Rhodiola rosea herb may reduce stress, boost energ

[Guest Rose Marie]

If you have Cushings, you need to remember that the tumor is behind your hypercortisolism.

 

Here is some new information about a natural herbal stress reducer.

 

Rhodiola rosea herb may reduce stress, boost energy

 

January 30, 2003

 

ST. LOUIS (MD Consult) - The herb Rhodiola rosea, which has been in use for centuries, is starting to garner attention for its potential ability to reduce stress and increase energy, according to "Herbal Stress Buster?" in the February 3 Newsweek.

 

Vikings used rhodiola to enhance endurance, and Soviet scientists studied its value to athletes in the 1960s. Now the herb is poised to take off in the U.S., with GNC introducing Pinnacle's Rhodax nationwide.

 

"It's got everything to become an herbal superstar," said Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council. "A high safety profile, compelling benefits and a reasonable amount of scientific research."

 

Most rhodiola studies have been Russian. But in recent years, research has demonstrated improved performance in medical students during exams and physicians on night call after taking rhodiola. Next month, the journal Phytomedicine will publish a trial by Georg Wikman at the Swedish Herbal Institute and Russian colleagues comparing 180 elite Russian cadets before and after routine night duty.

 

The cadets weren't as strong on abstract thought and memory tests at 4 a.m. as they were when rested. But those taking low and medium doses of rhodiola significantly outperformed those taking either a placebo or no pill.

 

Scientists are still unraveling the clues to rhodiola's effects. But animal research indicates the herb reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol while optimizing levels of key brain chemicals involved in mood. It also appears to boost synthesis of a molecule known as adenosine triphosphate, which cells need to produce energy.

 

Dr. Richard Brown of Columbia University has given rhodiola to 300 patients suffering from depression and other disorders.

 

"It has no side effects that we've noticed," he said. "Only side benefits."

 

Doctors say more research is needed on long-term complications and adverse drug interactions, although none have been noted so far. They also caution that results may be moderate or even insignificant, depending on the individual.

 

Reliable brands at present include Arctic Root, Rosavin, Rhodax, Clear Energy and Longevi?, which cost $20 to $50 for a month's supply, Newsweek reported. Look for bottles that say Rhodiola rosea -- not Rhodiola sacra or any other rhodiola species, as these lack the active rosavin compounds.

 

from Newsweek:

February 3, 2003   Newsweek  

 Health: Herbal Stress Buster?

 

Anne Underwood

 

As a Soviet soldier in Afghanistan in 1979, Zakir Ramazanov discovered a tonic that helped him reduce stress, while boosting mental and physical energy. It wasn't alcohol, but tea--made from the golden-yellow roots of a Siberian plant called Rhodiola rosea, which the Siberian soldiers received in their mothers' packages from home. Now a plant physiologist and president of National BioScience Corp. in Chester, N.Y., he is supplying extracts of the same root to U.S. supplement makers

 

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Always talk to your doctor before taking herbal remedies.