Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea Extract (‘Golden Root’, ‘Arctic Root’)is an ‘adaptogen’ – a plant substance that purportedly enhances the ability of the body to withstand stress. Found in the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia Rhodiola rosea has long been a subject of research in the Scandinavian and Slavic countries. English speaking researchers recently begun to explore Rhodiola’s properties; it is now the subject of a substantial amount of research.
Recent animal and laboratory studies suggest Rhodiola may be able to enhance endurance, reducemoxidative stress, increase hippocampal serotonin levels and
reduce inflammation. Rhodiola may also be able to regulate immune functioning via the interferon pathway. One study suggests it could be effective against Coxsackie virus B3.
Two trials suggested Rhodiola may be effective in reducing symptoms in general anxiety disorder (GAD) and mild/moderate depression. Another reported it had beneficial effects in adults with ‘cognitive and physical’ deficiencies. Few statistically rigorous studies of Rhodiola’s effectiveness in humans, however, have been done.
Rhodiola rosea May Be Beneficial In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because it may be able to rebalance neurotransmitters called monamines (eg serotonin and dopamine) that some researchers believe may be out of balance in ME/CFS. Rhodiola may also be able to increase beneficial fatty acid levels, ATP production, regulate interferon activity and protect against Coxsackie virus. All of these may be implicated in ME/CFS. No studies have examined Rhodiola’s effectiveness in ME/CFS, however.
Rhodiola Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies: None
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Doctor’s Report: None
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Patients Report: None
Dose: Whole Health MD recommends that patients start slowly and work their way up over time.
Buy standardized products that contain a set amount (at least 2%) of rosavin. For people using the tincture form of rhodiola, 10 drops of tincture are equal to about 100 mg of rhodiola found in a standardized herbal capsule.
The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. It does not present complete information on this drug. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.
Back to Alternative Energy Resource
__________________________
Aslanyan G Amroyan E Gabrielyan E Malstrom C Panossian A (2007) Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression Nord J Psychiatry 61(5):343-348
Panossian A, Wikman Evidence-Based Efficacy of Adaptogens in Fatigue, and Molecular Mechanisms Related to Their Stress-Protective Activity. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Sep 1.