Products
In 2010, WS 1375 ethanolic dry extract of rose root in the form of film-coated tablets was approved in many countries. The drug is available in pharmacies and drugstores without a doctor’s prescription (Vitango, Schwabe Pharma AG, http://www.vitango.ch). Rose root is a popular adaptogen in Russian medicine, and in Sweden the extract SHR-5 has been on the market since 1985 (Artic Root). The plant was mentioned as early as the first century in the fourth book of Dioscorides’ Materia Medica.
Stem plant
The succulent Rose Root L. of the Thickleaf family (Crassulaceae) grows in rock crevices in plateaus and on sea cliffs in Europe (e.g., Sweden, Finland), Siberia, North America, Great Britain, and the Himalayas. Most of the commercially available roots come from the Altai high mountains. Successful trials of agricultural cultivation of the plant have also been carried out in alpine Switzerland. The root and rhizome are used as a medicinal drug (Rhodiolae radix, Rhodiolae rhizoma).
Ingredients
Glycosides, including salidroside (rhodioloside) and rosavin, and the aglycone p-tyrosol, are primarily thought to be responsible for the effects. In addition, the plant contains numerous other constituents, for example flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, organic acids and terpenoids. The name rose root is derived from the rose fragrance of the grated root.
Effects
Stimulant and adaptogenic properties are attributed to rose root, i.e. the drug gives more energy on the one hand and increases stress tolerance on the other. Furthermore, cardioprotective, antioxidant, antidepressant, and antianxiety effects, among others, have been demonstrated. The mechanism of action is said to be an influence on monoamines, opioid peptides and neurotransmitters and a reduced release of stress hormones. Its use is based on traditions and lore, but is also supported by a number of clinical studies.
Indications
Vitango is approved in many countries for the relief of physical and mental symptoms of stress and overwork, such as fatigue, exhaustion, irritability, and tension. It has also been tested for many other uses, including the treatment of mild to moderate depression. However, the drug has not yet been cleared by regulators for this purpose.
Dosage
According to the package insert. Finished medicines are taken twice daily, in the morning and at noon with water and before meals.
Contraindications
Rose root preparations should not be used in case of hypersensitivity, severe liver or kidney diseases, during pregnancy and lactation, and in children under 18 years of age. If there is no improvement within two weeks, a doctor should be consulted. Full precautions can be found in the package leaflet.
Interactions
Insufficient data are available on potential interactions. In an in vitro study, rose root was shown to inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein (Hellum et al., 2010). Rose root extracts could consequently increase the concentrations of CYP3A4 substrates. Drug-drug interactions cannot be ruled out.
Adverse effects
Very rarely, hypersensitivity reactions and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) have been reported. The causal relationship has not been established.
