...
Could you expand on that, why Rhodiola?
Rhodiola rosea is widely recognized as a classic adaptogen. Successful clinicals that established Rhodiola Rosea's adaptogenic properties used standardized extractions yielding 3% rosavins (rosavin, rosarin, and rosin) and 1% salidrosides, the same ratio available in the natural root. These rosavins and salidrosides must be collectively present for rhodiola rosea to produce desired effects. In particular:
1) Rhodiola rosea is one of the few herbs that has been shown to trigger and support ATP and phosphocreatine synthesis (and re-synthesis) in the mitochondria. This is significant because mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to the development of degenerative diseases, and is, in fact, one of the espoused theories of aging. Consequently, rhodiola rosea should be an important part of any endurance/energy-enhancing matrix designed to regenerate mitochondrial function.
2) Considering that there are over 200 species of the rhodiola genus in Europe and Asia, it is important to highlight that rhodiola rosea is the only one that appears to have the biologically active concentrations of rosavins (rosarin, rosin, and rosavin) and salidrosides. Besides, look out for rhodiola rosea products with a 3:1 concentration of rosavins to salidrosides. This is the concentration that matches the ratio of active adaptogens used in clinical trials.
3) Rhodiola rosea appears to protect skeletal muscle tissue during stress and exercise. It does this by reducing muscle-cell concentrations of such inflammatory factors or markers such as C-reactive protein (a measure of inflammation) and creatinine kinase (a measure of muscle damage). Consequently, rhodiola rosea helps speed recovery after exercise.
4) Rhodiola rosea has been shown to help in the treatment of stress-induced anorexia (cessation of eating), as well as hypoxia.
5) Rhodiola rosea appears to have blood-sugar regulating properties, and has been successfully employed in the treatment of hyperglycemia and diabetic complications.
6) Rhodiola rosea has been shown to correct irregular menses, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, adrenal dysfunction, menopausal symptoms, and such like.
7) Rhodiola rosea is a powerful antioxidant in its own right. Furthermore, it also boosts cellular concentrations of superoxide dismutase, one of the most potent endogenous antioxidants known to science.
8) Rhodiola, like EGCG (in green tea), inhibits catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), supporting norepinephrine secretion. It also boosts cAMP levels and shows monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition properties.
8) And so on...
