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Βέβαια, ο Διοσκουρίδης δεν ανακάλυψε ο ίδιος τις ιδιότητες όλων αυτών των φυτών. Οπως επισημαίνει ο E. Mπάουμαν στο βιβλίο του «Η Ελληνική Χλωρίδα», οι γνώσεις για τις θεραπευτικές ιδιότητες της φύσης χάνονται στα βάθη των αιώνων, και την πρώτη καταγραφή της θεραπείας με βότανα την οφείλουμε στο Θεόφραστο. Ομως το κατόρθωμα του Διοσκουρίδη είναι ότι είχε αναγνωρίσει ως θεραπευτικά 500 περίπου φυτά από τα 6.000 που υπάρχουν στην Ελλάδα (8%), ενώ σήμερα μόνο το 5% από τα 600.000 φυτά που φυτρώνουν παγκοσμίως έχει ερευνηθεί.
Η βασική ιδιότητα της Ροδιόλα είναι η προσαρμοστικότητα! Έχει ταξινομηθεί σαν «προσαρμογόνο» φυτό από Ρώσους ερευνητές, λόγω της δυνατότητάς της να αυξάνει την αντίσταση του οργανισμού σε ποικίλους χημικούς, βιολογικούς και φυσικούς παράγοντες άγχους. Εμφανίζει μια σχεδόν απίστευτη καταπραϋντική, αντικαρκινική, καρδιοπροστατευτική, τονωτική και ενδυναμωτική του Κεντρικού Νευρικού Συστήματος δράση.Η έρευνα δείχνει μεγάλη χρησιμότητα σε διαφορετικές ασθενικές καταστάσεις (όπως πτώση στην απόδοση εργασίας, δυσκολίες ύπνου, μειωμένη όρεξη, οξυθυμία, υπέρταση, πονοκέφαλους, κόπωση από έντονη φυσική ή διανοητική δραστηριότητα). Η Rhodiola έχει μελετηθεί εντατικά στη Σοβιετική Ένωση - Ρωσία και τις Σκανδιναβικές Χώρες για περισσότερο από 35 έτη.Η Rhodiola δρα επίσης και σαν αντικαταθλιπτικό. Σε κλινική μελέτη με 150 ασθενείς που έπασχαν από μέτρια κατάθλιψη και επί 1 μήνα ελάμβαναν εκχύλισμα Rhodiola, τα 2/3 παρουσίασαν πλήρη απαλλαγή των κλινικών εκδηλώσεων της κατάθλιψης και έγιναν περισσότερο ενεργοί και κοινωνικοί. Κλινικές μελέτες έγιναν και για τη βελτίωση της εικόνας ασθενών με νόσο Alzheimer και Parkinson. Η αντικαταθλιπτική και αγχολυτική δράση τηςRhodiola σε σχέση με το Hypericum (St. John’s Wort), Ginkgo biloba και Panax Ginseng ήταν πιο ισχυρή. Επιπλέον, η Rhodiola rosea ήταν 5 φορές λιγότερο τοξική σε σχέση με το Panax ginseng (άλλο βότανο εξίσου σημαντικό). Έμφαση δίνεται στο γεγονός ότι το εκχύλισμα της Rhodiola παρουσιάζει αναγεννητικές ιδιότητες, λόγω της δυνατότητάς του να αυξάνει την αποδοτικότητα των ενδοκυττάριων μηχανισμών αποκατάστασης του DNA.Η Rhodiola σε εκτεταμένα πειράματα απέδειξε ότι αυξάνει την αντίσταση του οργανισμού στις τοξίνες που συσσωρεύονται κατά τη διάρκεια εξέλιξης μιας μόλυνσης όπως επίσης ότι καθιστά τον οργανισμό λιγότερο ευαίσθητο στους στρεσογόνους παράγοντες. Σίγουρα όλα αυτά κάνουν τη RHODIOLA ΤΟ ΒΟΤΑΝΟ TOY 21ου ΑΙΩΝΑ!από oiko-iasis.blogspot.com
Rhodiola Benefits Rhodiola rosea is a remarkable herb that has a wide and varied history of uses. It is thought to strengthen the nervous system, fight depression, enhance immunity, elevate the capacity for exercise, enhance memory, aid weight reduction, increase sexual function and improve energy levels.It has long been known as a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural plant substances that increase the body's non-specific resistance and normalise the functions of the body.Rhodiola has a legendary history dating back thousands of years. In 77 A.D., the Greek physician Dioscorides documented the medical applications of the plant, which he then called rodia riza, in his classic medical text De Materia Medica. The Vikings depended on the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance, while Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to bring back "the golden root" for medicinal preparations. The people of central Asia considered a tea brewed from Rhodiola rosea to be the most effective treatment for cold and flu. Mongolian physicians prescribed it for tuberculosis and cancer.Research on Rhodiola rosea and other medicinal herbs was part of the Soviet Union's great push to compete with the West in military development, the arms race, space exploration, Olympic sports, science, medicine, and industry. It is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia, with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness.StressRhodiola rosea has long been known as a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural plant substances that increase the body's non-specific resistance and normalise the functions of the body. When a stressful situation occurs, consuming adaptogens generates a degree of generalised adaptation (or non-specific resistance) that allows our physiology to handle the stressful situation in a more resourceful manner. It is believed that adaptogens work by increasing the ability of cells to manufacture and use cell fuel more efficiently.Since Rhodiola rosea administration appears to impact central monoamine levels, it might also provide benefits and be the adaptogen of choice in clinical conditions characterised by an imbalance of central nervous system monoamines. This is consistent with Russian claims for improvements in depression and schizophrenia. It also suggests that research in areas such as seasonal affective disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome, among others, is warranted.There have also been claims that this plant has great utility as a therapy in asthenic conditions (decline in work performance, sleep disturbances, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectual strain, influenza and other viral exposures, and other illness. Two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of the standardised extract of Rhodiola rosea root (SHR-5) provide a degree of support for these claimed adaptogenic properties.Muscle RecoveryRhodiola rosea has been shown to shorten recovery time after prolonged workouts, to increase attention span, memory, strength, and anti-toxic action. Rhodiola rosea extract increases the level of enzymes, RNA, and proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustive exercise. It also stimulates muscle energy status; glycogen synthesis in muscles and liver; muscle protein synthesis and anabolic activity.MemoryStudies using proofreading tests have demonstrated that Rhodiola rosea enhances memorisation and concentration ability over prolonged periods. It increases the bioelectrical activity of the brain which improves memory and brain energy.In one study, forty students were randomised to receive either 50 mg standardised Rhodiola extract or placebo twice daily for a period of 20 days. The students receiving the standardised extract demonstrated significant improvements in physical fitness, psychomotor function, mental performance, and general wellbeing. Subjects receiving the Rhodiola rosea extract also reported statistically significant reductions in mental fatigue, improved sleep patterns, a reduced need for sleep, greater mood stability, and a greater motivation to study. The average exam scores between students receiving the Rhodiola rosea extract and placebo were 3.47 and 3.20, respectively.Cardiac ProblemsRhodiola has also been shown to be effective for cardiac problems caused or aggravated by stress. Its action for these conditions is in its ability to decrease the amount of catecholamines and corticosteroids released by the adrenal glands during stress. The abnormal presence of these stress hormones will subsequently raise blood pressure, cholesterol, potassium levels and increase risk factors for heart disease. Rhodiola has been found to decrease harmful blood lipids and thus decrease the risk of heart disease. It also decreases the amount of cyclic-AMP (c-AMP) released into cardiac cells. Cyclic AMP is related to ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body's primary energy molecule. C-AMP acts as a 'second messenger' or liaison between the outer and inner environments of the cell. It assists in the uptake of more intracellular calcium into the heart thus promoting a greater potential for heart muscle contraction. Rhodiola thus regulates the heart beat and counteracts heart arrhythmias.CancerRhodiola has been shown to increase anti-tumour activity by increasing the body’s resistance to toxins. A range of anti-oxidant compounds have been identified in Rhodiola rosea and related species and significant free-radical scavenging activity has been demonstrated for alcohol and water extracts of Rhodiola. Rhodiola rosea might be useful in conjunction with some pharmaceutical anti-tumour agents. According to the information from Russian researchers have found that the oral administration of Rhodiola inhibited tumour growths in rats by 39% and decreased metastasis by 50%. It improved urinary tissue and immunity in patients with bladder cancer. In other experiments with various types of cancer, including adenocarcinomas, the use of extracts of Rhodiola Rosea resulted in significant increased survival rate.Immune SystemRhodiola both stimulates and protects the immune system by reinstating homeostasis (metabolic balance) in the body. It also increases the natural killer cells (NK) in the stomach and spleen. This action may be due to its ability to normalise hormones by modulating the release of glucocorticoid into the body.DepressionIn animal studies, extracts of rhodiola, seem to enhance the transport of serotonin precursors, tryptophan, and 5-hydroxytryptophan into the brain. Serotonin is a widely studied brain neurotransmitter chemical that is involved in many functions including, smooth muscle contraction, temperature regulation, appetite, pain perception, behavior, blood pressure and respiration. When balanced, it imparts a a sense of contentment and mental ease. Either too much or too little serotonin on the other hand has been linked to various abnormal mental states such as clinical depression. Thus rhodiola has been used by Russian scientists alone or in combination with antidepressants to boost one's mental state, a boon in countries and seasons where one is deprived of adequate sun over prolonged periods of months. This leads to a condition known as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, common to Northern European countries.Other BenefitsMany other benefits from the use of Rhodiola has been found including its ability to improve hearing, to regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics and protect the liver from environmental toxins. It has been shown to activate the lipolytic processes (fat breakdown) and mobilise lipids from a dipose tissue to the natural fat burning system of your body for weight reduction. It can also clinically enhance thyroid function without causing hyperthyroidism, enhance thymus gland function and protect or delay involution that occurs with ageing. It can also improve your adrenal gland reserves without causing hypertrophy. Throughout the years it has shown to substantially improve erectile dysfunction and/or premature ejaculation in men and normalises their prostatic fluid.από herbwisdom.com
Οι περισσότεροι, όταν ακούν σχετικά με μεθόδους αύξησης των επιδόσεων, το μυαλό τους πάει σε απαγορευμένες ουσίες, όπως τα αναβολικά στεροειδή. Όμως υπάρχουν μερικοί ερευνητές που έχουν μελετήσει την ιδιότητα μερικών βοτάνων να βελτιώνουν τις αθλητικές επιδόσεις και νομίζω ότι τα αποτελέσματά τους είναι πολύ ενδιαφέροντα, ειδικά για τη ροδιόλα.Rhodiola rosea: πού φυτεύεταιΗ ροδιόλα είναι ένα φυτό που φύεται στις ψυχρές περιοχές του κόσμου, δηλαδή στις περιοχές γύρω από την Ανταρκτική, τις Άλπεις, τα Πυρηναία, τα Βραχώδη, τα Καρπάθια όρη και τη Σκανδιναβία, αν και ο αρχαίος Έλληνας ιατρός Διοσκουρίδης την περιγράφει ως φαρμακευτικό φυτό. Η ροδιόλα ανήκει σε μία κατηγορία φυτών που ιατρικά ονομάζονται adaptogens από την αγγλικό ρήμα adapt, που σημαίνει προσαρμόζομαι. Η ορολογία προέρχεται από τη δράση τους, δηλαδή ότι αυτά τα φυτά βοηθούν τον οργανισμό να προσαρμόζεται πιο εύκολα σε καταστάσεις έντασης (είτε σωματικής, είτε νοητικής).Η κατηγορία αυτών των φαρμακευτικών φυτών έχει πολύ ενδιαφέρον γιατί περιλαμβάνει πολλά φυτά γνωστά από το παρελθόν για τις ωφέλιμες επιδράσεις στον οργανισμό κατά τη διάρκεια σωματικής ή νοητικής εξάντλησης. Η ροδιόλα έχει ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον, γιατί φαίνεται ότι, εκτός από πολύ ωφέλιμη επίδραση στο νοητικό άγχος, μπορεί να ωφελήσει και τις αθλητικές επιδόσεις.Οι επιδράσεις στον οργανισμό Οι επιδράσεις της ροδιόλας στον οργανισμό είναι πολλές, αλλά αυτές που έχουν ερευνηθεί περισσότερο είναι οι εξής:• Τόνωση της νοητικής ικανότητας: Έχουν δημοσιευτεί αρκετές μελέτες σχετικά με την επίδραση της ροδιόλας στη νοητική ικανότητα ατόμων που λειτουργούν υπό εξαντλητικές και στρεσογόνες καταστάσεις. Μία από τις πιο σημαντικές έγινες σε νεαρούς ιατρούς που είχαν εφημερία. Οι ιατροί χωρίστηκαν σε δυο ομάδες, η μία ομάδα έλαβε ροδιόλα και η άλλη εικονικό φάρμακο (για να γίνει σύγκριση). Η ομάδα που έλαβε ροδιόλα είχε εντυπωσιακά καλύτερες επιδόσεις σε περίπλοκες νοητικές ασκήσεις το πρωί μετά την εφημερία. Αυτά τα δεδομένα δεν έχουν επιβεβαιωθεί σε έκπτωση της νοητικής λειτουργίας άλλης αιτιολογίας (π.χ. από γεροντική άνοια ή άνοια άλλης αιτιολογίας).• Αντιμετώπιση του συνδρόμου χρόνιας κόπωσης: Το σύνδρομο χρόνιας κόπωσης είναι μία νόσος-μυστήριο (όπου ακούτε τον όρο σύνδρομο αντί για νόσο, να είστε σίγουροι ότι πρόκειται για μυστήριο…) που δεν γνωρίζουμε πώς και γιατί εμφανίζεται στον οργανισμό, αν και υπάρχουν αρκετές θεωρίες για τα αίτιά της. Οι παθολόγοι θεωρούν ότι πρόκειται για πάθηση που προκαλείται από μικρόβια, οι ψυχίατροι τη θεωρούν μία μορφή κατάθλιψης κ.τ.λ. Μπορεί να μην γνωρίζουμε πολλά για τα αίτιά της αλλά φαίνεται ότι έχουμε ένα σημαντικό όπλο για την αντιμετώπισή της. Θεωρείται ότι η ροδιόλα μπορεί να βοηθήσει σημαντικά τους ασθενείς με σύνδρομο χρόνια κόπωσης. Φυσικά, σε αυτήν την περίπτωση μπορεί να λαμβάνεται ΜΟΝΟ υπό την επίβλεψη ειδικού ιατρού και ποτέ ως αυτο-θεραπεία!• Αντιμετώπιση της κόπωσης και τόνωση της ενέργειας: Για άτομα που δεν πάσχουν από σύνδρομο χρόνια κόπωσης, αλλά λόγω φόρτου εργασίας και επαγγελματικών (ή άλλων) υποχρεώσεων κουράζονται η ροδιόλα μπορεί να είναι μία καλή εναλλακτική λύση, όταν η βασική θεραπεία, ο ύπνος, δεν μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί. Αξίζει να τονίσουμε ότι η θεραπεία της κούρασης είναι ο ύπνος, αλλά υπάρχουν φορές που αυτό δεν είναι εφικτό. Τότε η ροδιόλα μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί ως αυτό-θεραπεία, αλλά για μικρό χρονικό διάστημα και σε άτομα που δεν λαμβάνουν άλλα φάρμακα. Αν η κόπωση διαρκεί μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα ή δεν μειώνεται σημαντικά με τον ύπνο, τότε πρέπει να δείτε κάποιον ειδικό.• Πρόληψη παθήσεων που οφείλονται στο στρες: Θα ήταν πολύ δύσκολο να γίνουν μελέτες που να αξιολογούν αυτή την επίδραση της ροδιόλας, αλλά οι ειδικοί πιστεύουν ότι κάτι τέτοιο μπορεί να είναι πιθανό, κρίνοντας από τις δράσεις της ροδιόλας στον οργανισμό όταν πάσχει από στρες. Θεωρείται (αν και δεν έχει αποδειχθεί με μελέτες) ότι η ροδιόλα μπορεί να προλαμβάνει μερικές από τις δυσάρεστες συνέπειες του άγχους, όπως η καταστολή της άμυνας του οργανισμού (και τα γνωστά σε όλους κρυώματα ή τον επιχείλιο έρπη) έως σημαντικότερες μακροχρόνιες συνέπειες, όπως η αρτηριακή πίεση. Μένει να αποδειχθεί και σε μελέτες για πιο συγκεκριμένες συστάσεις.Επίδραση της ροδιόλας στην αντοχήΟι πρώτες μελέτες που συνέδεαν την ροδιόλα με βελτιωμένες επιδόσεις σε αθλήματα αντοχής έκαναν την εμφάνισή τους πριν πολλά χρόνια στην πρώην Σοβιετική Ένωση τα τέλη της δεκαετίας του ’50. Έκτοτε τα δεδομένα επιβεβαιώθηκαν σε αρκετές μελέτες και θεωρείται ότι είναι αξιόπιστα (γενικά οι Δυτικοί επιστήμονες δεν είναι πάντα θετικοί με τα δεδομένα από την πρώην Σοβιετική Ένωση). Στη Σκανδιναβία παραδοσιακά θεωρείται ότι οι Βίκινγκς χρησιμοποιούσαν ροδιόλα για να ανταπεξέρχονται στις σωματικές και νοητικές απαιτήσεις του «Θεόφραστου» έργου τους.Νόσος του βουνού (ή του υψομέτρου)Για τελευταίο άφησα την πιο ενδιαφέρουσα σύμπτωση. Η ροδιόλα θεωρείται και έχει αποδειχθεί σε μελέτες, ότι βοηθάει σημαντικά στην αντιμετώπιση της νόσου του βουνού. Έχει αποδειχθεί ότι βελτιώνει τον ύπνο και τη διάθεση (δεν έχουν γίνει μελέτες για θνησιμότητα ή αντοχή σε υψόμετρο). Φυσικά η αντιμετώπιση της νόσου παραμένει η παραδοσιακή (κατάβαση), αλλά ως τότε η ροδιόλα μπορεί να απαλύνει τα συμπτώματα. Κάτι που προκαλεί εντύπωση είναι ότι η ροδιόλα φύεται εκεί που είναι περισσότερο αναγκαία…από holistic-greece.com
ένα άρθρο από lifespanmeds.comRHODIOLA ROSEA (Golden root) This is a perennial plant with red, pink, or yellowish flowers. It is no biological relation of 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 to increase energy. Rhodiola is cardio-protective, normalizing the heart-rate immediately after intense exercise. It improves nervous system and mental functions such as memory by increasing blood-supply to the muscles and brain, and also increases protein synthesis. 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.Rhodiola rosea and immunityRhodiola enhances fitness and well-being under stressful conditions. Rhodiola rosea stimulates the immune system in two ways: FIRST - by specific direct stimulation of immune defense (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 (6) 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. In one study done by O.M. Duhan and colleagues, the anti-mutagenic activity of Panax Ginseng and of Rhodiola rosea were compared (4). It appeared that the extracts of Rhodiola rosea have the 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. In one clinical trial 150 individuals suffered 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. Furthermore, Rhodiola rosea is four times less toxic than Panax ginseng. The main active components that are responsible for the extraordinary potency of Rhodiola rosea are rosavin, salidroside, rosin, and rosarin. Quality Rhodiola rosea extract should contain at least 2% rosavin and 0.8% salidroside.Dosage:For the roots would be 1 gram of the root three times daily, 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. Course for alcoholic extract: 10-20 days. 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.Methods of preparation TEA and tincture for the RHODIOLA ROSEA dry rootsPreparation of tea:Cut fine 5g of Rhodiola rosea roots. 1 cup of boiling water pour in roots and leave for (brew) at least 4 hours. Than filter.Daily dosage: 1/5 cup - 3-5 times per day. For better taste dilute Rhodiola rosea tea with juice, tonic or other herbal tea.Preparation of tincture:Mill 30 g of Rhodiola Rose roots in coffee-grinder no less 5-10 mm, add 150 ml of vodka without aromatic additives, agitate and steep 3-5 days at room temperature. Separate and filter the extract.Dosage: 1/2 tsp. x 3 times per day. Course: 10-20 days.History of rhodiola rosea:Adaptogens were discovered in 1947 by the Russian scientist Dr. Nicolai Lazarev, who in fact coined the name "adaptogen". Dr. Lazarev was also the mentor of Dr. Brekhman, who conducted extensive research on adaptogenic herbs. Dr Brekhman's first major focus was the now well known Panax Ginseng, also called Korean or Chinese Ginseng. This worked, but unfortunately it has a few drawbacks that have since become evident. It sometimes has side effects such as causing constipation and over-excitement which for some people is too stimulating. Dr. Brakhman soon moved on to other herbs and became recognized as the world's leading expert on adaptogens. Since then, hundreds of experimental and clinical studies on adaptogens have been done - most of them in Russia and Germany. Most of these studies have shown the outstanding stress-protective and immune system enhancing capacities of adaptogens.You may be familiar with the names of what are now called "first-generation" adaptogens: Panax Ginseng, American Ginseng, and Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng). But in this article I want to tell you about a unique adaptogen of the "second generation", Rhodiola rosea (Russian Rhodiola), which is a powerful anti-aging phyto supplement with adaptogenic and anti-stress activity. In Russia, Rhodiola rosea also known as "Golden root", has been used for centuries to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life. But before describing this unusual herb, let's say a few words about stress itself. The three phases of stress progression:1) Alarm phase - When some new stress factor strikes the body this causes a sudden release of internal stress-hormones - corticosteroids and catheholamines. If the stress is very intense it can damage the regulatory systems of the body permanently and immediately (for example in the case of exposure to high levels of nuclear radiation); but if one is lucky, or if the person takes adaptogens, than it is possible to smoothly progress further to the "adaptation phase".2) Adaptation phase - If the stress factor continues (for example, in sport it might be heavy athletic training) our body learns to tolerate the stressful stimulus - "adapt" - and increases its resistance to the stress factor. The "adaptation phase" is usually a safe period. The longer we can stay in the "adaptation phase", the better.3) Finally, the exhaustion phase appears, when the body fails to fight stress anymore and simply gives up. In this "exhaustion phase", disease symptoms rapidly appear and get worse.Diseases associated with stress may appear in the first "alarm phase", but they mainly appear in the third "exhaustion phase" when the body cannot fight stress anymore. This third phase usually develops after a period of months or years. Everything depends on the duration of the "adaptation phase". Sometimes the body may be fortunate and escape this third phase altogether, provided it can keep the stress under control. It is possible to do this by taking adaptogens; they can help you to stay in the "adaptation phase" for as long as possible.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". 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).Side effect and contraindications: Rhodiola has been the subject of many clinical studies. No side effects or interactions have been reported. Animal studies indicate that rhodiola has a low level of toxicity. (10) Don't take rhodiola during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. There is no information available about the safety of rhodiola in pregnancy or lactation. Insomnia may be a risk with high doses of rhodiola. To avoid insomnia, better to take rhodiola before breakfast for emotionally sensitive persons. A high dose is considered to be daily intakes of 1,500 to 2,000 mg and above of a Rhodiola rosea standardized extract. There are no well-known drug or nutrient interactions associated with Rhodiola rosea. However, much remains to be learned about this herb and how it may interact with other adaptogens, such as Siberian ginseng, as well as with other dietary supplements. Rhodiola or Ginseng?Rhodiola rosea (Russian Rhodiola) has all the advantages of Ginseng and Eleutherococcus but lacks the tendency to cause over-excitement that may sometimes occur with ginseng, or constipation as sometimes occurs with eleutherococcus. Russian Rhodiola is FIVE times less potentially toxic, than Panax ginseng. Russian or Chinese? Be Careful!Very precise analytical tests done by HPLC did confirm, that only Rhodiola rosea of Russian origin contains key active components: Rosavin, Rosarin, Rosin. Often so-called Rhodiola rosea formulas, sold in the United States (such as "Tibetan" Rhodiola or "Chinese" Rhodiola) contain no activity at all, as these formulas lack the key ingredient Rosavins while they are high in Salidroside. Only Rhodiola rosea of Russian origin (West and North Siberia) has the highest pharmacological activity and contains key active components ROSAVIN, ROSARIN, ROSIN and SALIDROSIDE. While so-called Tibetan Rhodiola and Rhodiola rosea of Chinese origin very often do not have enough potency and contains only SALIDROSIDE. Compare content of key substances in dry roots: Chinese Rhodiola often has no activity at all, but there are other species of Rhodiola that are predomin-ating in China, such as Tibetan Rhodiola, Rhodiola quadrifida, Rhodiola kirilowii, Rhodiola heterodonta and many others.
Wikipedia Salidroside: Salidroside (Rhodioloside) is a glucoside of tyrosol found in the plant Rhodiola rosea. It is thought to be one of the compounds responsible for the antidepressant and anxiolytic actions of this plant, along with rosavin. Salidroside may be more active than rosavin, even though many commercially marketed Rhodiola rosea extracts are standardised for rosavin content rather than salidroside.
