Rhodiola antidepressant...does it work?Results of a Rhodiola antidepressant pilot study (Journal of Alt. Med. March 2008, 14(2): 175-180) performed on 10 participants, recruited from the UCLA Anxiety Disorder Program in California, showed that “significant improvement in GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) was found with R. Rosea.” Although it was a very small study, it is, nevertheless, encouraging considering the source: Department of Psychiatry, University of California. The Rhodiola antidepressant herb has been a large part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Rhodiola, or Golden Root, is classified as an adaptogen meaning that it helps the body to adapt to various stressors such as physical illness, depression, fatigue, chemical and psychological trauma. The term adaptogen has not been fully accepted by western medicine. The problem is in defining what precisely an adaptogen exactly is. However, in Russia they have been recognized as a distinct group of substances. Anti-aging? One recent study (Rejuvenation Res. Dec. 2007, 10(4): 587-602) performed at the University of California tested the life-span of fruit flies on a diet of Rhodiola. The scientists could not determine why this anti-aging happened and suggested continued investigation. And other than the Rhodiola, there was no dietary manipulation of either group. A report of this nature would be no surprise to alternative health practitioners who have been recommending Rhodiola antidepressant herb routinely as a tonic and general health builder to keep us living longer. Other studies have attributed Rhodiola to: • Decreasing fatigue • Stimulating the nervous system • Reducing high-altitude sickness • Cardiopulmonary protection • Sexuality enhancement • Anti-tumour activity • Improving athletic performance • Preventing and treating sports injuries Almost all studies state that “further studies are needed. “ This is not surprising as scientists don’t exactly know what Rhodiola’s active ingredients are. Also, Rhodiola supplements contain a wide range of concentrations adding further complication to scientific studies. Possible side effects As it is a stimulant, high doses may cause insomnia and increase the heart rate. Caution is recommended to those who have heart conditions and who may be on medication. “Natural” doesn’t necessarily mean “safe.” Many naturopathic practitioners recommend that you take a break from the Rhdiola herb, and other stimulating adaptogens, every two weeks. The future It is common knowledge that many people have a low tolerance for prescription medication due to the many side effects. It would be nice to see more supportive papers on the Rhodiola antidepressant being published in reputable clinical journals. Do I take it? In the meantime, I continue to take Rhodiola and other adaptogens in the form of a low-dosage commercial cocktail. One or two ounces blend nicely into the nutritional protein shake I take every morning. It has become an important part of my daily routine.
Can I state, specifically, that Rhodiola rosea for depression is helping me? I can’t say for sure. However, in view of the published data, I am convinced that adaptogens support my general approach which is the exploitation of as many natural herbs, minerals, vitamins as possible. I believe in nutritional cleansing to eliminate the food and environmental toxins that accumulate in our bodies. It’s the Body-Mind Connection; let’s cleanse the body to clear the mind.
Yes, some
alternative treatments
available that are worth investigating.
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