Rhodiola Rosea is a popular herb commonly known as "Golden Root" and "Arctic Root". It grows wild in high altitudes in arctic regions in Europe and Northern Asia. It is one of the strongest adaptogens used to increase physical endurance and reduce stress and fatigue. It is primarily used to help the body resist physical and mental stress.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally people throughout Europe and Asia have used Rhodiola to increase physical endurance, and reduce stress and fatigue. It is one of the most common herbs used to regulate the nervous system, improving mood and increase your performance.

What Is An Adaptogen?

Adaptogens are non-toxic herbs that increase mental acuity and reduce stress and fatigue. Plants are considered adaptogens if they meet three criteria:

• They are non-toxic
• They reduce stress and anxiety
• They promote overall health benefits

They were first studied in Russia and were used as stimulants to increase the performance the Russian military in WW2. N.V Lasarez researched some of the most potent adaptogens such as Rhodiola Rosea and Ashwagandha. These two ingredients are found in our Stress Less product as they are highly potent adaptogens.

Adaptogens work by expanding the body's protection from physical and mental stressors, permitting the body to standardize these impacts and oversee them all the more adequately. They control cortisol levels by working with the focal pressure administrative pivot, which are the nerve center and pituitary and adrenal organs, controlling the key pressure reactions.

Health Benefits Of Rhodiola Rosea

 Although Rhodiola Rosea contains more than 140 biologically active compounds, rosavin and salidroside are the most researched compounds. The root of the plant is said to have all the active compounds, and it is for this reason only the root extract is used for its adaptogenic uses. Studies have shown that these compounds have two main impacts on the body:

• they regulate the neurotransmitters levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
• they regulate cortisol levels. 

These neurotransmitters highly regulate our mood and energy levels. Serotonin is commonly known as the happiness compound, and regulates our emotions. Dopamine has a variety of functions, most commonly known for it's involvement in motivation and the brain's pleasure centers. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters Rhodiola Rosea supports our sense of wellbeing, energy levels and overall brain cognition. Some secondary benefits from its ability to regulate neurotransmitters are to improve the overall mood of the user and to protect cells from damage from free radicals.

Other than its effect on our hormones, Rhodiola Rosea has been studies for its stress reducing abilities. It is known as a potent adaptogen for its ability to regulate our cortisol levels and thus reduce stress.

Reduces Stress & Anxiety

Rhodiola Rosea is best known for it's ability to reduce stress and anxiety. It does this by working with your body to regulate cortisol levels and manage stress. Studies have shown that these compounds inhibit the breakdown of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is responsible for the breakdown of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Double blinded human trials have also shown that consumption of Rhodiola Rosea extract has adaptogenic and antidepressant effects. This is because it increases neuroplasticity and develops brain synapses. [1] [2] [3]

Reduces Fatigue & Boosts Energy & Performance

Rhodiola Rosea is scientifically proven to increase energy and decrease fatigue. This is because it increases our metabolism and restores cellular energy throughout the body. It regulate and improve the neurotransmitter levels in our brain, which increases our physical endurance and performance. [4] [5]

Improve Memory & Brain Cognition 

Rhodiola Rosea is well-known to improve memory and cognitive function. A study done on rats, showed that a short course of the root extract improved their learning, memory and performance. It also showed decreases in oxidative damage in the brain. The consumption of the root extract further showed decreases in pro-inflammatory cytokines. [6] [7]

Lowers Blood Pressure 

High blood pressure is common health issue. Studies have shown that regular consumption of Rhodiola Rosea lowers blood pressure. A study done on rabbits showed that it lowered the angiotensin-converting enzyme which is also the target of modern medication for high blood pressure.

Why Stress Less Contains Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola has numerous health benefits, but it's main function is as an adaptogen to reduce stress and anxiety. Our product Stress Less contains Rhodiola as one of its main active ingredients to support you to reduce your stress and anxiety. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you should try Stress Less.

References

1. Concerto, C., Infortuna, C., Muscatello, M. R. A., Bruno, A., Zoccali, R., Chusid, E., ... & Battaglia, F. (2018). Exploring the effect of adaptogenic Rhodiola Rosea extract on neuroplasticity in humans. Complementary therapies in medicine, 41, 141-146.
2. Zhang, X., Du, Q., Liu, C., Yang, Y., Wang, J., Duan, S., & Duan, J. (2016). Rhodioloside ameliorates depressive behavior via up-regulation of monoaminergic system activity and anti-inflammatory effect in olfactory bulbectomized rats. International Immunopharmacology, 36, 300-304.
3. Cropley, M., Banks, A. P., & Boyle, J. (2015). The effects of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on anxiety, stress, cognition and other mood symptoms. Phytotherapy research, 29(12), 1934-1939.
4. Duncan, M. J., & Clarke, N. D. (2014). The effect of acute Rhodiola rosea ingestion on exercise heart rate, substrate utilisation, mood state, and perceptions of exertion, arousal, and pleasure/displeasure in active men. Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014.
5. Zhang, Y., & Liu, Y. (2005). Study on effects of salidroside on lipid peroxidation on oxidative stress in rat hepatic stellate cells. Zhong yao cai= Zhongyaocai= Journal of Chinese medicinal materials, 28(9), 794-796.
6. Concerto, C., Infortuna, C., Muscatello, M. R. A., Bruno, A., Zoccali, R., Chusid, E., ... & Battaglia, F. (2018). Exploring the effect of adaptogenic Rhodiola Rosea extract on neuroplasticity in humans. Complementary therapies in medicine, 41, 141-146.
7. Getova, D., & Mihaylova, A. (2013). Effects of Rhodiola rosea extract on passive avoidance tests in rats. Open Medicine, 8(2), 176-181.