R. arctica Boriss.; R. odorata Lam.; R. rosea L.; S. arcticum (Boriss.) Rønning; S. rhodiola Vill.; and others Crassulaceae Arctic root; golden root; roseroot; rosenrot Rhodiola rhizoma et radix Rhizome and root The main active constituents of the root are the monoterpene and phenylpropanoid glycosides rosin, rosarin, rosavin, rosiridin; and p-tyrosol; and the rhodiolosides (salidrosides), which are hydroxylated and methoxylated octenyl and octadienyl derivatives. It also contains polyphenolic acids such as gallic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as flavonoids (catechins, proanthocyanidins, kaempferol and its glycoside derivatives). Sterols (β-sitosterol), tannins, and essential oil are also present (EMA 2011; Panossian et al. 2010; Peschel et al. 2013; Williamson et al. 2013). A systematic review, including 11 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which tested the efficacy or effectiveness of mono-preparations of Rhodiola, was conducted. Rhodiola as sole treatment was administered orally against a control group (placebo treatment, no treatment or active controls), in human individuals suffering from any condition and in healthy human volunteers. The study concluded that Rhodiola mono-preparation might have a positive effect on physical performance, mental performance and certain mental health conditions such as stress. However, further research is warranted (Hung et al. 2011). A multi-centre, non-randomised, open-label, single-arm trial investigated the therapeutic effects and safety over 4 weeks’ treatment of a specific extract of Rhodiola (200 mg twice daily) in subjects with life-stress symptoms. The study found it to be effective in relieving symptoms associated with stress, such as fatigue, exhaustion and anxiety, and it was safe and well tolerated (Edwards et al. 2012).
Rhodiola
Sedum roseum (L.) Scop. (better known under the synonym Rhodiola rosea L.)
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