RHODIOLA

RESEARCHER'S NOTES ON RHODIOLA BENEFITS

BRAIN ISSUESRhodiola rosea may benefit people from brain damage. Rhodiola Rosea Extract prevented ischemic brain damage development in a study. [A1] Rhodiola rosea works as an adaptogen and may benefits on cognitive functions. The stimulating and normalizing effect of 20-day adminstration of Rhodiola rosea extract SHR-5 in foreign students gave a significant result during a stressful examination period.[A2]
CancerRhodiola rosea may benefit people suffered from cancers. Rhodiola rosea extracts potentiated the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of cyclophosphan in mice inoculated with metastasing Lewis lung carcinoma. [A3] Rhodiola rosea extracts are anti-mutagens due to ability to raise the efficiency of the intracell DNA repair mechanisms. [A4] Oral administration of Rhodiola rosea extract to a small group of patents with superficial bladder carcinoma improved the characteristics of the urothelial tissue integration, parameters of leukocyte integrins and T-cell immunity. [A5]
High Altitude Sickness, Hpoxia and EnduranceRhodiola rosea may benefit people suffered from high altitude sickness. Rhodiola rosea has been used to stimulate the nervous system and fatigue for centuries in Eastern Europe and Asia. Rhodiola rosea may also benefit people with hypoxia. The effects of  Rhodiola on hypoxia and oxidative stress at a simulated altitude of 4600 m, using 15 volunteers were studied. Rhodiola rosea appeared not to increase oxidative stress and may decrease free radical formation after hypoxic exposure compared with the control. [A9]

The effect of acute and 4-week Rhodiola rosea intake on physical capacity, muscle strength, speed of limb movement, reaction time, and attention was investigated. Acute Rhodiola rosea intake could improve endurance exercise capacity in young healthy volunteers. [A6] The effects of oral treatment with extracts from Rhodiola rosea (dosage 50 mg/kg) and Rhodiola crenulata (dosage 50 mg/kg) roots on the duration of exhaustive swimming and ATP content in mitochondria of skeletal muscles was studied in rats. Rhodiola rosea extract activated the synthesis or resynthesis of ATP in mitochondria and stimulated reparative energy processes after intense exercise. [A7] The effect of repeated low-dose treatment with a standardized extract SHR/5 of rhizome Rhodiola rosea L, on fatigue during night duty among a group of physicians was investigated. There was a statistically significant improvement in these tests in the treatment group. Side-effect was not observed. Rhodiola rosea L could reduce general fatigue under certain stressful conditions. [A8] 

Thus, Rhodiola rosea is very likely to have benefits on endurance and/or mental capability.