Rhodiola rosea: A Possible Plant Adaptogen - evaluation of therapeutic properties

Alternative Medicine Review, June, 2001 by Gregory S. Kelly

Clinical Studies

Although Rhodiola rosea has been studied in the former Soviet Union for more than 35 years, this research is presently unavailable for review. This makes it impossible to verify the Russian claims of its antidepressant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and central nervous system enhancing properties.[23] Available animal evidence seems supportive of a possible role for this plant adaptogen in many of these conditions. Table 2 outlines the conditions suggested to benefit from Rhodiola supplementation.

Table 2. Conditioning Suggested to Benefit from Rhodiola rosea
Supplementation[23]

Amenorrhea    Depression      Insomnia
Asthenia      Fatigue         Periodontal Disease
                              (topical)
Cancer        Headaches       Schizophrenia
Colds         Hypertension    Sexual Dysfunction
and Flus                      (males)

There have also been claims that this plant has great utility as a therapy in asthenic conditions (decline in work performance, sleep disturbances, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectual strain, influenza and other viral exposures, and other illness.[23] Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of the standardized extract of Rhodiola rosea root (SHR-5) provide a degree of support for these claimed adaptogenic properties and indicate possible utility in asthenic conditions induced by overwork or over study. SHR-5 is standardized to contain rosavin (3.6%), salidroside (1.6%), and p-tyrosol ([is less than] 0.1%).[10]

Darbinyan et al evaluated the effect of chronic administration of 170 mg of SHR-5 for 14 days on aspects of mental performance and fatigue on 56 healthy male and female physicians (age 24-35) on night duty. Mental performance was evaluated using tests to determine speed of visual and auditory perception, attention capacity, and short-term memory. Based on the results of the battery of tests used, a Fatigue Index was calculated. The trial was divided into three periods: (1) a two-week test period of one SHR-5 or placebo tablet daily; (2) a two-week washout period; and (3) a third two-week cross-over period of one placebo or SHR-5 tablet daily. A statistically significant improvement in Fatigue Index was observed during the first two-week period in the SHR-5 group, and the improved mental performance reverted toward baseline values during the washout period. Administration of SHR-5 for the final two weeks of the six-week night duty period was unable to significantly offset declines in mental performance.[24]

Spasov et al investigated the effects of SHR-5 on male medical students during an exam period. Forty students were randomized to receive either 50 mg SHR-5 or placebo twice daily for a period of 20 days. The students receiving the standardized extract of Rhodiola rosea demonstrated significant improvements in physical fitness, psychomotor function, mental performance, and general wellbeing. Subjects receiving the Rhodiola rosea extract also reported statistically significant reductions in mental fatigue, improved sleep patterns, a reduced need for sleep, greater mood stability, and a greater motivation to study. The average exam scores between students receiving the Rhodiola rosea extract and placebo were 3.47 and 3.20, respectively.[25]