Rhodiola Benefits
by Elise
Rhodiola Benefits include well-established uses proven in clinical studies and theoretical rhodiola benefits which many feel confident exist but which haven’t yet been the subject of a specific study.
Rhodiola rosea research — along with research on other medicinal herbs — comprised part of the Soviet Union’s zealous campaign to contend with the United States in many areas, including the arms race, science and medicine. It is neither a myth nor a legend that the KGB utilized rhodiola to help toughen its agents in the face of stressful conditions.
Rhodiola Rosea As An Adaptogen
Rhodiola rosea has long been recognized as a powerful adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural herbal substance which improves our body’s resistance while also normalizing its functions.
Because rhodiola rosea administration seems to affect primary monoamine levels, it may also furnish benefits within clinical conditions defined by an imbalance of central nervous system monoamines.
Rhodiola Extract For Asthenic Conditions
Thus many believe that rhodiola benefits include its use as a treatment in asthenic conditions which develop as a result of exposure to intense physical or intellectual strain, influenza or other illness. Asthenic conditions include sleep disturbances, decline in work performance, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, fatigue and headaches.
Rhodiola Rosea Improving Physical And Mental Performance
Rhodiola rosea studies indicate that it can reduce recovery time after extended workouts, improve attention span and memory. Clinical studies using proofreading tests demonstrated that rhodiola rosea raises memorization and concentration capability over extended periods.
For example, in one study 40 students randomly received either 50 mg standardized rhodiola rosea extract or a placebo twice-a-day for twenty days. The subjects consuming the standardized extract exhibited statistically significant improvements in physical fitness, psychomotor function, and mental performance.
Other Rhodiola Benefits
Some studies also indicate that rhodiola may be effective in treating cardiac afflictions caused or provoked by stress. Its mechanism for these circumstances is its ability to lessen the corticosteroids and catecholamines secreted by adrenal glands while a person endures stress.
Another potential rhodiola benefit may be that it increases anti-tumor activity by improving the body’s resistance to toxins. A range of anti-oxidant compounds have been discovered within rhodiola rosea and considerable free-radical scavenging action has been exhibited in rhodiola extracts (both alcohol-based and water-based extracts). Research currently is being conducted on whether or not rhodiola can be defined as a legitimate cancer treatment.
Rhodiola rosea extract both protects and stimulates the immune system by reestablishing homeostasis — or metabolic balance — in our body.
In clinical animal studies, rhodiola rosea extracts appear to heighten the transfer of serotonin precursors tryptophan and 5-HTP (or 5-hydroxytryptophan) into our brains. Serotonin is a broadly analyzed brain neurotransmitter chemical which appears to be involved in several functions including temperature regulation, appetite, pain perception, behavior, blood pressure and respiration.
Many other rhodiola benefits are believed to exist and may soon be proven through clinical trials. These possible benefits includes its ability to amend hearing, to regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics as well as protect the liver from environmental toxins. In addition, some early studies indicate it may activate the lipolytic operations (fat breakdown) and mobilize lipids from a dipose tissue to the natural fat burning system of your body for weight reduction.
One reason these benefits of rhodiola enthuse researchers is that there appear to be very few significant rhodiola side-effects, something weighing down many pharmaceutical treatments.
As I learn about new studies conducted to address specific rhodiola benefits, I will add them to my site.