Rhodiola Rosea
A Super Herb Among Nootropics
Rhodiola Rosea is a plant that has remarkable stress-relieving and antidepressant properties and is considered equivalent to some of the most potent nootropics and brain-stimulating supplements.
Introduction
Rhodiola Rosea, with common names such as Golden Root and Roseroot, is an adaptogenic herb and a nootropic agent. It has been used in traditional medicines in Russian and Scandinavian countries for centuries. Rhodiola Rosea is widely used as a treatment for fatigue, poor concentration, and memory loss. It is also believed to increase the learning skills by stimulating the brain and the productivity of workers.
Studies reveal its benefits for relieving pain, headache, scurvy, hemorrhoids, and as an anti-inflammatory analgesic.
In this article, we are going to explore how Rhodiola Rosea works and benefits your brain.
Mechanism of action
There are two possible ways, according to scientists, in which Rhodiola Rosea works in our brain.
• According to a study, Rhodiola Rosea sustains some brain hormones or neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. All of these brain chemicals are essential for speed of cognitive processing, mental alertness, mood, and memory. This plant is considered to modulate the mono-amine oxidase enzymes that would otherwise destroy these brain hormones.
• The second one is that Rhodiola has also been suggested to help maintain the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by inhibiting ACHe. It is an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine.
How does it affect the brain?
• Improves Brain Function
This plant contains some active ingredients such as rosin, rosavin, and rosarian. These are the principal compounds available in the roots and rhizome of this plant. Studies show that extract from rhodiola rosea plant exhibits neuroprotective and nootropics effects on the brain. This is the reason behind its use to increase cognitive skills and as a brain stimulant.
• To Decrease the Mental Fatigue
According to studies, this plant also boosts mood by reducing stress, lethargy, and mental fatigue. Patients with chronic stress take rhodiola supplements to boost their mental performance. It is also proven to enhance the cognitive energy, stamina, and concentration level for a prolonged period. Therefore, people often take this when working on a detail-oriented project to multiply their output with the effort.
• To Improve Mood
Rhodiola Rosea boosts the mood by increasing norepinephrine and serotonin levels in your brain and the feel-good hormones like beta-endorphins.
• Neuronal Regeneration
Rhodiola Rosea is helpful in neurogenesis, which means that it helps the formation of new neurons. It also helps to repair the old neurons. Another function of this plant is that it activates ATP synthesis, which is the main energy source of your body and brain cells. Rhodiola Rosea reduces the C-reactive protein, which is inflammatory in nature. Furthermore, it protects neurons from free radicals and cell death due to oxidative stress.
• Improve Exercise Performance
Rhodiola also helps to improve exercise performance. In a study, athletes were given 200 mg of this supplement two hours before performing an exercise. The participants with rhodiola were able to perform for an average of 24-25 seconds more than the placebo group.
This study and others show that rhodiola can be used to improve exercise performance by increasing players’ endurance and decreasing the exertion. However, this supplement’s exact mechanism of action to have any effect on muscle strength or power is still unknown.
How to start taking these supplements
Rhodiola supplements are widely available in the form of tablets, capsules, and extract. It is also available in the form of powder or dried form to make tea, but some people prefer the supplement in pill form because it enables accurate dosing and time-saving method.
Precautionary Measures
Unfortunately, there is always a chance of adulteration in the contents of this supplement. To avoid this, always choose a brand that carries the USP or NSF seal on the pack. These organizations with zero profit interest make sure supplements contain what they claim, without impurities.
Another important thing is to look at the labels of these supplements and double-check that they contain standardized proportions of 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside. These are the naturally occurring quantities of these components in the rhodiola root.
How Much and When to Take It
The best way to take rhodiola supplements is with an empty stomach, but not before bedtime because it has a slightly stimulating effect. The recommended dose of rhodiola to improve mental fatigue symptoms, stress, and depression are from 400 to 600 mg in a single dose per day.
If you want to take rhodiola as a brain stimulant to enhance your performance, then take 200 to 300 mg an hour or two before the workout.
Safety of Rhodiola
Rhodiola is safe to use supplement and generally well tolerated. There are no potential side effects of this supplement, but you must consult your doctor if you experience any change after its use.