Rhodiola rosea

[_e_]

I cannot say enough about how good this plant is.

If anyone wishes to buy raw root, or standardised extract, please contact us asap as we only have access to the supplier for the next month.

We will be looking into importing this plant to make available in australia in the not too distant future.

Rhodiola rosea.

Supplier info

E

Edited October 29, 2006 by ({E})

[Auxin]

Good to hear a positive report from here

I started growing it early this year so I should be harvesting some about 24 months from now ok I might get impatient and harvest one in 12 months

[AndyAmine.]

I was looking into getting some of this a while back but found that there are TGA restrictions upon it, Im not sure if its as simple as a prescription from a naturopath or more complicated.

I would LOVE some though, Ill PM you soon.

Incidently they had some for sale at Nimbin HHH but was quite expensive..

[Stonehenge]

This one was hard to grow for me and died off. I believe it likes cool climates. The herb is a wonderful one to take, I take around 200mg of standardised extract every day. It helps you deal with stress.

[Auxin]

Your making me paranoid Stone

I'll find out next year if it can handle warm climates, I didnt put any in the ground til the beginning of fall but next summer I'll find out if it can handle 46°C weather.

Maby I better keep two in pots just in case.

[stonewolf]

I bought some an extract a few weeks back, $20 for 20 grams, so if the prices is better than that (which i would hope it would be) count me in. I find the stuff to be wonderful.

[simon_marklar]

Good to hear a positive report from here

I started growing it early this year so I should be harvesting some about 24 months from now ok I might get impatient and harvest one in 12 months

where did you get your plants/seeds from? i've been trying to find this for a while (havnt been looking too hard, i do admit)

the Russians swear by it!

[Auxin]

where did you get your plants/seeds from?

A herb company in my country (USA)

Horizon Herbs

Their seed order form says they ship to other countries, I've never flown to Oz and tested them on that tho

[FNF72]

Hi!

Not sure if this is the right thread to be posting this to (or if it;s out of date) but I'll give it a go.... I've been looking for a standardised extract of Rhodiola & have not been successful in finding it in Aus, but have found it on plenty on overseas websites. I am aware that it is available in dried root form here but would there be any implications importing it as a therapeutic product at this stage?

I checked the TGA website, and this is where I need the help....... There is a Therapeutic Goods Listing (Notice 2008 (No. 4)

Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (FRLI): Legislative Instrument - F2008L02820 (31 July 2008) http://www.tga.gov.au/legis/tgnlist0804.htm

I am unsure of what this means - is it approved for therapeutic use, or does this mean there is some sort of ruling or approval pending on it?

And where would you stand as far as sourcing it from OS? Any advice appreciated!

[apothecary]

Should be 100% legit to import.

No idea on good sources. Sorry. I'm sure _e_ will chime in shortly.

[devance]

' Taking Rhodiola rosea extract, can make coping with stress much easier! When regularly taking Rhodiola the initial "alarm phase" of your stress will smoothly progress to the "adaptation phase". Rhodiola rosea can help you to stay in this safe "adaptation phase" for a much longer time or even permanently, so preventing your body from proceeding further to the extremely dangerous "exhaustion phase". Where to buy

Scientific background

Promising "second-generation" adaptogen Rhodiola rosea (Russian Rhodiola) is a perennial plant with red, pink, or yellowish flowers. It has no biological relation to the "common" rose, but due to its similar fragrance it has been used as a substitute for Attar of Roses. One of the greatest things Rhodiola does is enhance mental and physical performance. It has been widely used by Russian athletes and cosmonauts to increase energy. Rhodiola is cardio-protective, normalizing the heart rate immediately after intense exercise. It improves the nervous system and mental functions such as memory, by increasing blood-supply to the muscles and brain, and it also increases protein synthesis (1,3,4). Rhodiola rosea has extraordinary pharmacological properties as an anti-mutagen and anti-depressive agent. In this respect Rhodiola rosea is much more powerful than other adaptogens. In one study done by O.M. Duhan and colleagues (5), the anti-mutagenic activities of Panax Ginseng and of Rhodiola rosea were compared. It became clear that the extracts of Rhodiola rosea had a higher capacity to counteract gene mutations induced by various mutagens (up to about 90% inhibition in some cases). The anti-depressive and anti-stress activity of Golden root is higher than that of St. John's Wort, Ginkgo biloba and Panax Ginseng. Furthermore, Rhodiola rosea is five times less toxic than Panax ginseng. In an experiment on rats with Pliss lymphosarcoma (PLS) it was shown (6) that partial hepatectomy, a course application of Rhodiola rosea extract or combined effects inhibit the growth of tumors by 37%, 39% and 59%, respectively, and that of metastases by 42%, 50% and 75%. In one human study (7) oral administration of Rhodiola rosea extract to 12 patents with superficial bladder carcinoma (T1G1-2) improved the characteristics of the urothelial tissue integration, parameters of leukocyte integrins and T-cell immunity. The average frequency of relapses for these patients was found to fall twice. In another clinical trial 150 individuals suffering from depression took Rhodiola rosea extracts for a period of one month. At the end of that period two-thirds of them had full remission of clinical manifestations of depression, and had become more active and more sociable. Daytime weakness and general weakness disappeared. Rhodiola rosea extracts reduce significantly the yield of cells with the chromosome aberrations in vivo and inhibit unscheduled DNA synthesis induced by N-nitroso-N-methylurea in vitro (8). It is emphasized that Rhodiola rosea extracts have rejuvenative properties due to their ability to raise the efficiency of the intracell DNA repair mechanisms. Complete List of Scientific Articles (Abstracts)

Rosavin formula

ROSAVIN formula

Pharmacological activity - quality matters!

There are products on the market that contain Rhodiola rosea. But unfortunately these products often have only limited or even no biological activity at all. Common reasons for these deficiencies are bad harvesting during the wrong season, harvesting from a climatic rigion not suitable for the plant or from a bad geographic area, harvesting wear species of the plant, also overdrying, or using an inferior extraction method. The manufacturing process also is a key factor in the preparation of a high quality adaptogenic extract, as is the selection of high quality raw materials using proper assay methods. The main active components of true Rhodiola rosea that are responsible for the extraordinary potency of Rhodiola rosea are cinnamol alcohol glycosides, especially ROSAVIN - cinnamyl-O-(6-O-L-arabinopyranosyl-D-glucopyranosid) and SALIDROSIDE. Quality Rhodiola rosea extract should contain at least 3% rosavins and 1% or less salidroside.

Rhodiola rosea and immunity

Rhodiola rosea stimulates the immune system in two ways: FIRST - by specific direct stimulation of immune defence (stimulates one of the most important type of immune cells - Natural Killer Cells, NK-Cells seek and destroy the infected cells on our bodies). Rhodiola rosea normalises the immune system by improving T-cell immunity (7) Rhodiola has been shown to increase the body's resistance to toxins that may accumulate during infection development. SECOND - by making a person less susceptible to stress. Scientists found out that stress suppresses immunity and destroys our resistance to various forms of bacterial or virus attack. Due to the natural killer cell's effect on tumours Rhodiola rosea may enhance B cell immunity by preventing the suppression of B cell immunity, which can occur during stress. Being under stress, a great portion of the body's energy is expended for nothing. When we are chronically exposed to stress that continually robs energy from other systems. The general effect is a lowered immune response and decreased health.

For Whom Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola has been used in connection with fatigue, mental performance and athletic performance (to improve endurance). The Russian medicine has traditionally given Rhodiola rosea to its cosmonauts, soldiers, sportsmen and ageing political leaders as an effective anti-aging medicine. Russian Rhodiola helped them to improve cognitive functions and physical performance.

Prevention of development of fatigue, asthenic states, catarrhal seasonal diseases;

Use in comprehensive therapy for treatment of neuroses, depression, hypotension, and other diseases;

Restoration of health following recently endured communicable and somatic diseases;

Increased bodily resistance to physical and mental overloads, and negative environmental effects;

In sport - improved performance, resistance to strain, restoration of strength with increased physical loads;

Prevention of alcohol and drug addiction;

For elderly and aged persons;

It may be successfully taken by drivers, flight personnel, traffic controllers, as well as other professional cohorts of people occupationally engaged in work requiring increased attention.

Rhodiola rosea - natural alternative to Meridia (Reductil) slimming tablets

Bulgarian researchers have demonstrated that intake of the herbal remedy Rhodiola rosea activates hormone-sensitive lipase, which plays a key role in breaking down the fat stored in adipose tissue (2). Previous Soviet clinical studies showed that the combination of Rhodiola rosea together with physical exercise can be a powerful tool in the activation of fat-tissue lipase, resulting in the breakdown of stored fat. Georgian clinical data showed that the intake of tablets of Rhodiola rosea extract by obese subjects led to a mean weight loss of 19 pounds (11% reduction). In a control group, in contrast, the weight change was insignificant. The Bulgarian study suggests a detailed mechanism for the fat-loss effect (2).

Dosage

The usual amounts taken are 200 to 600 mg per day of a Rhodiola rosea extract standardized to contain 2-3% rosavins and 0.8-1% salidroside. (10) The nonstandardized amount would be 1 gram of the root three times daily (usually 5-6 tablets per day), the amount for the alcoholic extract (40% alcohol) is 5 to 40 drops (0.5 - 1 teaspoon) two to three times per day and for the tea from Rhodiola rosea roots is 1 - 2 cap per day. Rhodiola is usually taken with water before meals or at mealtimes. Please note, that Rhodiola has a more stimulating effect at lower amounts, and a more sedating effect at higher amounts. '

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Totally bogus.

And I already have tried it.

As a instant tea.

Totally legal in the U.S.

By Good Health Natural Food, inc.

So no nobody going to start shouting, I feel wonderful on steroids or on stimulants.

Let the Australian custom service worry about it.

If thats all that they have to worry about, I shudder to think about what they might be missing from a lack of funding.

[t st tantra]

took one dose,interesting and prob effective but for me too much of a drugged[antidepressant?] feeling.

t s t .

[FNF72]

'

Totally bogus.

And I already have tried it.

As a instant tea.

Totally legal in the U.S.

By Good Health Natural Food, inc.

So no nobody going to start shouting, I feel wonderful on steroids or on stimulants.

Let the Australian custom service worry about it.

If thats all that they have to worry about, I shudder to think about what they might be missing from a lack of funding.

Thanks for the info - have read much of it before. I'm aware it is already available here as ground root powder but I wanted a standardised extract to ensure a correct dosage. which being a therapetic preparation is in the process of been listed by the TGA. The reason I placed the post here is to determine whether it is legal to bring it here form OS (The USA actually) as it may take awhilst to filter through to the Aust markets. Until this Listing is made/approved from the TGA I dont want bother ordering them & blowing a stack of money if it was not yet apporved & have it seized by customs.

Given you used an instant tea version I'm not surprised it didnt do much for you (I'm amazed you could down it as it doesnt taste that nice in the first place) - were you using it for medicinal purposes or just giving it a go?

I am not using it for body building, fat burning or to get off my trolley. I have been told by a specialist I see who uses comp therapies, to try is as an alternative to St Johns wort if I can get hold of it (which would not be very liver friendly for me at the moment) as I wish to give my body a three months break off prescribed anti depressants - hopefully go off them completely if the Rhodiola works well for me.

Edited August 27, 2008 by FNF72

[MindExpansion]

Thanks for resurrecting the thread FNF.

This sounds like a great little plant. Thinking Sydney might be a bit too hot during summer but if Auxin is growing in 42 deg (how did it go btw?) it might be ok.

_e_, if you see this, know a source here to get some seeds/cuttings from?

Peace

[FNF72]

Thanks for resurrecting the thread FNF.

This sounds like a great little plant. Thinking Sydney might be a bit too hot during summer but if Auxin is growing in 42 deg (how did it go btw?) it might be ok.

_e_, if you see this, know a source here to get some seeds/cuttings from?

Peace

No problem!!!!!! It may well be on the shelves of our local health food stores before we know it if the TGA have finally got rouond to listing it as approved.

[devance]

'Given you used an instant tea version I'm not surprised it didnt do much for you (I'm amazed you could down it as it doesnt taste that nice in the first place) - were you using it for medicinal purposes or just giving it a go?'

Good point, since its a tea in South Africa i was expecting a flower/aroma type of taste.

But i just gave it a try as I got it cheap.

And heard about it.

Got nothing.

But they use it for some reason.

[t st tantra]

pretty sure this plant has little to do with south africa.......more subarctic?

t s t .

[devance]

Your right, i got it wrong.

Wrong tea entirely.

Well thats the nice thing about the forum there are knowing people.

The african tea.

http://lifespantea.com/rooibos_bulk.htm

'Scientists have found that Rooibos Tea can protect against mutagenesis,

the process whereby the genetic materical of a cell is damaged. Mutagenesis is one of the major causes of cancer and other diseases.

Rooibos Tea is full of polyphenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins that help protect the body from free radical damage.

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So green tea can do the same thing.

I am having some eye problems, as added to a long list of others.

[_e_]

it is now stocked as a tincture by most naturopaths/herbalists.

where i am i can just walk in and get a bottle of tincture without consultation.

Sadly plans to mass propagate this plant went out the window earlier this year however im still awaiting wild harvested seed from sweden.

Tst if u had a strogn reaction it probably means you had more then you need.

It is psychoactive if taken at large doses, and some sensitive indivuals (such as myself) often only need half the reccomended dose. It is also good to taper up and down the dose (a good parabolic dose regime over 2mths with maintenance doses thereafter seems to be the way to go)

I would reccomend it to anyone who has problems with anxiety, mild depression, lethargy/chronic fatigue and libido/sexual problems.

It has worked for all the above for me and or for people i know.. However ive only ever used the imported swedish product (until just recently)

I wouldnt reccomend high doses initially, or takingit for an extended period of time... however it does seem good to level things out and as an alternative to a lot of nasty pharmaceuticals.

Also the asian varient and almost all product that comes from asia is about one third the potency and only has one of the three active constituents, however likelihood is that the tinctures sold by naturopaths/herbalists are the lower grade rhodiola.

hope that helps some

plant lov.e

[MindExpansion]

Cheers e. Guess I'll have to check the place up the road, will also remember to ask where they get the tincture from if they have some.

Let us know how it goes once you get those seeds e, will be interesting to see if they grow where you are (particularly over summer).

peace,

Mind

[FNF72]

Thanks e!

You wouldnt happen to know the brand of the tincture at all would you - tried just about every Aus vitamin & suppliment websites - a few have the ground root & sell it as tea but no sign of the standardised extract as yet... I've even had my sister (who is a naturopath) on the case, but she hasnt come across it with her usual wholesaler as yet - so a point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

[t st tantra]

used an ext containing 4% rosavin from 'om chi herbs'[friendly].

recommended dose was a t sp i think,was sometime ago.

i used a little under that.....quite strongly flavoured.

no adverse or strong reaction....just left me feeling like i'd had an antidepressant style drug.

but i did stop taking damiana after 3 months for a similar reason!

as well as deciding it had taught me it was possible to be happy all the time!

t s t .

[Zen Peddler]

anyone know whether a 600mgs dose for three days could result in muscle pain and extreme cold sensitivity? Or am I just coming down with a shocking flu. ??

[amanito]

I've heard that this herb has maoi properties, can anyone confirm this? This could make it potentially dangerous combined with other substances

[hamma]

How Does Rhodiola Rosea Work?

Rhodiola works by inhibiting subtype A and subtype B of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase and by affecting opioid peptides (chained amino acids) like beta-endorphin (a neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems).

Subtype A of monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) metabolizes caffeine and serotonin (among many other things it metabolizes). Subtype B of monamine oxidase (MAO- metabolizes dopamine (among other things).

Thus by increasing serotoneric activity rhodiola rosea lifts your mood, and by increasing dopaminergic activity rhodiola lifts your mood, sharpens your focus and increases your energy. By inhibiting caffeine metabolism it may both increase and extend its effects.

In addition, rhodiola modulates cortisol production during times of physical or emotional duress. Cortisol is a steroid hormone and it is often called the stress hormone. Our adrenal glands produce cortisol to help us cope with stressful situations. Unfortunately, sometimes our body produces too much cortisol, or if we experience chronic stress our body produces cortisol too often, even in times when we don’t really need it.

Since cortisol suppresses our immune system, counteracts insulin and metabolizes proteins, fats and carbohydrates, too much cortisol may amplify these basic functions and produce detrimental problems. Rhodiola rosea acts as a mild cortisol modulator, helping our bodies reduce the repercussions of excessive cortisol release by our adrenal glands.

scource http://rhodiolarosea.org/