedum scopolii Simonk.

Rhodiola rosea (Roseroot) is a plant in the family Crassulaceae that grows in cold regions of the world. These include much of the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains, and mountainous parts of Europe, such as the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathian Mountains, British Isles, Scandinavia and Iceland.

[edit] Uses of Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is very effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Russian research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents high altitude sickness. In one study, the Rhodiola rosea group decreased proofreading errors by 88% while the control group increased proofreading errors by 84%. Rhodiola rosea's effects are attributed to its ability to optimise serotonin and dopamine levels and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins^{[citation needed]}.

Substances like these are referred to as adaptogens. They differ from stimulants, and do not have the same health consequences as caffeine, etc.

In Russia, Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root', has been used for centuries to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life. It has also been used for centuries in Scandinavia, both by the Vikings and the Sámi. Note that Rhodiola is sometimes inappropriately referred to as "Arctic Root®", which is a trademark product name held by the Swedish Herbal Institute for an extract SHR-5 which contains unique Rhodiola rosea extracts tested in human clinical trials.

Also found in supplements along with Rhododendron caucasicum.

[edit] Earlier finds in adaptogens

• Panax ginseng (Panax Ginseng)
• Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng)
• Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)

[edit] Further reading

• Saleeby, J. P. "Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens", Xlibris, 2006. (The first chapter is dedicated to R. rosea.)

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Rhodiola rosea

• Rhodiola rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview
• Introduction to the herb by medical doctors
• Rhodiola rosea clinical references
• "The Herb that Came In from the Cold"
• Photographs from Greenland