Origin
Rhodiola also known as rosenroot, arctic root or golden root among other names, is the root of Rhodiola rosea L., a 40-50 cm tall, unbranched plant with succulent leaves and stem and yellow-red flowers. It grows in rocky crevices on mountains and sea cliffs in the Arctic regions of Europe, Asia (mainly Siberia) and North America.
Its use dates back to the Viking era and the first reference is also found in the Swedish Pharmacopoeia of 1775. In Russia Rhodiola rosea is one of the most popular plant adaptogens: it was first recommended in 1969 by the “Pharmacological Committee of the Ministry of Health” of the USSR for use as a stimulant against fatigue by patients who have suffered states of absthenia and by healthy people who have manifested asthenia during periods of high mental or physical effort.
As a dietary supplement, the European Food Safety and Health Authority (EFSA) states that Rhodiola helps maintain optimal mental and cognitive activities.
Bioactive principles
In preclinical studies it has been shown that the main active compounds are rosavin and salidroside.
The Rhodiola present in Ansirens® has a titration of 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside.
Therapeutic properties
Rhodiola is used as a tonic-adaptogen in cases of physical and mental fatigue and to promote normal mood.
Thanks to its adaptogenic properties increases the body’s resistance to external stimuli and stress.
Mechanism of action
Rhodiola exerts its beneficial action through the regulation of homeostasis by several mechanisms of action associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis such as the regulation of cortisol, the control of key biochemical mediators in the response to the stress . It also has antidepressant and weight control effects.
Tolerability
Rhodiola rosea is well tolerated and safe. Randomized clinical trials have shown no significant side effects