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Rhodiola is a genus of perennial plants from the Tolstyankov family. The genus branches into an average of 90 species, but Rhodiola rosea has become the most popular. The composition of the plant attracted pharmacology, cosmetology, perfumery and even the sports industry. Rhodiola was nicknamed the “golden root”, included in the Red Book, increased control over the cultivation and use of the component.
What is hidden behind the unsightly flowers of Rhodiola and how can the plant be of interest to the consumer?
General characteristics of the plant
Rhodiola rosea is a perennial herb. A valid name is pink/gold root. The etymology of the alternative name is simple – the rhizome of the plant is painted in the color of old gold, which gives off a specific mother-of-pearl luster.
Botanical description
Rhodiola is a succulent dioecious plant with a powerful horizontal rhizome and miniature oblong adventitious roots. Upright stems sprout from dense rhizome. In total, up to 15 stems with a height of 10 to 40 centimeters can develop. Rhodiola with one stem is extremely rare. The leaves are formed alternate, sessile, acquire an elliptical shape of an elongated egg, less often pointed leaves with a solid edge or a serrated upper part come across.
Inflorescences are formed from several yellow flowers. They are colored bright yellow. Later, greenish erect fruits are formed from the flowers. Rhodiola blooms from June to July. Fruit ripening occurs in July-August. The plant reproduces in two ways: vegetative and seed.
Rhodiola is not particularly demanding on environmental conditions. The main thing is that the plant receives the necessary amount of moisture. Abundant flowing moisture is the key to high-quality growth and development of fruits. Rhodiola does well without an abundance of heat or sunlight. This does not affect the quality, chemical composition and useful properties of the plant.
Territorial distribution
The plant prefers cold, temperate climates. The largest percentage of Rhodiola plantations is concentrated in North America, Ireland, Great Britain, in the Alps, Carpathians, Pyrenees, Altai, Urals, on the coast of the White / Barents Seas and in the mountainous regions of Siberia.
A Brief Historical Reference
Ancient Chinese emperors equipped mass expeditions to the Altai and other mountainous regions in order to get the golden root. In addition to high-ranking statesmen, rhodiola has been a subject of interest for smugglers. They found plantings of plants, plucked everything they could steal and smuggled goods across the border. Previously, Rhodiola root was considered the greatest rarity, and its value was several times higher than the price of gold.
In Altai, the proverb is still preserved: “Whoever finds the golden root, he will live up to 120 years in health and happiness.”
Features of composition
About 140 biologically active components are concentrated in the underground part of the plant. Roots and rhizomes contain phenols and their derivatives. Phenols are the end of the side group of tyrosine, therefore they are part of the vast majority of protein molecules. The composition includes organic acids (succinic, citric, oxalic, malic), carbohydrates (fructose, glucose), aromatic compounds (cinnamon alcohol, rosine), essential oils (citral, phenylethyl alcohol, geraniol, cinnamaldehyde). Also, the composition is rich in flavonoids, tannins, steroids and beneficial nutrients.
Rhodiola, which grows in different countries, may have different composition and opposite properties.
Rhodiola as an adaptogen
The first impression about the term “adaptogen” can be very misleading. This is not a new technological development, but the name of a group of plants that have been known for their medicinal properties since ancient times. Adaptogens came to us from Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. This group of plants has not lost its popularity and inexhaustible benefits for several centuries.
What is it and how do adaptogens work?
Adaptogens solve problems with hormonal imbalances, increased levels of emotional and physical stress. These are the three battlefields where the powers of ordinary plants play an extremely important role. Adaptogens affect the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, thyroid gland and adrenal glands. As soon as the work of these organs and systems is aligned, the whole organism is healed.
The uniqueness of the group of adaptogens betrays their name. After entering the body, they adapt to the individual characteristics of a person and bring the entire internal space into balance. They give energy to a tired person or calmness to an overly excited person.
Regulation of the production of hormones and enzymes by adaptogens affects:
- cholesterol level;
- liver and heart;
- breathing process;
- immune system;
- brain cells;
- the nervous system;
- age changes.
Functions of Rhodiola as an adaptogen
This is one of the few adaptogens that has been sufficiently studied and appreciated in the post-Soviet space. The plant is a natural antidepressant, the spectrum of action of which is much wider than pharmacy medicines. Rhodiola not only normalizes cortisol levels, but helps to normalize sleep and food intake, despite the stress experienced. After pharmaceutical medicines, a person feels exhaustion and fatigue, because of which it is difficult to return to the usual track. The gentle effect of a natural adaptogen provides a quick and painless transition from stress to natural activity.
Other Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea:
- increases physical endurance;
- increases the possibilities of mental focus;
- fights against early aging of the body;
- copes with excess body fat;
- protects against pathogenic radioactive exposure and toxic chemicals.
The pharmacological action of the plant
In evidence-based medicine, an alcohol extract and various extracts from Rhodiola rosea are used. The active components of the plant are used for:
- stimulation of the central nervous system;
- medicines for asthenic and neurasthenic conditions;
- pills for fatigue (also used for mentally healthy patients);
- medicines for functional pathologies of the nervous system;
- rehabilitation procedures.
It has been proven that Rhodiola protects red blood cells from the harmful effects of stress and increases the body’s resistance to depression and fatigue. The plant stimulates the central nervous system, improves neuroprotective properties and prevents significant loss of stem cells.
The water-alcohol extract of the plant helps the body to wean itself from drugs. The component “erases” the habit of using drugs, and upon subsequent use, it gives an ambiguous reaction – nausea, vomiting, a sharp increase in temperature, tremor, headache, and an unstable psychological state. Scientists claim that the extract helps to quit smoking, treats opium addiction and has an anti-stress effect on the body when overeating.
What else is useful plant component:
- reduces the overall level of anxiety;
- improves brain activity;
- prevents the development of a number of diseases (from colds to cancer);
- treats sexual disorders;
- increases endorphin levels.
Application of the component in various industries
Cookery
In the gastronomic industry, the product is used extremely rarely. It is unprofitable for large industrial companies to regulate the planting and use of a plant for which additional control is established. Only the aerial part of the plant can be used as a food product, but its taste and structure cannot be called a gastronomic breakthrough. More often, the component is used as an adaptogen, medicinal or cosmetic component.
Medicine
The plant is part of the preparations from:
- oxygen starvation;
- respiratory infections;
- diabetes mellitus;
- gout;
- fevers;
- diseases of the teeth and oral cavity;
- jaundice;
- hypotension;
- problems of the skeletal system;
- neurosis, schizophrenia.
Cosmetics and perfume industry
Clinical medical studies in humans have confirmed the safety and benefits of Rhodiola. The component is especially effective on sensitive and aging skin. Extracts and extracts of Rhodiola are used in face, body and hair care lines.
Creams based on Rhodiola stimulate skin renewal, slow down the aging process, increase the skin’s ability to withstand aggressive external environments – ultraviolet radiation, pathogenic microorganisms, toxic chemical compounds.
Recommendation: people with sensitive, irritated and damaged skin will notice a quick and effective effect of medicinal cosmetics based on Rhodiola. For normal, dry and oily skin, it is best to choose cosmetics of a different spectrum of action.
After contact with the skin, the extract begins to act. First, metabolic processes are regulated, then the energy metabolism in the cells is stabilized. Oxidation of fats and carbohydrates occurs, due to which the skin tone is evened out, black dots disappear. The regeneration process starts and gains momentum, the barrier functions of the dermis increase. A few hours after application, the feeling of tightness and dryness disappears. After a few days, peeling disappears, after the course, the water balance of the skin, its elasticity, color, and protective functions are restored.
Sports industry
Preparations based on Rhodiola rosea tone up / stimulate not only nervous, but also muscle activity. They significantly increase performance and help you gain/lose a few pounds, improve your results before a competition, or run a long-awaited marathon. Prolonged use of the component really strengthens the muscular corset, makes a person more resilient and strong.
When to use Rhodiola rosea for healthy people:
- with overwork;
- during the rehabilitation period (after infectious / somatic diseases), in order to start the natural rhythm of life as soon as possible;
- for a period of work that requires increased mental activity;
- to maintain and restore muscles after / during prolonged intense physical exertion;
- during the period of carbohydrate loading before the competition;
- for speedy recovery after training;
- to increase the capacity of the respiratory chain;
- to increase the body’s resistance to infections;
- with overtraining.
Possible harm and contraindications to use
Self-administration of a large amount of an adaptogen can lead to serious health consequences. Before starting drug or prophylactic therapy, be sure to consult with your doctor.
Rhodiola rosea tincture can be harmful for psychosis or bipolar disorder (although the ingredient has been proven effective for clinical depression). Increasing the allowable dosage can lead to increased blood pressure, dry mouth, emotional overexcitation and impaired fine motor skills of the hands.2
The dosage of the medicine should be determined by the doctor. The height, weight, age, disease, and goals of the patient must be considered. If the therapeutic course involves the use of several medications, then it is important to know that Rhodiola rosea will automatically enhance the effect of accompanying substances. Most often, doctors prescribe two medications and carefully select the dosage so as not to harm the patient’s condition.
Rhodiola is forbidden to use for liver diseases (difficulties may arise with the complete elimination of the drug) and a tendency to alcoholism. Doctors recommend limiting the use of Rhodiola rosea by pregnant and breastfeeding women. There are no exact exhaustive studies on the effect of the component on the fetus, so doctors recommend that mothers refrain from using the plant.