Review: Rhodiola Rosea

 Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root or rose root, is a flowering plant that grows in cold regions of Europe and Asia. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Russia and Scandinavia, as an adaptogen. (1) Adaptogens are believed to help the body adapt to stress, both physical and mental.

Potential Health Benefits:

Research on Rhodiola rosea is ongoing, and while some studies suggest potential benefits, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings. Some of the potential benefits include:

• Reducing fatigue and improving energy levels: Some studies suggest that Rhodiola may help improve energy levels and combat fatigue, possibly also in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). (2, 3)

• Improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression: Some research indicates that Rhodiola may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression. (2)

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Rhodiola may help manage stress and anxiety symptoms, although the evidence is not conclusive. (4)

• Enhancing cognitive function: Some studies suggest Rhodiola may improve memory, focus, and concentration. Salidroside is a phenylpropanoid mainly isolated from Rhodiola species with various pharmacological effects. A total of 20 studies were included, and the results showed that the Salidroside treatment significantly improved behavior abnormalities in Alzheimer's Disease animal models. The authors reported that salidroside treatment could effectively increase superoxide dismutase, decrease malondialdehyde, and decrease interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α. Salidroside treatment was effective in reducing amyloid-β levels and the number of apoptotic cells, as well. (5) But more research is needed.

• Boosting physical performance: Some evidence suggests Rhodiola may improve exercise performance and reduce muscle fatigue. (4)

Side Effects:

Rhodiola is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses for short periods. However, based on information over the internet, some potential side effects may include headache, dizziness, stomach upset, dry mouth, sleep disturbance and irritability. 

Important Considerations include limited evidence for the health claims and drug interactions. 

Current Research:

Several ongoing research studies are investigating the potential benefits of Rhodiola for various conditions. These studies are crucial for understanding its true efficacy and potential side effects. It is important to stay updated on the latest research findings before using Rhodiola for any health concern.

Remember:

Always consult your doctor before taking any new supplement, including Rhodiola rosea. They can advise you on the potential benefits and risks based on your individual health and medical history.

REFERENCE

1. Anastasia Agapouda et al, Rhodiola Rosea Extract Counteracts Stress in an Adaptogenic Response Curve Manner via Elimination of ROS and Induction of Neurite Outgrowth, Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022; 2022: 5647599.

2. Jurga Bernatoniene et al, Phenolic Compounds of Rhodiola rosea L. as the Potential Alternative Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 31;24(15):12293.

3. Yevgeniya Lekomtseva et al, Rhodiola rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial, Complement Med Res. 2017;24(1):46-52.

4. Grant M Tinsley et al, Rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen to enhance exercise performance: a review of the literature, Br J Nutr. 2024 Feb 14;131(3):461-473. 

5. Nan Zhang et al, Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Salidroside in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies  J Agric Food Chem. 2023 Nov 22;71(46):17597-17614.

Recent Research on Onion

Onions (Allium Cepa Linn.) have been used in medicine for a long time and are a common food. A study investigated if onion extract could improve fertility in rats across two generations. In this study, the researchers first tested the onion extract's antioxidant properties and safety. Then, they fed male and female rats different amounts of the extract or plain water. They looked at how well the rats reproduced, including the number of babies born, sperm health, hormone levels, and overall health. The results showed that the onion extract did not affect the rats' weight or survival but significantly improved sperm quality and quantity in both male generations. Additionally, the extract improved hormone levels related to reproduction in both males and females. Overall, the study suggests that onion extract may help improve fertility in rats by reducing oxidative stress and improving hormone activity. (1)

In a separate study, onion (Allium cepa) peels have been shown to have antidepressant effects in mice. Researchers were looking for the specific component in the peels that caused this effect. They found that a compound called quercetin 4'-O-glucoside was responsible. When mice were given quercetin 4'-O-glucoside, it acted similarly to a common antidepressant medication (fluoxetine) in tests designed to measure depression-like behaviors. The researchers believe that quercetin 4'-O-glucoside may work by reducing stress on brain cells and improving levels of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in mood. (2)

REFERENCE

(1) Sadia Suri et al, The beneficial effect of Allium Cepa bulb extract on reproduction of rats; A two-generation study on fecundity and sex hormones , PLoS One  . 2024 Mar 14;19(3):e0294999.

(2) Varinder Singh et al, Anti-depressant like effects of quercetin 4'-O-glucoside from Allium cepa via regulation of brain oxidative stress and monoamine levels in mice subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress, Nutr Neurosci. 2021 Jan;24(1):35-44.