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Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea for Depression

Dec 29, 2010 | By Daniel Smith
Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea for Depression
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Rhodiola rosea--also known as Golden Root, Roseroot or Aaron's Rod--is a perennial plant that thrives in the cold and mountainous environments of the Northern Hemisphere. Popular in traditional medicine, modern research has shown compounds in Rhodiola rosea are adaptogens and monoamineoxidase, or MAO, inhibitors. Adaptogens allow the body to adapt to stress. MAO inhibitors are used in the clinical treatment of depression. Consult your doctor before considering Rhodiola rosea as a treatment for depression.

Causes of Depression

Depression is a complex disorder without a known, single cause. The brain is continually balancing excitatory, positive signals and inhibitory, negative signals. Too many inhibitory signals, specifically those involving the GABA-B receptor, have been linked to the low mood and motivation in depression. The MAO inhibitor activity of Rhodiola rosea increases excitatory signals in the brain that may offset the increased inhibition of depression.

Depression and stress have an intimate relationship. While suffering from depression, you may show increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol that can lead to physical illness. The adaptogenic activity of Rhodiola rosea may decrease stress hormone levels, limiting physical side effects of depression.

Rhodiola Rosea: Adaptogens

Adaptogen is the name given by herbalists to plants that increase resistance to stress and anxiety. These herbs affect the biological process of allostasis, the adaptation to psychosocial, environmental and physical stress. Allostasis is enacted by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through hormones such as cortisol. Rhodiola rosea has been shown clinically to reduce the effect of psychological stress on stress hormones.

Rhodiola Rosea: MAO Inhibitor

Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme present in the brain that degrades neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, phenylethylamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters increase the amount of positive signals in the brain. The inhibition of monoamine oxidase increases the presence of these neurotransmitters in the brain, offsetting the lack of activity present in depression. Compounds in Rhodiola rosea inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase. Individuals with mild to moderate depression showed increased mood, sleep cycle and emotional stability while taking Rhodiola rosea.

How to Take Rhodiola Rosea

Clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of 340 to 680 mg per day of a 5% standardized extract of Rhodiola rosea. Common supplements contain 500 mg of a 3% extract (NOW Rhodiola) or 100 mg of a 15% extract (Biotest Rhodiola Rosea). Take one pill in the morning with breakfast and one pill six hours later. Avoid taking Rhodiola before bed as it interferes with sleep in some individuals. If you experience overexcitement or agitation, decrease your dosage or discontinue Rhodiola rosea.

Complements to Rhodiola Rosea

A regular exercise routine may increase the amount of positive neurotransmitters degraded by monoamine oxidase complementing Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of depression. A healthy diet, proper hydration and comfortable temperature and humidity in your environment reduces stress contributing to depression.

Caution

Depression is a serious medical condition. Do not discontinue taking medication prescribed by your doctor without his knowledge. Rhodiola rosea may interfere with other medication you are taking. The most common side effects of Rhodiola rosea are agitation and insomnia.

References

Article reviewed by Greg Duran Last updated on: Dec 29, 2010

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