Archeology of Rhodiola rosea:

Archeology of Rhodiola rosea:

From: Derrida
Category: 商业信息
Date: 5/31/2003
Time: 10:23:54 AM
Remote Name: 61.232.53.1

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Scientific Reference: History of Rhodiola rosea:---Rosavin and Salidroside,best natural medicine for a larm phase,adaptation phase.By Michael Derrida

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇ [Description]:Rhodiola rosea L P.E.Salidroside,Rosavins:(Rosavin, Rosin & Ros arin),Rosavin [Origin]:Sedum roseum – fam. Crassulacee(Crassulaceae). [Plant Part Used]:Whole Herb & Root [Latin Name]:Rhodiola sacra(Prain ex Hamet)Fu. [Botanical Synoms]:(En)Rose root, Golden root, Arctic root; (fr.)Rhodiole, Or pin odorant;Rhodiola arctica Boriss. Rhodiola scopolii Simonk. Sedum roseum Scop. (ted.)Rozenwurz Pictures of Rhodiola rosea L

Here as following we introduce a most famous natural botanical extracts from MDidea Group.

[Abstract]:Rhodiola rosea is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preve nting high altitude sickness. Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogen by Russian researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance to a v ariety of chemical, biological, and physical stressors. Its claimed benefits incl ude antidepressant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and central nervous system enha ncement. Research also indicates great utility in asthenic conditions (decline in work performance, sleep difficulties, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectua l strain. The adaptogenic, cardiopulmonary protective, and central nervous system activities of Rhodiola rosea have been attributed primarily to its ability to in fluence levels and activity of monoamines and opioid pep ides such as beta-endorp hins.

[History of Rhodiola rosea]: Rhodiola rosea is a perennial herbaceous plant, mainly grow in Russia and nor th and south of China. It flourishes in bald and Pena.

History and Sciences Siberians commonly state that "…People who drink Rhodiola tea will live to b e more than 100." For centuries, R. rosea has been used in the traditional medicine of Russia, Scandinavia, and other countries. Between 1725 and 1960, various medicinal applic ations of R. rosea appeared in the scientific literature of Sweden, Norway, Franc e, Germany, the Soviet Union, and Iceland.2,4-12 Since 1960, more than 180 pharma cological, phytochemical, and clinical studies have been published. Although R. r osea has been extensively studied as an adaptogen with various health-promoting e ffects, its properties remain largely unknown in the West. In part this may be du e to the fact that the bulk of research has been published in Slavic and Scandina vian languages. This review provides an introduction to some of the traditional u ses of R. rosea, its phytochemistry, scientific studies exploring its diverse phy siological effects, and its current and future medical applications. Little was known about Rhodiola rosea until 1931: It was then that Dr. L. Utk in, a Russian botanist and nutritionist, discovered that the plant augmented sexu al potency. Later, in 1947, the Russian scientist Professor Dr. Nicolai Lazarev d etermined that Rhodiola rosea actually helped increase the body's resistance to n umerous environmental stressors. Adaptogens were discovered in 1947 by the Russian scientist Dr. Nicolai Lazar ev, who in fact coined the name "adaptogen". Dr. Lazarev was also the mentor of D r.Brekhman, who conducted extensive research on adaptogenic herbs. Dr Brekhman's first major focus was the now well known Panax Ginseng, also called Korean or Chi nese Ginseng. This worked, but unfortunately it has a few drawbacks that have sin ce become evident. It sometimes has side effects such as causing constipation and over-excitement which for some people is too stimulating. Dr. Brakhman soon moved on to other herbs and became recognized as the world' s leading expert on adaptogens. Since then, hundreds of experimental and clinical studies on adaptogens have been done - most of them in Russia and Germany. Most of these studies have shown the outstanding stress-protective and immune system e nhancing capacities of adaptogens. You may be familiar with the names of what are now called "first-generation" adaptogens: Panax Ginseng, American Ginseng, and Eleutherococcus senticosus (Sibe rian Ginseng). But in this article I want to tell you about a unique adaptogen of the "second generation", Rhodiola rosea (Russian Rhodiola), which is a powerful anti-aging phyto supplement with adaptogenic and anti-stress activity. In Russia, Rhodiola rosea also known as "Golden root", has been used for centuries to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life. But before describing this unu sual herb, let's say a few words about stress itself. In all areas, subjects tested have shown improvement in overall physical and mental states after taking as little as 100 mg per day. Additionally, patients wi th pronounced depressive states from various origins have displayed marked therap eutic improvement.

Rhodiola rosea in Traditional Medicine Traditional folk medicine used R. rosea to increase physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance to high altitude sickness, and to treat fatig ue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and ner vous system disorders. In mountain villages of Siberia, a bouquet of roots is sti ll given to couples prior to marriage to enhance fertility and assure the birth o f healthy children.2 In Middle Asia, R. rosea tea was the most effective treatmen t for cold and flu during severe Asian winters. Mongolian doctors prescribed it f or tuberculosis and cancer.13 For centuries, only family members knew where to ha rvest the wild "golden roots" and the methods of extraction.2 Siberians secretly transported the herb down ancient trails to the Caucasian Mountains where it was traded for Georgian wines, fruits, garlic, and honey. Chinese emperors sent exped itions to Siberia to bring back the "golden root" for medicinal preparations. Linnaeus wrote of R. rosea as an astringent and for the treatment of hernia, leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge), hysteria, and headache.4,7 In 1755 R. rosea was included in the first Swedish Pharmacopoeia. Vikings used the herb to enhance the ir physical strength and endurance.14 German researchers described the benefits o f R. rosea for pain, headache, scurvy, hemorrhoids, as a stimulant, and as an ant i-inflammatory.15,16 In 1961, G.V. Krylov, a Russian botanist and taxonomist in the Department of Botany at the Novosibirsk Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, led an exped ition to the cedar taiga in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia where he loca ted and identified the "golden root" as Rhodiola rosea.17 Extracts of the R. rose a root were found to contain powerful adaptogens. Research revealed that it prote cted animals and humans from mental and physical stress, toxins, and cold.2,17 Th e quest for new medicines to treat diseases such as cancer and radiation sickness , and to enhance physical and mental performance, led to the discovery of a group of phenylpropanoids that are specific to R. rosea. (See Phytochemistry section b elow.)

Geographical Distribution and Taxonomy of Rhodiola rosea While Rhodiola as a genus may have originated in the mountainous regions of S outhwest China and the Himalayas,18 botanists have established that various speci es of the genus Rhodiola naturally display a circumpolar distribution in mountain ous regions in the higher latitudes and elevations of the Northern Hemisphere. In Central and Northern Asia, the genus is distributed from the Altai Mountains acr oss Mongolia into many parts of Siberia.19 According to Hegi, its distribution in Europe extends from Iceland and the British Isles across Scandinavia as far sout h as the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Carpathian Mountains and other mountainous Balka n regions. Several varieties of Rhodiola species have also been identified across Alaska, Canada, and the northern mountains of the continental United States.20 I n fact, the world database of botanical literature shows many citations identifyi ng a broad range of species of the genus Rhodiola, in some cases including R. ros ea, in many diverse locations in northern latitudes (see Table 1). The current taxonomical status of the genus Rhodiola has become quite complex . Before World War II, some taxonomists separated different species of Rhodiola i nto an independent genus, belonging to the subfamily Sedoidae.20 Then Rhodiola wa s reclassified as a subgenus of the larger genus Sedum, which contained about 10 species. In 1963 Hegi identified more than 50 species of Rhodiola and re-establis hed them as a separate genus.20 Due to their morphological similarities, they for m a distinct Rhodiola group.21 There are still differing opinions among specialis ts about which new species should or should not be included in the genus Rhodiola . The rationale and defining criteria for the boundaries of the genus remain some what controversial. This is not, in itself, necessarily counterproductive, since the acquisition of botanical knowledge inevitably stimulates new understanding an d insight, creating the need for revised systems of classification. In the case o f R. rosea, however, this taxonomic ambiguity may have unexpected and potentially negative consequences. Popularizing a phytomedicinal plant like R. rosea can create confusion when the public is offered a variety of "Rhodiola" products using the general plant fa mily name instead of the full botanical name of the particular species. For examp le, products called "Rhodiola spp., Tibetan Rhodiola or Indian Rhodiola" may inco rrectly imply equivalence with R. rosea extract. Because of significant species-d ependent variation in phytochemistry and pharmacology, the use of "Rhodiola" as a general term is inaccurate and misleading. The correct identification of all Rho diola species according to precise and generally accepted botanical, phytochemica l, and genetic taxonomic criteria is not merely an abstract intellectual exercise . It is critical for both scientific and phytopharmacological accuracy, as well a s for product labeling for the public. Consumers may need professional guidance t o avoid purchasing ineffective brands, particularly those that do not provide ful l information, including the complete botanical name of the plant species. Compan ies may change their suppliers over time. Therefore, consumers should periodicall y check independent sources of product evaluation, as well as requesting informat ion about quality control and content from manufacturers. The pharmacological and medicinal properties of Rhodiola are species-depende nt phenomena.22 Of all the Rhodiola species, R. rosea has been the predominant su bject of phytochemical, animal, and human studies.2,18,23,24 Table 2 compares the research record of R. rosea with all other species of the genus Rhodiola. Approx imately 51 percent of all animal studies and 94 percent of all human studies cond ucted on plants in the genus Rhodiola are on the species R. rosea. Only R. rosea has passed extensive toxicological studies and has been certified safe for both a nimals and humans.25

The investigation of the phytochemistry of R. rosea root has revealed the pr esence of six distinct groups of chemical compounds: Phenylpropanoids: rosavin, rosin, rosarin (specific to R. rosea; Phenylethanol derivatives: salidroside (rhodioloside), tyrosol; Flavanoids: rodiolin, rodionin, rodiosin, acetylrodalgin, tricin; Monoterpernes: rosiridol, rosaridin; Triterpenes: daucosterol, beta-sitosterol; Phenolic acids: chlorogenic and hydroxycinnamic, gallic acids. The standardization of R. rosea root extracts has gone through two distinct p hases. Initially, in the 1970s, the compound responsible for its unique pharmacol ogical properties was believed to be salidroside (rhodioloside).2,23,24,26,27 The refore, the first generation of R. rosea tincture/extracts approved by the Russia n Pharmacopoeia Committee was standardized to a minimum of 0.8 percent salidrosid e content.25 In the late 1980s, demand for R. rosea-based phytomedicines dramatically incr eased. The wild-crafted raw material was over-harvested, resulting in a steady de cline in the quality and effectiveness of "Rhodiola" preparations. Scientific inv estigation revealed that other species of genus Rhodiola (which also contained sa lidroside) were being substituted for R. rosea. While some of these mixed batches were highly variable in quality, others had no pharmacological effect. Logically , the suspicion arose that the salidroside standard was inadequate. Based on comp arative analysis, the obvious hypothesis was that the original high potency produ ct contained other active compounds specific to R. rosea that had not yet been id entified.

Specific compounds set Rhodiola rosea apart from other Rhodiola species After more than a decade of research, Kurkin and colleagues presented evidenc e in 1986 that the chemical composition of R. rosea root is, in fact, different f rom the other species of genus Rhodiola.23 Using newly developed methods of analy sis, Dubichev and colleagues demonstrated that R. rosea root contains three cinna myl alcohol-vicianosides ?rosavin, rosin, and rosarin ?that are specific to this species.28,29 The term rosavins can be used to include rosavin, rosin, and rosari n (see chemical figures). It became evident that salidroside is present in all chemically analyzed plan ts in the genus Rhodiola, and in a wide variety of species outside the genus.2,25 -34 The term salidroside is derived from Salix, the genus name for the willows. S alidroside was first isolated in 1926 from Salix triandra L. (Salicaceae).33 Sinc e then it has been detected in Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (Ericaceae) and in Rhodod endron35,36 (plants not belonging to the genus Rhodiola) in concentrations that c an be higher than levels found in Rhodiola species, including R. rosea. Therefore , salidroside alone is not a useful marker compound for differentiating true R. r osea from other Rhodiola species; nor should it be used as the only marker compou nd for the standardization of R. rosea root extracts. According to the revised 1989 Soviet Pharmacopeia,37 the extracts of R. rosea ?primarily in the form of water/alcohol tinctures or dried root extract ?are now standardized for both rosavins and salidroside. Although rosavins are now the ac cepted marker for genetically pure R. rosea (and its extracts), they are not nece ssarily the only pharmacologically active ingredients responsible for the efficac y observed in clinical studies. In fact, precise identification of the compounds responsible for the numerous health benefits of R. rosea remains to be confirmed.

R. rosea extracts used in most human clinical studies were standardized to mi nimum 3 percent rosavins and 0.8-1 percent salidroside because the naturally occu rring ratio of these compounds in R. rosea root is approximately 3:1. Rosavin, Rosin & Rosarin Salidroside Rhodiola rosea Rhodiola crenulata (China)

Rhodiola kirilowii (China)

All other Rhodiola species

White willow bark

Rhododendron

Cranberry leaves

Blueberry leaves

Bacteria & Yeast

Algae Yes NO

NO Yes Yes

Yes

Rhodiola rosea in Modern Medicine Since 1969, R. rosea has been included in official Russian medicine. The Phar macological and Pharmacopoeia Committee of the Soviet Ministry of Health recommen ded medicinal use and industrial production of liquid R. rosea extract. In 1975, the Soviet Ministry of Health approved and registered preparation No. 75/933/14 a s a medicine and tonic, allowing large-scale production under the name Rhodiola E xtract Liquid, an alcohol-based extract (40 percent ethyl alcohol). Medical and p harmacological texts describe its use as a stimulant for asthenia (fatigue), for somatic and infectious illnesses, in psychiatric and neurological conditions, and in healthy individuals to relieve fatigue and to increase attention span, memory , and work productivity. The common dose is 5-10 drops 2-3 times a day, 15-30 min utes before eating for a period of 10-20 days. In psychiatric disorders with fati gue, a starting dose of 10 drops 2-3 times a day is gradually increased up to 30- 40 drops for 1-2 months. In Sweden, R. rosea was recognized as an Herbal Medicinal Product in 1985 and has been described as an antifatigue agent in the Textbook of Phytomedicine for Pharmacists.9 In the textbook of pharmacology for dispenser training in Sweden, R . rosea is mentioned as a plant with a stimulant action. Also, the Pharmaceutical Book (Lakemedelsboken 97/98) mentions R. rosea as one of the most commonly used psychostimulants in the group of officially registered herbal medicinal products. 11 In Denmark, R. rosea is registered as a medical product in the category of bot anical drugs. Registered preparations are extensively used in Sweden and other Sc andinavian countries to increase mental work capacity during stress, as a psychos timulant, and as a general strengthener.

Pharmacological and Clinical Studies The traditional use of R. rosea as a tonic in Siberian and Russian medicine s timulated extensive research leading to identification of R. rosea as an adaptoge n ?a substance that nonspecifically increases the resistance of an organism and d oes not disturb normal biological parameters. Studies in cell cultures, animals, and humans have revealed antifatigue, anti-stress, antihypoxic (protection agains t damaging effects of oxygen deprivation), anticancer, antioxidant, immune enhanc ing and sexual stimulating effects.2,18,24,38-40 Since the Russian and Bulgarian literature is so extensive, this discussion will highlight seminal studies and ma jor reviews. The authors were fortunate to gain access to original reviews, artic les, and doctoral theses. This overview relies heavily on monographs and peer-rev iewed publications. The research data contained in these documents are helpful fo r understanding recent human studies in normal and pathological conditions.

Effects upon the Central Nervous System The systematic study of the pharmacological effects of R. rosea, begun in 196 5, found that small and medium doses had a simulating effect, such as lengthening the time mice swim and remain on vertical perches to the limit of their abilitie s. In contrast, larger doses were found to have more sedative effects. Small dose s increased the bioelectrical activity of the brain, presumably by direct effects on the brainstem ascending and descending reticular formation.23-26,38,39,41 Fur ther studies showed that medium range doses, unlike tranquilizers, enhanced the d evelopment of conditioned avoidance reflexes in rats and facilitated learning bas ed on emotionally positive reinforcement.18,42-46 Overall, in small and medium do ses, R. rosea stimulated norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), an d nicotinic cholinergic effects in the central nervous system (CNS). It also enha nced the effects of these neurotransmitters on the brain by increasing the permea bility of the blood brain barrier to precursors of DA and 5-HT.2,23,42,46-49 In comparing studies of R. rosea, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Ar aliaceae), meclofenoxate (centrophenoxine), piracetam, citicholine, and other noo tropics (substances that enhance cognition, protect the brain, and have low toxic ity and few side effects), Petkov and colleagues noted that all of these agents e nhance learning and memory in animal models and increase 5-HT levels in the front al cerebral cortex.46-50 Diagram 1 illustrates the possible effects of R. rosea o n neurotransmitters in multiple neuronal pathways.51 Starting in the brain stem, R. rosea promotes release of NE, 5-HT, and DA in ascending pathways that activate the cerebral cortex and the limbic system.2,49,50 Consequently, the cognitive (t hinking, analyzing, evaluating, calculating, and planning) functions of the cereb ral cortex and the attention, memory, and learning functions of the prefrontal an d frontal cortex are enhanced. Other neuronal systems also contribute to the many aspects of memory: encoding, sorting, storage, and retrieval. For example, the c holinergic system uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Ach) and contributes t o memory function via pathways ascending from the memory storage systems of the l imbic system to various areas of the cerebral cortex (memory retrieval). Agents t hat block Ach suppress the activity of these ascending pathways and interfere wit h memory. R. rosea reverses this blockade.49,50 The deterioration of these system s with age results in age-associated memory loss.52 R. rosea may prevent or ameli orate some age-related dysfunction in these neuronal systems.

As an antioxidant,53-55 R. rosea may help protect the nervous system from ox idative damage by free radicals. Stress interferes with memory functions and, ove r time, causes deterioration in memory systems. In addition to enhancing cognitiv e functions, learning, and memory by stimulating NE, DA, 5-HT, and Ach neuronal s ystems, R. rosea may exert positive effects on memory and cognition by improving resistance to physical and emotional stress. Thus, the dual action of cognitive s timulation and emotional calming creates benefits for both immediate cognitive an d memory performance and for the long-term preservation of brain functions. The psychostimulant effects of R. rosea were studied in 53 healthy subjects and 412 patients with neuroses and asthenic syndromes (of both functional and org anic origin).56-58 Symptoms of asthenia (fatigue, decline in work capacity, troub le falling asleep, poor appetite, irritability, and headaches) responded favorabl y to R. rosea 50 mg three times a day. Treatment durations ranged from 10 days to 4 months. The asthenic states included both psychiatric and physical causes, for example, following influenza or other illness. In an open study of 128 patients aged 17-55 years, R. rosea alleviated fatigue, irritability, distractibility, hea dache, weakness and other vegetative symptoms in 64 percent of cases.57 Improveme nt was assessed by psychological testing and work productivity. In 1869 Beard coined the term "neurasthenia" to include various forms of ner vous asthenia. Controversy over this term has centered on the overlap of symptoma tology and co-morbidity with other conditions (e.g., depression, neuroses, somato form disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome). Although this diagnosis has fallen out of favor in the United States and no longer appears in The Diagnostic and St atistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV),59 it is still widely used throughout the world.60-63 Neurasthenia is defined by the World Healt h Organization in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10)64 as: either persistent and distressing feelings of exhaustion after minor mental e ffort, or persistent and distressing feelings of fatigue after minor physical eff ort; accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: muscular aches or pains ; dizziness; tension headaches; sleep disturbance; inability to relax; and irrita bility; inability to recover through rest, relaxation, or enjoyment; does not occur in the presence of organic mental disorders, affective disorde rs or panic, or generalized anxiety disorder.

In an open study 27 healthy students, physicians, and scientists aged 19-46 years were given 10 drops of R. rosea tincture (equivalent to 100-150 mg R. rosea extract) once or twice a day for 2-3 weeks, beginning several days before intens e intellectual work, such as final exams.58 The extract improved the amount and q uality of work and in all cases prevented asthenic decompensation (loss of work c apacity due to fatigue). A series of studies using a proofreading test showed tha t a one-time dose of R. rosea did not significantly increase the number of symbol s corrected, but very significantly decreased the percent of errors made, particu larly over an 8-hour period.65,66 Positive results found in the studies of proofr eading tests were based on 300 mg/day or more. In medical treatments, the usual d oses are 200-600 mg/day. R. rosea increased intellectual capacity (particularly b y improving perception and processing of information) to a greater degree than an extract of eleuthero, formerly called Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticos us Rupr. et Max., Araliaceae).18

The decrease in physical and mental performance of physicians on prolonged n ight call is well known. Low dose (170 mg/day) R. rosea extract was given to 56 y oung, healthy physicians on night call.18 The effect was measured as total mental performance calculated as "Fatigue Index." The tests reflected an overall level of mental fatigue involving complex cognitive functions, such as associative thin king, short-term memory, calculation, concentration, and speed of audio-visual pe rception. These parameters were tested before and after night duty during three p eriods of two weeks each in a double-blind crossover trial. A statistically signi ficant improvement in mental performance tests was observed in the treatment grou p (R. rosea) during the first two-week period. However, at 6 weeks the effect app eared to be lost. No side effects were reported. These results suggest that R. ro sea extract can reduce fatigue under certain stressful conditions for some period of time. Possible reasons for the loss of efficacy over time may be the low dose used, the crossover design, or the overall length of night duty with increased f atigue by weeks 5 and 6.

Spasov and colleagues compared 100 mg/day R. rosea extract (SHR-5, Swedish H erbal Institute, Goteborg, Sweden; standardized to 3 percent rosavin and 0.8 perc ent salidroside) with placebo in a double-blind 20-day study of 60 Indian medical students studying in Russia during their final exam period.38 Despite the low do sage, investigators found significant improvements in general well-being, physica l fitness, mental fatigue, final exam grades, and coordination, but not in some a spects of cognitive functioning in students taking R. rosea extract compared to p lacebo. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 60 foreign students at a Russi an high school, administration of a R. rosea extract (660 mg/day of a preparation named Rodaxon) resulted in an increase in physical (velergometric) work capacity , coordination, kinesthetic sensitivity, and general well-being along with a decr ease in psychic fatigue and situational anxiety.39 Unfortunately, this study prov ides no information on the amount of R. rosea in the Rodaxon preparation. R. rosea was beneficial in posttraumatic and vascular lesions of the brain. It was especially effective in combination with piracetam for patients with marke d cognitive dysfunction.56 However, it did not reduce manic symptoms and could wo rsen paranoid states. In one study of more clearly depressed patients, R. rosea i n combination with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) produced significant improvem ent in the majority of cases and decreased side effects of the TCAs.67 Ultimately , some of these patients were able to respond to R. rosea alone. Antipsychotic medications used in large doses over many years to treat schiz ophrenic patients sometimes affect the dopaminergic nerves in the basal ganglia, the same nerves that are damaged in patients with Parkinson's Disease. When these nerves are compromised, patients develop a constellation of "Parkinsonian" sympt oms, including stiffness, tremors, bradykinesia (slowed movements), and others. A nticholinergic medications have been used to relieve these symptoms when they are caused by antipsychotic medication; however, they sometimes fail to help. In sch izophrenic patients whose anticholinergic medications had failed to relieve Parki nsonian symptoms, R. rosea was found to be of benefit.56,68 R. rosea may affect emotional tone by influencing neurotransmitter monoamine levels (NE, DA, 5-HT) in nerve tracts involved in the regulation of mood, anxiet y, and emotion in the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and midbrain. The stim ulation of nicotinic cholinergic activity in the emotional circuits of the limbic system (in the temporal lobe) may also contribute to these effects. Alterations in monoamine levels underlie this complex spectrum of psychotropic activity: stim ulating, tranquilizing, anti-stress, and antidepressant. The authors have found that R. rosea can help patients with depressive syndr omes, mental and physical fatigue (secondary to psychiatric and medical condition s), memory loss and cognitive dysfunction from a variety of causes, sexual dysfun ction, and menopausal-related disorders. Dr. Brown and Dr. Gerbarg have successfu lly treated more than 150 individuals with R. rosea extract (3 percent rosavin an d 1 percent salidroside) and have supervised the treatment of more than 100 addit ional cases (See Case Studies).

Effects on Physical Work Capacity A number of studies have shown that R. rosea increased physical work capacity and dramatically shortened the recovery time between bouts of high-intensity exe rcise. These studies included normal individuals exposed to maximal work on a bic ycle ergometer and Olympic-level cross country skiers and biathletes.69 In one st udy, 52 men (18-24 years of age) were given one dose of either 15 drops of R. ros ea extract, 2 ml eleuthero, or 1 ml of a 1 percent solution piridrol (a stimulati ng psychotropic similar to methylphenidate). Fifteen drops of R. rosea extract is approximately equivalent to 150 mg of dry encapsulated root extract standardized to 3 percent rosavin and 1 percent salidroside. After 30 minutes, they pedaled a n electric bicycle ergometer to produce a precise amount of work-induced baseline fatigue. After a 5-minute rest, they performed further work to determine the max imal duration of work they could accomplish at a specific intensity. During the s econd period of work, R. rosea drops, eleuthero extract, and piridrol increased w ork capacity by 9 percent, 6 percent, and 6 percent respectively (p<0.04) compare d to placebo controls. Recovery was defined by the time of normalization of heart rate and arterial pressure. During the recovery period, at 10 minutes, the pulse slowed by a factor of 2.5 (67 beats per minute) in the R. rosea group versus 1.9 (87 beats per minute) in the control group. During the 3-day total recovery peri od, subjects given piridrol complained of insomnia, excitability, and irritabilit y; whereas those given R. rosea had no adverse side effects and no complaints. Endurance is the capacity to maintain work despite fatigue. Forty-two master level competitive skiers (20-25 years of age) took either R. rosea extract or pla cebo 30-60 minutes before training races (30 km) and a biathlon (20 km race on sk is carrying a rifle and shooting targets at stops). Athletes given R. rosea had s tatistically significant increased shooting accuracy, less arm tremor and better coordination. Thirty minutes after work performance, the heart rate in the R. ros ea group was 104-106 percent of baseline, versus 128.7 percent in the placebo gro up (p<0.02). R. rosea improved recovery time, strength, endurance, cardiovascular measures, and coordination.69 Adaptogens differ from other stimulants during forced, exhaustive muscular wo rk. With classical stimulants the initial increase in work-capacity is followed b y a period of substantially decreased (markedly below average) work-capacity. Rep eated use of CNS stimulants depletes brain catecholamines and decreases condition ed reflexes. In contrast, with extracts of R. rosea, the initial increase in work -capacity is followed by a lesser diminution, such that the work-capacity continu es to be above average.70 Animal studies suggest mechanisms that may be involved in these effects. R. r osea increased essential energy metabolites, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and cr eatine phosphate in the muscle and brain mitochondria in mice made to swim to the ir limit.71 It may also enhance the ammonia reassimilation and energy metabolism of the cell by increasing ATP, ribonucleic acid (RNA), protein, and amino acid sy nthesis.72 In animal studies, R. rosea increased metabolism of fats twice as much as eleuthero73 and improved energy metabolism in the brain during intensive musc ular workloads.74

Adaptogenic, Anti-Stress, and Neuroendocrine Effects In their classic 1968 paper, Soviet pharmacologists Brekhman and Dardymov sur veyed the literature on 189 medicinal plants and identified five (including R. ro sea) that met the three defining criteria for an adaptogen:75 An adaptogen should be innocuous and cause minimal disturbance of the normal physiological functions of an organism; The action of an adaptogen should be nonspecific (i.e., it should increase re sistance to adverse influences of a wide range of harmful factors of physical, ch emical, and biological nature); An adaptogen may possess normalizing action irrespective of the direction of the preceding pathological changes (i.e., if a body parameter is high, the adapto gen brings it down towards normal; if a parameter is low, the adaptogen brings it up towards normal).

The forced swimming test, used by Russian scientists to measure nonspecific resistance to stress, was later named after Porsolt who assigned specific paramet ers such as water temperature and the dimensions of the glass cylinder in which a mouse or rat was forced to swim to exhaustion (about 15 minutes). After an initi al period of vigorous activity, the rodent adopts a characteristic immobile postu re, making only the minimal movements necessary to stay afloat.76 The validity of the Porsolt swim test and its relationship to depression have been discussed ext ensively77,78 and it subsequently became a screening test for antidepressant agen ts by pharmaceutical companies. Although different laboratories have made minor t echnical modifications, the fundamentals of the test remain the same. Adaptogens and antidepressants increase the amount of time the animal is able to keep swimmi ng actively.75 Panossian and colleagues propose to update the definition of adapt ogen by highlighting more specific biochemical actions as metabolic regulators.70 The wide range of medical benefits and physiological actions may be based on the effects of adaptogens on regulatory systems found in many organs and tissues (e. g., immune, hormonal, CNS, cardiovascular, muscular, etc.). They hypothesize that adaptogens reduce damage from stressors by altering the reactivity of the organi sm's defense system, including the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) and the effe rent sympatho-adrenal system (SAS).70 A recent study showed that R. rosea and eleuthero protected the embryos of fr eshwater snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) from a variety of environmental stressors.79 Enhancement in resistance was studied by applying phyto-adaptogen extracts for a period of 20 hours to 3-day old L. stagnalis larvae. Subsequently the larvae were exposed to the following highly toxic environmental stressors: a physical stress (heat shock: 43 degrees C for 4 minutes); an oxidative stress (superoxide radica ls induced by menadione 600 microM for 2 hours); and heavy metal-induced stress ( copper 50 microM for 1 hour or cadmium 20 microM for 1 hour). Both eleuthero and R. rosea strongly protected snail embryos from lethal heat shock, from the advers e effects of menadione-induced superoxide radicals, and from toxic exposure to he avy metals (copper and cadmium). Although the degree to which resistance was enha nced depended on the type of stressor applied, these results confirm the definiti on of phyto-adaptogens as being universal enhancers of non-specific resistance ag ainst different kinds of stress conditions. The mechanisms of nonspecific resista nce are not entirely clear, but probably involve improvements in cellular energy metabolism, based in part on ATP (as discussed above). In higher animals and humans, nonspecific resistance may also be enhanced by improvements in the neurological mechanisms of dealing with stress (catecholamine s, serotonin, and endorphins). The serotonin system is necessary for the stress r esponse reaction, adaptation to new environmental conditions, and tolerance of hy poxia. Numerous stressors decrease serotonin in the hypothalamus. Theoretically, the ability of R. rosea to increase the nonspecific resistance of animals may be related to its capacity to increase serotonin in the hypothalamus and midbrain. A dditional research showed that an intact hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and participation of the gonads and thymus were necessary for this anti-stress effect .2 Furthermore, R. rosea reduces the activation of several components of the stre ss response system. For example, it modestly increased serum beta-endorphins that protected rats against subsequent stress-induced excess endorphin elevation.80 I n addition, R. rosea moderates the release of opioid peptides that occurs as part of the pituitary adrenal axis response to stress. This reduced release protects against sudden excess opioid and catecholamine (NE and DA) levels (which interfer e with normal brain functions and can lead to heart damage), while allowing a mor e moderate release that increases stress tolerance without damaging the central n ervous system or the cardiovascular system (see Diagram 2). R. rosea extracts als o protect the brain and heart by reducing the secretion of corticotrophin releasi ng factor (CRF) under stress.80,81

Neuroendocrine animal studies showed that R. rosea, like other adaptogens, e nhanced thyroid function without causing hyperthyroidism.81 In addition, the thym us gland functioned better and was protected from the involution that occurs with aging. The adrenal glands functioned with better reserve and without the kind of hypertrophy caused by other psychostimulants.

Egg maturation was enhanced in rats and an anabolic effect in males (increas ed muscle building and gonad strengthening similar to effects of low-dose testost erone) was observed in a number of species. Administration of rhodosin (extract o f R. rosea for intravenous, intramuscular, or peritoneal injection) to sexually m ature female mice over a period of 4 weeks prolonged menstruation from 1.3 days ( control) to 2.8 days (rhodosin treated), reduced the resting period from 3.8 days (control) to 2.2 days (rhodosin treated), and increased the relative number of e strus days from 29 percent to 56 percent. In the majority of rhodosin treated ani mals, the number of growing follicles, the oocyte volumes, the accumulation of RN A in oocyte cytoplasm, the proliferation of the lining and glandular cells of the uterine horns, and the preparation of uterine mucosa for fertilization all incre ased. In sexually mature mice, rhodosin increased the mean weight of the uterine horns from 39.6+4.11 mg to 59.5+1.59 mg and the mean weight of the ovaries from 6 .4+0.65 mg to 9.1+0.45 mg. However, the administration of rhodosin to sexually im mature female white mice for 3 weeks did not affect sexual maturation, the onset of estrus, the weight of ovaries or uterine horns, or the maturation of follicles . Thus, it is probable that the estrogenic effects of R. rosea preparations depen d upon a specific hormonal milieu.82,83

These pre-clinical investigations led to a study of R. rosea extract in wome n suffering from amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycles). Forty women with amenorrh ea were given R. rosea (either 100 mg R. rosea extract orally twice a day for 2 w eeks, or 1 ml rhodosin intramuscularly for 10 days). In some subjects the treatme nt cycle was repeated 2-4 times. Normal menses were restored in 25 women, 11 of w hom became pregnant. In those with normal menses, the mean length of the uterine cavity increased from 5.5 cm to 7.0 cm (normal) after R. rosea treatment.82,83 On e of the authors (Dr. Brown) has treated in his practice several women who had fa iled to conceive with standard fertility drugs, and who become pregnant within se veral months of beginning R. rosea extract. These preliminary clinical observatio ns warrant controlled follow-up clinical trials. Using the in vitro estrogen rece ptor competition assay, Patricia Eagon, Ph.D. (personal communication, December 2 001) recently found that R. rosea extract showed strong estrogen binding properti es that require further characterization. In an open study, 26 out of 35 men with erectile dysfunction and/or prematur e ejaculation (of 1-20 years duration) responded to R. rosea (150-200 mg/day for 3 months) with substantially improved sexual function, normalization of prostatic fluid, and an increase in 17-ketosteroids in urine.56,69

Cardioprotective Effects Cardioprotective effects of R. rosea include: prevention of stress-induced ca rdiac damage,80,81,84 decreased myocardial catecholamines and cyclic adenosine mo nophosphate (cAMP) levels; and reduced adrenal catecholamine release80,81 (see Fi gure 2). Furthermore, R. rosea activation of mu-opiate receptors in heart muscle prevented reperfusion arrhythmias in animal hearts. This effect could be blocked by naloxone injection (known to inhibit mu-opiate receptors), thus confirming tha t the anti-arrhythmic effect of R. rosea is associated with the mu-opiate recepto rs in myocardial (heart) muscle.84

In a series of joint Swedish and Russian double-blind, randomized placebo-co ntrolled studies,85 10 healthy but sedentary men (ages 20-31 years) were evaluate d. Twenty percent of the subjects had average physical work capacity as measured by Power Work Capacity (PWC-170) and 80 percent had below-average PWC-170, indica ting a low level of physical training (PWC-170 is a calculation based on the amou nt of work performed by a man if his heart rate reaches 170 beats per minute, bpm ). A sequence of complex 1- to 7-day trials compared the effects of an adaptogen formula, a mixture of mono- and polyphenolic adaptogens (MMPA). Each tablet conta ined the following ingredients: 3 mg rhodioloside from R. rosea root extract, 50 mg; 3 mg total sum of isofraxidine-, syringine-, and syringaresinoie-glycosides f rom eleuthero root extract, 100 mg; and 4 mg schizandrine and gamma-schizandrine from schisandra (Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., Lamiaceae) fruit extract, 150 mg. During the 7-day adaptogen trial, subjects were given 3 capsules (containing a total of 150 mg R. rosea) twice a day on days 1-3; 4 capsules (200 mg R. rosea ) twice a day on days 4-6, and 4 capsules once on day 7. The mean increase in phy sical work capacity was 28 percent with dosed physical loads in subjects treated with the adaptogen formula. Thus, sedentary subjects given the adaptogen were abl e to perform in the lower level of trained athletes without any exercise training . Their heart rate variability and inotropic (strength of heart muscle contractil ity) functions improved. Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic inputs to the heart were enhanced s uch that the heart showed increased reserves under stress of greater intensity. T he autonomic nervous system controls automatic or involuntary functions of the bo dy. It has two components: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nerves (see Di agram 2). The sympathetic nervous system is the "fight-or-flight" system that hel ps the organism respond to stress (e.g., by increasing heart rate, respiratory ra te, and muscle tone). The parasympathetic nervous system conserves and restores e nergy (e.g., by slowing the heart rate, respiratory rate, and metabolism). By enh ancing the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, R. rosea ena bles the organism to put out more energy during stress while at the same time mai ntaining higher energy reserves. One of the challenges presented by research on a multi-ingredient formula is that it is not usually possible to attribute the res ults to the activity of any one single herbal component. However, the results of this study are consistent with results of other research conducted solely on R. r osea monopreparations.

Antioxidant and Anti-carcinogenic Effects R. rosea is rich in phenolic compounds, known to have strong antioxidant pro perties.53,86 Animal studies have shown that R. rosea decreases toxicity from cyc lophosphamide, rubomycin, and adriamycin (anti-cancer drugs), while it enhances t heir anticarcinogenic effects.87-89 Udintsev and Schakhov studied the effect of R . rosea root extract (RRRE), a tincture manufactured according to the Russian Pha rmacopoeia standards (minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin), on tumor cells (transplanted into mice) and normal bone marrow cells in two mouse ca ncer models.90 One group of mice with Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) and another gro up with Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) were first treated with 100 mg/kg cyclophospha mide (a chemotherapy agent) that suppressed tumor growth to 31-39 percent and lim ited 3LL metastases to 18 percent, while also reducing the number of normal bone marrow cells, leucocytes, and myelokariocytes, to 40-50 percent and 20-25 percent of normal, respectively. In comparison, RRRE, 0.5 mg/kg/day given orally 2-8 day s after tumors had been transplanted, suppressed growth of both tumors by 19-27 p ercent and 3LL metastases 16 percent. However, in contrast to cyclophosphamide, R RRE caused no reduction in normal bone marrow cells. In animals given both RRRE a nd cyclophosphamide, the RRRE increased the antimetastatic effect of cyclophospha mide by 36 percent (p<0.05). RRRE also increased the number of leukocytes by 30 p ercent and myelokariocytes by 16-18 percent.

In another mouse tumor model, Udintsev and colleagues showed that RRRE (minim um 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin) increased the antitumor effect of the drug adriamycin while substantially reducing its liver toxicity.89 Many ch emotherapy agents are hematotoxic (reduce the number of normal blood cell precurs ors in bone marrow) or hepatotoxic (cause damage to the liver). These serious sid e effects were significantly ameliorated by RRRE. Thus, the research suggests tha t RRRE can both enhance tumor inhibition by chemotherapeutic drugs while alleviat ing dangerous side effects.

Substances that reduce the incidence of chromosomal aberrations are termed a ntimutagenic. Salikhova and colleagues found that in mice injected with cyclophos phamide, RRRE (minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin) had antimut agenic effects.91 Compared to placebo controls, RRRE reduced the development of c hromosomal aberrations by 50 percent and reduced the incidence of cells with micr onuclei by more than 50 percent. RRRE also increased indices of DNA repair in bon e marrow cells after exposure to the mutagen N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU).91 In a small pilot study of 12 patients with superficial bladder carcinoma (TI G1-2), treatment with RRRE (minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin ) improved parameters of leukocyte integrines and T-cell immunity.92 The average frequency of relapse was reduced, but did not reach statistical significance. Lar ger placebo-controlled studies of R. rosea extracts to augment tumor inhibition a nd reduce toxic effects of chemotherapy agents are needed.

Toxicity, Side Effects, and Contraindications R. rosea has a very low level of toxicity. In rat toxicity studies, the LD50 (lethal dose at which 50 percent of animals die) was calculated to be 28.6 ml/kg, approximately 3,360 mg/kg.25 The equivalent dosage in a 70 kg man would be about 235 gm or 235,000 mg. Since the usual clinical doses are 200-600 mg/day, there i s a huge margin of safety.87

Overall, R. rosea has very few side effects. Most users find that it improve s their mood, energy level, and mental clarity. Some individuals, particularly th ose who tend to be anxious, may feel overly activated, jittery, or agitated. If t his occurs, then a smaller dose with very gradual increases may be needed. R. ros ea should be taken early in the day because it can interfere with sleep or cause vivid dreams (not nightmares) during the first few weeks. It is contraindicated i n excited states. Because R. rosea has an activating antidepressant effect, it sh ould not be used in individuals with bipolar disorder who are vulnerable to becom ing manic when given antidepressants or stimulants. Until this has been further s tudied, the authors advise caution in patients with bipolar spectrum disorders. T he herb does not appear to interact with other medications, though it may have ad ditive effects with other stimulants. It is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast and lunch. As with any herbal preparation, pa tients should inform their primary healthcare practitioner when taking R. rosea.

Rhodiola in the Future More scientific research is needed to confirm the preventive and curative ben efits of R. rosea. Controlled studies are warranted to explore its use in antidep ressant augmentation, disorders of memory and cognition, attention deficit disord er, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, protection against arrhythmias, sports performance, aviation and space medicine (enhancing physical and mental pe rformance while reducing stress reactions), endocrine disorders (infertility, pre menstrual disorder, menopause), sexual dysfunction, disorders of the stress respo nse system (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and post traumatic stress dis order), and enhancement of chemotherapy/radiation with amelioration of toxicity. In the course of evolution, R. rosea has adapted to the harsh conditions of high altitude (extreme cold, low oxygen, little rainfall, and intense irradiation from the sun) by producing a group of powerful protective compounds that have di verse beneficial effects in animals and humans. One is struck by the versatility of R. rosea, from its description in Greek medicine, 2000 years ago to its use by 20th century cosmonauts. It is time for modern research, using controlled clinic al trials, to develop the potential medical applications of this unique phyto-ada ptogen. Richard P. Brown, M.D., is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Col umbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He received his M.D. in 1977 from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. Dr. Brown completed his Residency in Psychiatry and a Fellowship in Psy chobiology and Psychopharmacology at New York Hospital. Dr. Brown is the recipien t of numerous awards, including a Mead-Johnson Neuropsychopharmacology Travel Fel lowship, a Mallinckrodt Scholar award, and a Fellowship in Neurosciences and Brai n Imaging from the Dana Foundation. He has had a longstanding interest in herbal and complementary medicine, especially as relevant to psychiatry. In 2000, he co- authored the book, Stop Depression Now, which presents a holistic approach to the treatment of depression, including SAM-e. Since 1999, Dr. Brown has taught a ful l day course on Herbs and Nutrients in Psychiatry at the annual meetings of the A merican Psychiatric Association. Dr. Brown has no financial interest in Rhodiola rosea. Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D., is Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at New York Medical Center. She graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1975 and co mpleted her Psychiatry Residency at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston in 1979. She f inished psychoanalytic training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institut e in 1992 and has maintained a private psychiatric practice for 23 years. Dr. Ger barg has taught and lectured on a range of topics in psychiatry and psychoanalysi s. Over the past eight years she has been increasingly involved in research and w riting about alternative and complementary medicine in psychiatry and has co-auth ored numerous articles and book chapters with Dr. Brown. Dr. Gerbarg has no finan cial interest in Rhodiola rosea. Zakir Ramazanov, Ph.D., D.S., is Professor of Biochemistry at Las Palmas Tec hnological Institute, Spain. In 1978 he received a bachelor's degree with a doubl e major in biochemistry and plant physiology from North Caucasian State Universit y and in 1981 a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from the Soviet Academ y of Sciences. He has served as Senior Scientist and Chief of the Department of B iotechnology at the Soviet Academy of Science and as Chairman of Algal Biotechnol ogy Development. In 1991 he accepted a research fellowship at Louisiana State Uni versity. The recipient of numerous research grants, Dr. Ramazanov is known for hi s work in space biology, the cultivation of photosynthetic organisms in space sta tions, and the development of marine natural products from sea vegetables. He has published more than 140 scientific studies and co-authored two books: Arctic Roo t (Rhodiola rosea) ?The powerful new Ginseng Alternative (1998) and Effective Nat ural Stress and Weight Management Using Rhodiola Rosea and Rhododendron Caucasicu m (1999). Dr. Ramazanov is President and CEO of National Biosciences Corporation, Chester, NY.

The three phases of stress progression 1) Alarm phase - When some new stress factor strikes the body this causes a s udden release of internal stress-hormones - corticosteroids and catheholamines. I f the stress is very intense it can damage the regulatory systems of the body per manently and immediately (for example in the case of exposure to high levels of n uclear radiation); but if one is lucky, or if the person takes adaptogens, than i t is possible to smoothly progress further to the "adaptation phase". 2) Adaptation phase - If the stress factor continues (for example, in sport i t might be heavy athletic training) our body learns to tolerate the stressful sti mulus - "adapt" - and increases its resistance to the stress factor. The "adaptation phase" is usually a safe period. The longer we can stay in th e "adaptation phase", the better. 3) Finally, the exhaustion phase appears, when the body fails to fight stress anymore and simply gives up. In this "exhaustion phase", disease symptoms rapidl y appear and get worse. Diseases associated with stress may appear in the first "alarm phase", but th ey mainly appear in the third "exhaustion phase" when the body cannot fight stres s anymore. This third phase usually develops after a period of months or years. E verything depends on the duration of the "adaptation phase". Sometimes the body m ay be fortunate and escape this third phase altogether, provided it can keep the stress under control. It is possible to do this by taking adaptogens; they can he lp you to stay in the "adaptation phase" for as long as possible.

Scientific background Promising "second-generation" adaptogen Rhodiola rosea (Russian Rhodiola) is a perennial plant with red, pink, or yellowish flowers. It has no biological rela tion to the "common" rose, but due to its similar fragrance it has been used as a substitute for Attar of Roses. One of the greatest things Rhodiola does is enhan ce mental and physical performance. It has been widely used by Russian athletes and cosmonauts to increase energy . Rhodiola is cardio-protective, normalizing the heart rate immediately after int ense exercise. It improves the nervous system and mental functions such as memory , by increasing blood-supply to the muscles and brain, and it also increases prot ein synthesis . Rhodiola rosea has extraordinary pharmacological properties as an anti-mutagen and anti-depressive agent. In this respect Rhodiola rosea is much m ore powerful than other adaptogens. In one study done by O.M. Duhan and colleague s,the anti-mutagenic activities of Panax. Ginseng and of Rhodiola rosea were compared. It became clear that the extract s of Rhodiola rosea had a higher capacity to counteract gene mutations induced by various mutagens (up to about 90% inhibition in some cases). The anti-depressive and anti-stress activity of Golden root is higher than that of St. John's Wort, Ginkgo biloba and Panax Ginseng. Furthermore, Rhodiola rosea is five times less t oxic than Panax ginseng. In an experiment on rats with Pliss lymphosarcoma (PLS) it was shown that partial hepatectomy, a course application of Rhodiola rosea ext ract or combined effects inhibit the growth of tumors by 37%, 39% and 59%, respec tively, and that of metastases by 42%, 50% and 75%. In one human study oral admin istration of Rhodiola rosea extract to 12 patents with superficial bladder carcin oma improved the characteristics of the urothelial tissue integration, parameters of leukocyte integrins and T-cell immunity. The average frequency of relapses fo r these patients was found to fall twice. In another clinical trial 150 individuals suffering from depression took Rhod iola rosea extracts for a period of one month. At the end of that period two-thir ds of them had full remission of clinical manifestations of depression, and had b ecome more active and more sociable. Daytime weakness and general weakness disapp eared. Rhodiola rosea extracts reduce significantly the yield of cells with the c hromosome aberrations in vivo and inhibit unscheduled DNA synthesis induced by N- nitroso-N-methylurea in vitro It is emphasized that Rhodiola rosea extracts have rejuvenative properties du e to their ability to raise the efficiency of the intracell DNA repair mechanisms .

Pharmacological activity - quality matters! There are products on the market that contain Rhodiola rosea. But unfortunat ely these products often have only limited or even no biological activity at all. Common reasons for these deficiencies are bad harvesting during the wrong season , harvesting from a climatic rigion not suitable for the plant or from a bad geog raphic area, harvesting wear species of the plant, also overdrying, or using an i nferior extraction method. The manufacturing process also is a key factor in the preparation of a high quality adaptogenic extract, as is the selection of high quality raw materials us ing proper assay methods. The main active components of true Rhodiola rosea that are responsible for t he extraordinary potency of Rhodiola rosea are cinnamol alcohol glycosides, espec ially ROSAVIN - cinnamyl-O-(6-O-L-arabinopyranosyl-D-glucopyranosid) and SALIDROS IDE.

What does Rosavin？ offer？ ~ Adaptogen properties ~ Helps maintain energy levels ~ Helps improve endurance levels ~ May improve protein metabolism ~ Assists in increasing attention span ~ Helps memory & mental performance

May increase physical strength & mobility,Demonstrates increased circulation to brain,Shortens recovery after workouts,May help fight depression & emotional s tress

Who should consider using Rosavin？？ Anyone who is subject to the blues， depression， anxiety. (SADS) Anyone seeking increased mental alertness. Those prone to Alzheimer＇s or Parkinson＇s disease. Athletes or those involved with sports or physical activities. Anyone wishing to increase sexual stamina

[Active constituent]: The rhodiola rosea contains Rosavin, Rosarin, Rosin, rhodioloside,salidroside and Isoflavones, et.

Chemistry of Rhodiola rosea Botanists have identified more than 20 species of Rhodiola and just a few of which have undergone serious intensive investigation (1-9). The chemical composit ion and pharmacological activity of Rhodiola is strongly a species-dependent phen omenon. The most important chemical molecules that were clinically relevant and s pecific to Rhodiola rosea species are rosavin, rosin, and rosarin. Out of all the different species, R. rosea is the most biologically active and clinically teste d to be safe for human consumption (2-9). Unfortunately, some products under the name "Rhodiola rosea" are currently av ailable on the U.S. market and show no presence of rosavin. They are standardized using salidroside and meaningless total polyphenols as a marker compound. I is a bsolutely evident that the presence of salidroside is not specific to Rhodiola ro sea (see below).

Medicinal Action and Uses: Health tonic, Improve immunity and antifatigue. It also have aphrodisiac effe ct and to treat diabetes. Efficacy: It can relieve the fatigue, postpone caducity, resist the the sidee ffect of anoxia and microwave radiation , it also have the ability of promoting t he mental energy and body function etc.

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Extracts available: Rhodiola Rosea P.E.Salidroside2%TDS·Salidroside3% Rhodiola Rosea P.E.Salidroside4%TDS·Salidroside5% Rhodiola Rosea P.E. Rosavins(Rosavin, Rosin & Rosarin):3%HPLC Rhodiola Rosea P.E. Rosavins(Rosavin, Rosin & Rosarin):4%HPLC Rhodiola Rosea P.E. Rosavins(Rosavin, Rosin & Rosarin):5%HPLC Rhodiola Rosea P.E. Rosavin:1%Rosavin:3%Rosavin:5%HPLC ======================================================= we are most famous processor of Emodin and Rhein,JUST contact with or check as f ollowing: http://www.mdidea.com/products/herbextract/salidroside/data.html

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Archeology of Rhodiola rosea:

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