Rhodiola

[Guest guest]

The supplement is probably safe and appears similar to eleutherococcus in

its effects. Supplement Watch has no adverse effects listed, especially

for the kind of short term distribution you describe. Typical dosage is

up to 300 mg per day from clinical studies. There are no known

contraindications or interactions with other drugs, but there is, of

course, some potential for individual allergic reactions.

 

Rhodiola Rosea, aka Hong jing tian, R. integrifolia or Sedum roseum,

red-spotted stonecrop, rose root, golden root or arctic root, is a short

(under 30 cm) crassula that grows in high altitudes of the northern

latitudes. It is found in Tibet, China, northern Europe, Russia,

Scandinavia, Lapland, and in the Americas from Alaska to the Rocky

mountains (zones 2-9). Flowers are green, pink, purple and yellow.

Tibet has 32 kinds of rhodiola and Sichuan 22, but the R. rosea is the

primary species with known adaptogenic properties.

 

Extract of Rhodiola rosea was registered for medical use in the former

Soviet Union in 1975 and I've seen references to at least 25 years of

Chinese study.

 

The key active constituents in Rhodiola are believed to be rosavin,

rosarin, rosin and salidroside. It also includes beta-sistosterol,

cinnamic alcohol, rosavidin, p-tyrosol(II), pyrogallol, gallic acid,

crenulatin, organic pheno-1 and other phenolic compounds. Rhodiola

contains 20 kinds of amino acids, 17 kinds of micro-elements with

biological activity and vitamins, including large amounts of vitamin C.

 

Rhodiola rosea has been shown to shorten recover time after prolonged

workouts, to increase attention span, memory, strength, sexual

performance, weight loss and anti-toxic activities of the liver. Mild

depressant. Rhodiola rosea extract increases the level of enzymes, RNA,

and proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustive exercise. It

has also been shown to increase the levels of beta-endorphin in blood

plasma which helps prevent the hormonal changes indicative of stress. It

lowers levels of stress induced catecholamines from the adrenal gland.

Its anti-stress/stimulatory properties are attributed to its

phenyl-propanoid agents from rosavidin and cinnamic alcohol. This effect

has also been linked to maintaining an increased cardiac output and

subsequently having a cardioprotective effect. Studies using

proofreading tests have demonstrated that Rhodiola rosea enhances

memorization and concentration ability over prolonged periods. It has

been shown to regenerate the liver in partially hepatectomized rats.

Rhodiola has been shown to increase anti-tumor activity by increasing the

body’s resistance to toxins.

 

History (all from secondary sources): The Tibetan herbal, Four Volume

Medicine Encyclopedia, describes Rhodiola Sacra (which may or not be R.

rosea) as " Holy herb " . The Compilation of Materia Medica by Shizhen Li

classifies it as a top grade herb. Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kanxi allegedly

praised it as " Xianxi Cao " for its use as as an energy booster for his

soldiers Sheng Nong’s Herbal Classic chronicles its use in the Northeast

and Northwest China,saying the herb could relax the body and brighten

eyes. In Jing Zhu’s Herbal Classic, it was said to nourish and invigorate

lungs, reducing heat.

 

Some scientific abstracts, a chart comparing it to Panax ginseng, photo

sites and a site with characters in Chinese shown below. One commercial

site gives the Chinese name as Hong jing tian but I haven't found it

listed in my MMs, so no flavors, temps, channels, etc. ITM online is

supposed to have an article, but I wasn't able to access it today.

 

Karen Vaughan

CreationsGarden

***************************************

Email advice is not a substitute for medical treatment.

" Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of men of old; seek what they

sought. " --Matsuo Basho

 

.....

nb: from a commercial site

Medicinal functions of Rhodiola Rana:

 

Rhodiola has been proven to treat diseases effectively as well as

strengthening the body and enhancing its physiological functions.

Comparison to Ginseng and Rhodiola Rana shown below.

 

The difference between Ginseng Rhodiola

 

Assimilation of the environment weak strong

Nourishment side effects no side effects

Natural antibody properties weak strong

Stimulation effect strong weak

Prolonging ageing success 10% 17.5%

Toxic properties higher low (or

non)

 

Sources - Natural Herbs from Changbai Mountain of China

..........................

photo of Colorado species at:

http://rmrp.com/Photo%20Pages/S/Sedum%20roseum%20100DPI.htm

photo of yellow flowered: http://www.fegi.ru/prim/range/s_fl7.htm and

http://metalab.unc.edu/herbmed/pictures/p-se/rhodros1.jpg

photo in Russian habitat:

http://ulmus.kee.hu/kelemenh/picszov/l92szikl.htm

--

Scientific Support

 

In a placebo controlled study of Rhodiola rosea’s ability to mobilize

fatty acids from adipose tissue, 121 subjects were given either Rhodiola

rosea extract or a placebo and their serum lipid levels were tested at

rest and after one hour of exercise. The Rhodiola group had 6% greater

serum fatty acid levels than the placebo group at rest and 44% greater

levels after one hour of exercise. This difference is presumably due to

Rhodiola rosea’s ability to activate adipose lipase, a key enzyme

required to burn the body’s fat stores.

 

In an open clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea’s ability to alleviate

symptoms of depression, 128 patients were given extract of Rhodiola

rosea. The Rhodiola rosea extract was effective in reducing or removing

symptoms of depression from 65% of the patients. Patients were examined

through self-assessment and psychological testing.

 

35 patients suffering from weak erection, premature ejaculation, or both

were treated with 100 to 150 mg Rhodiola rosea extract in an open

clinical trial that lasted for three months. 26 of the 35 patients

recognized a substantial improvement in sexual function as a result of

the treatment.

 

A placebo-controlled study of Rhodiola rosea extract’s effects on

intellectual performance employed 120 subjects who took a proofreading

test. Test subjects took the test both before and after administration of

the Rhodiola rosea extract or placebo. The test group experienced

significant improvement in their scores while the control group did not.

Members of each group were continually tested for their ability to

perform on the proofreading test for 24 hours after administration of the

extract or placebo. The control group experienced a large increase in the

number of errors made in the proofreading test while the group receiving

Rhodiola rosea extract experienced performance decline to a much lesser

extent.

 

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA ET PHARMACOLOGICA BULGARICA*****

Petkov VD Yonkov D Mosharoff A Kambourova T Alova L Petkov VV

Todorov I

Effects of alcohol aqueous extract from Rhodiola rosea L. roots on

learning and

memory.

In: Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg (1986) 12(1):3-16

ISSN: 0323-9950

 

The effect of alcohol-aqueous extract (1:1) from Rhodiola rosea L. roots

on the

processes of learning and memory is studied on rats. Several methods of

active

avoidance with negative and positive reinforcements are used, as well as

of

passive avoidance. Using the maze-method with negative (punitive)

reinforcement,

it has been found that Rhodiola extract in a single dose of 0.10 ml per

rat

essentially improves learning and retention after 24 hours. Significant

improvement of the long-term memory is also established in memory tests

after

10-day treatment with the same dose of the extract. In the other two

doses

tested (0.02 and 1.0 ml per rat) the extract has no substantial effect on

 

learning and memory. In a dose of 0.10 ml per rat the Rhodiola extract

had a

favourable effect on the training process using the " staircase " method

with

positive (food) reinforcement as well. With the other methods used

(active

avoidance method with negative reinforcement " shuttle-box " and passive

avoidance

methods " step down " and " step through " ) Rhodiola extract in the dose used

(0.10

ml per rat) had no substantial effect on learning and memory (a certain

deterioration of the training process was even observed using the

" shuttle-box "

method, while the " step-down " method resulted in deterioration of the

memory).

The great significance of the method used for studying the effects of the

 

pharmacological agents on learning and memory for the results obtained is

 

evident.

 

Cheng XJ Di L Wu Y Zhao QC Du GZ Liu YQ

[studies on the hypoglycemic effect of Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Bor.

polysaccharides]

In: Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih (1993 Sep) 18(9):557-9, 575

ISSN: 1001-5302 (Published in Chinese)

 

Rhodiola sachalinensis polysaccharides (RSP) isolated from the root of

Rhodiola

sachalinensis was demonstrated to decrease the levels of blood sugar,

liver

glycogen and total blood lipid when injected peritoneally to mice at 50,

100 and

200 mg/kg once or for 7 successive days. In addition, RSP was found to

decrease

blood sugar and total blood lipid in various experimental hyperglycemias

induced

by injection of adrenaline, glucose and alloxan in mice. RSP exhibit

inhibiting

effect on the glycogen enhancement induced by glucose as well as

strenghtening

effect on the glycogen decomposition induced by adrenaline and alloxan.

 

Effects of Rhodiola Sachalinensis and Its Complex Prescriptions

on Exercise Capacity and Energy Metabolism in Mice

 

Zhuang Jianqing?Shi Jianrong?Zeng Zhaolin?et al

Shanghai University of Traditional and Pharmacy

 

The experiments were carried out in mice to investigate the effects of

Rhodiola sachalinensis (RS) and its complex prescriptions (RSCP) on

exercise capacity and energy metabolism. The animals were divided into

three groups(1)control group:mice accepted endurance swimming training

only(2)RS group:endurance swimming training with the medication of RS and

(3) SCP group:endurance swimming training with RSCP. The general health

condition of the animal during the experimental period, the endurance

swimming duration, the histochemical reation of PAS, and enzymatic

activities of LDH and SDH in the liver and muscle were observed. In

comparing with the control mice, a stronger reaction of PAS with increase

in the activity of LDH and SDH were found in the muscle of the mice

treated with RS or RSCP, which suggested an adequate energy supply to the

muscle, and acceleration of the process of glycolysis as well as aerobic

oxidation in the muscle. RS or RSCP also found to be effective in

improving the general health condition of the mice and strenthening the

swimming endurance as manifested by the prolongation of the swimming

time. The effect of RSCP seems to be better than RS. From the findings of

our experiments it comes to conclusion that RS and RSCP are of

effectiveness in elimination of fatigue and strengthening the capacity of

endurance exercise training with a great future for applying in sport

medicine.

Key words:Rhodiola sachalinensis, Complex prescriptions, Exercise

capacity, Energy metabolism

(Note this site has the name in Chinese characters)

http://chinainfo.gov.cn/periodical/zgydyxzz/980209.htm

 

Cardioprotective Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea - Eksp Klin Farmakologie 1994

In a Russian study, an extract of Rhodiola rosea was examined for its

effects on the pattern of stress-induced cardiac damage which was

measured by enzyme accumulation in the heart. Rhodiola rosea was found

to prevent stress induced cardiac damage. Simultaneously, the extract was

determined to prevent both stress induced release of protiens and higher

enzyme levels, which can ultimately damage heart tissue. The findings

suggest antistressor and cardioprotective benefits of

Rhodiola rosea without harmful effects on the heart.

.............

Dr. Duke's

Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases

Ethnobotanical uses

Sedum roseum (CRASSULACEAE)

 

Calmative Steinmetz; Fever Steinmetz; Scurvy Steinmetz

 

......

See also a listing of abstracts at Michael Moore's sitea;

http://chili.rt66.com/hrbmoore/Abstracts/Sedum-Rhodiola-AB.txt

......

Note this site has the name in Chinese characters:

http://chinainfo.gov.cn/periodical/zgydyxzz/980209.htm

[Guest guest]

Regarding rhodiola, check the Institute for Traditional Medicine's (ITM) website. Subhuti has published a monograph on this herb.

 

Mark Reese

 

-

cha

Sunday, July 09, 2000 2:00 PM

rhodiola

You need to first determine the species of rhodiola. here is some info from medline Si Lie Hong Jing Tian" (Shiretsukoukeiten in Japanese) - Rhodiola quadrifida used in china and japan, appears to be mainly antiallergic; most such herbs have a good safety profile; couldn't find TCM info, but perhaps with this chinese name, someone else could, like Philipe Riviere "Rhodiocyanosides A and B exhibited inhibitory activity on the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells sensitized with anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl IgE. Additionally, rhodiocyanoside A, the major constituent of this natural medicine, was also found to show antiallergic activity in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test in rat. " Rhodiola rosea may be the one used; it is an ayurvedic rasayana (sorry, don't know the sanskrit); it has been researched for adaptogenic and antiischemic properties. Seems safe and effective when used as intended, like salvia, perhaps. I bet this product is fairly safe, especially compared to steroids, creatinine and such things, but I would not recommend this type of use without doing a TCM eval of each user. Some might benefit from this formula, but not if they are xu types. It also makes me think of advice I got form my tai ji teachers and chinese professors about excessive vigorous activity that is propped up with herbs or other substances. Basically, it exhausts your essence and shortens your life. According to my teachers, yang style martial artists in china have always been notoriously short lived, as are professional athletes as a group today. The most extreme example is the severe damage done to themselves by so-called modern "fitness" enthusiasts who end up with liver damage, etc. So it is important to distinguish between enabling someone to enjoy themselves as they see fit at the overall expense to their health or actually promoting their well being. It is an interesting ethical debate and my personal predilection is to provide the patient with information and let them decide for themselves. Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety of professional services, including board approved online continuing education.

[Guest guest]

as are professional athletes as a group today. The most extreme example is the severe damage done to themselves by so-called modern "fitness" enthusiasts who end up with liver damage, etc

>>>were did you get this info? from all the data I have seen except for increased arthritis these athletes live a longer and healthier life

Alon

 

-

cha

Sunday, July 09, 2000 12:00 PM

rhodiola

You need to first determine the species of rhodiola. here is some info from medline Si Lie Hong Jing Tian" (Shiretsukoukeiten in Japanese) - Rhodiola quadrifida used in china and japan, appears to be mainly antiallergic; most such herbs have a good safety profile; couldn't find TCM info, but perhaps with this chinese name, someone else could, like Philipe Riviere "Rhodiocyanosides A and B exhibited inhibitory activity on the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells sensitized with anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl IgE. Additionally, rhodiocyanoside A, the major constituent of this natural medicine, was also found to show antiallergic activity in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test in rat. " Rhodiola rosea may be the one used; it is an ayurvedic rasayana (sorry, don't know the sanskrit); it has been researched for adaptogenic and antiischemic properties. Seems safe and effective when used as intended, like salvia, perhaps. I bet this product is fairly safe, especially compared to steroids, creatinine and such things, but I would not recommend this type of use without doing a TCM eval of each user. Some might benefit from this formula, but not if they are xu types. It also makes me think of advice I got form my tai ji teachers and chinese professors about excessive vigorous activity that is propped up with herbs or other substances. Basically, it exhausts your essence and shortens your life. According to my teachers, yang style martial artists in china have always been notoriously short lived, as are professional athletes as a group today. The most extreme example is the severe damage done to themselves by so-called modern "fitness" enthusiasts who end up with liver damage, etc. So it is important to distinguish between enabling someone to enjoy themselves as they see fit at the overall expense to their health or actually promoting their well being. It is an interesting ethical debate and my personal predilection is to provide the patient with information and let them decide for themselves. Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety of professional services, including board approved online continuing education.

[Guest guest]

At 12:00 PM 7/9/00 -0700,

>You need to first determine the species of rhodiola.

 

Yes, you are right.

 

In the reference text " Zhongyao dacidian " ZYDCD (Encyclopedia of Chinese

medicinals), 5 varieties of Rhodiola are listed:

1. Rhodiola dumulosa (Franch.) Fu (Sedum dumulosum Franch.)

2. Rhodiola henryi (Diels) Fu (Sedum henryi Diels)

3. Rhodiola kirilowii (Reg.) Reg. (Sedum kirilowii Reg.)

4. Rhodiola sacra (Prain ex Hamet) Fu

5. Rhodiola yunnanensis (Franch.) Fu (Sedum yunnanense Franch.)

 

 

All these herbs are named in Chinese: Regional herbs (tuyao)compared with

the so-called " right " herbs (zhengyao).

Regional herbs appear (only) in local materia medica (bencao).

" Right " herbs are listed in the authoritative materia medica.

 

Hong2 Jing3 Tian1 is Rhodiola sacra in the ZYDCD.

reference: Common medicinals from Tibet (Xizang changyong zhongcaoyao)

nature(xing): cold (han)

flavor (wei): sweet (gan)

astringent (se)

 

quicken blood (huoxue)

stanching bleeding (zhixue)

clear the Lung (qingfei), cough suppressing (zhike)

treat coughing of blood (zhi4 kexue), expectoration (or hacking) of blood

(kaxue)

cough in pneumonia (feiyan kesou)

vaginal discharge (baidai)

 

External use (waiyong):

treat knocks and falls (dieta), detriment and damage (sunshang),

tanghuoshang (scalds by fire)

 

Internal use (neifu)

For decoction: 1 to 3 qian

 

 

Philippe Riviere