In the folk medicine traditions of Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and parts of Asia, Rhodiola rosea has a long history of use for treating fatigue and depression and for promoting physical endurance and productivity. More recent research has established that several compounds in this herb help your central nervous system and cardiorespiratory system adapt to physical and psychological stress. This effect may be of some benefit to you if you're experiencing mild to moderate depression. Always consult your health care provider before using Rhodiola rosea.
Mild to Moderate Depression
Mild to moderate depression may cause low mood, irritability, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, trouble sleeping and changes in appetite. Rhodiola rosea extract may relieve symptoms of this type of depression, according to a study published in the "Alternative Medicine Review" in March 2008. Study participants who took Rhodiola rosea extract for six weeks experienced improved emotional stability, along with less depression, insomnia and physical symptoms of depression. Feelings of self-esteem, however, did not improve.
Stress-Related Depression
Rhodiola rosea may help you if you're experiencing stress-related fatigue syndrome, or burnout syndrome, this per research published in the February 2009 issue of "Planta Medica." Stress-related fatigue syndrome can involve depressed mood, listlessness, lack of drive, trouble concentrating, tiredness and physical weakness. When study participants with stress-related fatigue syndrome took Rhodiola rosea for one month, their production of cortisol decreased. Elevated cortisol production is a marker of depression. Participants also experienced reduced fatigue, better concentration and improved mental performance. Only those with mild depression symptoms took part in this study, however.
Relieving Symptoms of Depression
Rhodiola rosea appears to have an overall beneficial effect on the central nervous system, notes Tori Hudson in the "Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients" for January 2004. This herb may help alleviate your fatigue, irritability and insomnia, all of which can accompany depression. It may also help relieve anxiety, memory loss and cognitive trouble as well as restore decreased work capacity. A review of herbal treatments for mild to moderate depression found Rhodiola rosea to be among several herbs that significantly improve depression symptoms, according to research published in the March 2011 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review." Part of the reason for Rhodiola rosea's effect on depression may be the herb's ability to stimulate your nervous system's production of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that influence positive moods.
Dosage and Safety
Rhodiola rosea products are standardized to provide a specific amount of salidroside, one of the herb's main active constituents. Typical daily dosage supplies 4.5 mg of salidroside, which may require 170 to 185 mg rhodiola rosea, explain experts from New York University's Langone Medical Center. One-time treatments may use two to three times this amount, though. Depression is a serious condition. If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, before using Rhodiola rosea or any other treatment, consult a health care provider regarding an appropriate course of treatment. Discussing use of Rhodiola rosea with your health care provider is particularly important if you're pregnant, nursing or have a liver or kidney condition.
References
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Depression (Mild to Moderate)
- "Alternative Medicine Review;" Clinical Trial of Rhodiola Rosea L. Extract SHR-5 in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression; V. Darbinyan, et al.; March 2008
- "Planta Medica;" A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Standardized Extract shr-5 ...; Olsson EM, et al.; February 2009
- "Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients;" Women's Health Update: Rhodiola Rosea; Tori Hudson; January 2004
- "Alternative Medicine Review;" Herbal Medicines, Other Than St. John's Wort, in the Treatment of Depression; Dwyer AV, et al.; March 2011
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Rhodiola Rosea
