Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a natural adaptogen and nootropic which grows in cold regions. It has been used medicinally for hundreds of years to treat depression and stress.
Benefits:
What Is Rhodiola Rosea?
Rhodiola is a natural nootropic that grows in colder regions. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is found in the Arctic, mountainous areas including the Rocky Mountains, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. In certain European countries such as Russia and Scandinavia, Rhodilia has been used for hundreds of years by inhabitants to deal with stress and treat depression.
Rhodiola Rosea Dosage Information
Rhodiola is typically sold in 100mg tablets or capsules. A standard dosage is one or two 100mg tablets taken daily. Take one dose in the morning and one in the early afternoon. If you are not getting the desired effects, it is perfectly acceptable to increase your dosage as high as 200mg, taken three times per day. One study administered doses ranging from 340-680mg to treat mild depression. No side effects were observed. [11]
How Does Rhodiola Rosea Work?
Rhodiola inhibits MAO enzymes. When MAO enzymes are inhibited, the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters are slowed. In Rhodiola’s case, levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are elevated due to MAO inhibition.
Rhodiola also effects the opioid peptide beta-endorphin. [4] Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Endorphin production can relieve stress, cause feelings of well-being, and cause excitement.
Safety and Side Effects of Rhodiola Rosea
The most common side effects associated with Rhodiola include restlessness, irritability, and trouble sleeping. If you experience restlessness or irritability you should lower your dosage. For those with trouble sleeping, you should take your dose(s) earlier in the day. At very high doses, Rhodiola may cause rapid heartbeat. It is best not to combine Rhodiola with other stimulants such as caffeine until you have used it before without side effects. Taking Rhodiola right before bed will greatly increase your chances of insomnia.
Rhodiola Rosea FAQ
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Rhodiola Rosea. If you have a question that’s not on this list, send it to us at questions@whatarenootropics.com and we will answer it for you.
Should I Use Rhodiola Rosea?
What Are Some Studies on Rhodiola?
Cited Studies
1. Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, et al. (Mar 2003). “A randomized trial of two different doses of Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work”. Phytomedicine 10 (2-3): 95–105. doi:10.1078/094471103321659780. PMID 12725561.
2. Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H (Oct 2000). “Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty”. Phytomedicine 7 (5): 365–71. PMID 11081987.
3. Ha Z, Zhu Y, Zhang X, et al. (Sep 2002). “[The effect of rhodiola and acetazolamide on the sleep architecture and blood oxygen saturation in men living at high altitude]” (in Chinese). Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi 25 (9): 527–30. PMID 12423559.
4. Gregory S. Kelly, ND, (2001). “Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen.”. Alternative Medicine Review 6 (3): 293–302. PMID 11410073.
5. Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H (Oct 2000). “Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty”. Phytomedicine 7 (5): 365–71. PMID 11081987.
6. Spasov. A.A., Mandrikov, V.B., Mitonova, I.A., 2000b. The effect of Dhodaxonon psycho-physiologic and physical adaptation of students to the academic load. Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology 63 (1), 76-78.
7. Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, et al. (Mar 2003). “A randomized trial of two different doses of Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work”. Phytomedicine 10 (2-3): 95–105. doi:10.1078/094471103321659780. PMID 12725561.
8. Olsson, E.M.G., von Schéele, B., Panossian, A.G., 2009. A randomized double-blind placebo controlled parallel group study of SHR-5 extract of Rhodiola rosea roots as treatment for patients with stress related fatigue. Planta medica 75,105-112.
9. Olsson, E.M.G., von Schéele, B., Panossian, A.G., 2009. A randomized double-blind placebo controlled parallel group study of SHR-5 extract of Rhodiola rosea roots as treatment for patients with stress related fatigue. Planta medica 75,105-112.
10. Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmström C, Panossian A (2007). “Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract in the treatment of mild to moderate depression”. Nord J Psychiatry 61 (5): 343–8. doi:10.1080/08039480701643290. PMID 17990195.
11. Darbinyan, V.; Aslanyan, G.; Amroyan, E.; Gabrielyan, E.; Malmstroumlm, C.; Panossian, A. Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 61, Issue 5 2007 , pages 343–348 ; accessed Dec 2008
