Rhodiola Rosea Benefits

Rhodiola, also known as Arctic Root or Golden Root, is a plant that grows in the wilds of arctic regions in North America, Europe, and Asia. It has been used in traditional medicines for more than a millennia, and is quite popular today for its nootropic properties.

It is easily one of my favourite supplements for cognition and cognitive work.

Its main active components are Rosavins and Salidroside, so look for an extract that is standardized to a minimum 3% Rosavins and 1% Salidroside.

Its best to take it in the morning, or before you work or exercise, given its stimulating, focusing effect. Taking it close to bed might impede sleep, due to energy and motivation.

Rhodiola Benefits

Increases Dopamine

Rhodiola increases dopamine production, as well as inhibiting MAO – reducing its breakdown and thus increasing it further – which contributes to many of its benefits here.

Focus

Rhodiola immediately heightens focus deeply, and can be felt for a few hours after taking. Work will become a lot easier, and other tasks or activities that require attention will become ‘deeper’ as well.

Motivation & Procrastination

One of rhodiola’s main benefits is increasing motivation and effectively making procrastination obsolete. Its effects on raising physical energy and motivation or inspiration are noticeable immediately, and for a while after you take it. Gears start moving in your mind and your body starts moving on its own, feeling powerful and light.

ATP

Rhodiola increases ATP production, contributing to all of it’s benefits, particularly improving athletic performance. You will have more physical and mental energy all the way through the day, and with cumulative supplementation you will notice a lot less fatigue and effects from poor sleep.

MAO-Inhibitor

Rhodiola Rosea inhibits Monoamine Oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. This is part of its mechanism of action. This results in increased wakefulness, attention, and motivation. Many foods and supplements you already take have this effect, like garlic and coffee. This also means you should not use it with SSRI’s, medications, or conditions which raise serotonin.

Neuroplasticity

Rhodiola Rosea increases BDNF and NGF, which are proteins that play a role in brain cell growth and survival. By increasing BDNF & NGF, you increase Neuroplasticity which is the ability of your brain to change & rewire itself. Essentially, increasing neuroplasticity increases your ability to learn, learn faster, and remember easier.

BDNF & NGF

Increasing BDNF & NGF has other benefits, such as having antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.

Endurance

Rhodiola has a variety effects on systems related to energy and endurance, as with ATP stated before. Rhodiola improves antioxidant capacity, mitochondria, and circulation, resulting in more endurance & stamina for exercise.

Mitochondria

Rhodiola increases mitochondria and improves mitochondrial function, including via increasing antioxidants.

Circulation

Blood flow and circulation throughout the body is improved by Rhodolia Rosea. This benefits both physical performance and overall health.

Adaptogen

Rhodiola Rosea is well known as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to and reduce stress. The mechanisms could be considered complex, but essentially rhodiola decreases the stress response to perceived stressors in the brain, improves cellular aspects that makes you less ‘burnt out’ from stress, and decrease cortisol levels themselves.

It really is quite profound in this regard, with a very clear effect on maintaining mental clarity and keeping a level head in stressful situations.

Miscellaneous:
– Improves Immune Function
– Increases Antioxidants
– Antidepressive
– Improves Blood Sugar & Insulin Sensitivity
– Might Improve Vision