RHODIOLA EXTRACT

Rhodiola rosea, also known as rose root or golden root, belongs to the Crassulaceae family and grows mainly in the Himalayan belt, Tibet, China and Mongolia, but is also cultivated in Europe and North America. It is traditionally used in Europe to boost stamina and work performance, and to relieve fatigue, weakness, impotence and other nervous system disorders. In fact, Rhodiola root extract is an adaptogen that acts to increase the body’s resistance to stress, exhaustion and fatigue. It is the main adaptogen to have been granted a “stress” indication by the European Medicines Agency. At least 140 compounds have been identified in Rhodiola root extract that may have health benefits, particularly for the nervous system. These include non-polar monoterpene hydrocarbons, geraniol, monoterpenes, cyanogenic glycosides, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, flavonolignans and other gallic acid derivatives. Rhodiola’s adaptogenic and anti-stress properties have also been associated with rhodioloside and rosavins, which are powerful inhibitors of the enzymes responsible for the degradation of dopamine in the brain, notably monoamine oxidase A, as well as controlling the secretion of cortisol, the stress hormone, and the production of ATP in the brain.