Rhodiola

Rhodiola a perennial flowering plant that grows naturally in wild northern Arctic and mountainous regions. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries by Nordic countries, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

Rhodiola is traditionally used as an adaptogen, which are natural substances that stimulate the body’s resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors.

Specific traditional uses include reducing anxiety, depression, and fatigue, as well as to increase mental performance. Rhodiola contains many antioxidants, including flavonoids, and studies have shown an interaction with cellular stress-response signaling. In endurance training, some studies have shown that rhodiola can reduce fatigue and the rate of perceived exertion. In particular, studies have focused on rhodiola’s ability to increasing work productivity. Usage of rhodiola as a daily preventative against fatigue has been reported to be effective in doses as low as 50 mg. Other studies have shown anti-aging properties in fruit flies, silkworms, and yeast. Additional potential uses include for gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, impotence, and for cardioprotective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and pro-immunity effects. For a good review, see [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9228580].

Rhodiola is in general well tolerated. It might cause dizziness or dry mouth. However, side effects are unlikely in the moderate dosing present in ActivNeeds®. Rhodiola might lower blood sugar or blood pressure, and increase the activity of the immune system. Rhodiola might also alter metabolism of drugs cleared by the liver enzymes CYP1A2 or CYP3A4. Thus, consult your physician if you have any of these conditions or their opposites, or are on medications.