Rhodiola rosea is one of the herbal adaptogens according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). According to initial studies, the physiologically active substances, such as rosavins, support the organism in stressful situations and increase stress resistance. The immune system is adapted to stress, so that the organism is better able to cope with extraordinary stress.
Thus, the use of rose root leads to the improvement of physical performance as well as to the increase of stress resistance, memory and attention. Furthermore, the adaptogen reduces signs of exhaustion and symptoms of depression.The phenylglycosides salidroside as well as rosavins (rosavin, rosin, rosarin) are most likely responsible for the adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea.
- Meanwhile, several intervention studies are available in which the effect of Rhodiola rosea on mental performance was tested in healthy volunteers.
- In a randomized clinical trial, young physicians were asked to solve various tasks during the night shift that stressed short-term memory, associative thinking, reaction time, and concentration skills. Compared to the control group, taking rose root extract significantly improved cognitive performance and attention.
- In students who were in a stressful exam period and received rose root, physical and mental performance and general well-being improved.
- In other intervention studies, subjects who exhibited stress-related fatigue due to physical, emotional and mental exertion regularly took an extract of Rhodiola rosea. After 28 days, this led to improvement of symptoms, i.e., fatigue decreased and cognitive performance and attention increased.
- After 12 weeks, taking the rose root extract resulted in an improvement of symptoms in individuals suffering from stress-related burnout.
- In patients suffering from mild depression, rose root showed a positive effect on mood, insomnia states, as well as emotional instability compared to the placebo group.