Tibetan Rhodiola has long been used for enhancing athletic performance, and I recently had the chance to experiment with it.  I loved it!

Tibetan Rhodiola

Tibetan Rhodiola “The Arctic Rose”

Scientific Name: Rhodiola rosea

What is Tibetan Rhodiola, and why is it good for athletic performance?

Tibetan Rhodiola, also known as Rhodiola rosea, is a plant that grows in high-altitude regions of Asia and Europe. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve physical and mental performance. Here are some of the reasons why Tibetan Rhodiola is considered good for athletic performance:

  1. Increased endurance: Studies have shown that Tibetan Rhodiola can increase endurance and reduce fatigue in athletes. It does this by enhancing the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary source of energy for the body’s cells.
  2. Improved oxygen utilization: Tibetan Rhodiola has been shown to improve oxygen utilization by the body. This is particularly important for athletes, as it can increase endurance and delay fatigue during intense exercise.
  3. Reduced stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on athletic performance. Tibetan Rhodiola has been shown to have adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress and reduce anxiety levels.
  4. Enhanced mental focus: Tibetan Rhodiola has been shown to improve mental focus and cognitive function. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes who need to maintain concentration during competitions.
  5. Increased muscle recovery: Exercise can cause muscle damage, which can lead to soreness and fatigue. Tibetan Rhodiola has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce muscle damage and speed up recovery time.

What if I’m not an athlete?  Is it still good for me?  EVEN MORE SO!

  1. Reducing stress and anxiety: Tibetan Rhodiola has adaptogenic properties that help the body cope with stress and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  2. Boosting cognitive function: Studies suggest that Tibetan Rhodiola may improve cognitive function, including memory, focus, and attention.
  3. Supporting immune function: Tibetan Rhodiola contains compounds that have been shown to stimulate the immune system and enhance overall health.
  4. Protecting against oxidative stress: Tibetan Rhodiola is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Constituents:

  • Phenylpropanoids: rosavins: rosavin, rosin & rosarin
  • Phenylethanol derivatives: salidroside (aka. rhodioloside), rhodiolin & rosiridin)
  • Flavonoids (p-tyrosol, catechins & proanthocyanidins)
  • Phenolic acids & Tannins (gallic acid, caffeic acid & chlorogenic acid)
  • Volatile Oil (geraniol)

Medicinal actions:

  • Adaptogen
  • Antioxidant
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Cardiotonic
  • Hepatoprotective
  • Immuno-stimulant
  • Nervine Tonic (Cognitive enhancer)

Mechanism of Action & Pharmacology:

  • Salidroside (aka. rhodioloside), Rosavins & and flavonoids are potent antioxidants that exert neuroprotective effects and are able to reduce neuronal death and behavioral dysfunction via oxidative stress pathways.
  • Salidroside protects endothelium against H2O2-induced injury via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function, thus preventing the over activation of oxidative stress-related signaling pathways, enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, heart, liver and brain tissues in vivo.
  • Adaptogenic properties & cardioprotective effects have been attributed to its ability to prevent the depletion of adrenal catecholamines induced by acute stress and effecting the release and activity of monoamines such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, hypothalamus, possibly due to inhibition of the activity of enzymes responsible for monoamine degradation and facilitation of neurotransmitter transport within the brain. Extract also demonstrated a protective effect against neurotoxicity induced by beta-amyloid proteins in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.
  • Cardiotonic effects may be due to cyclic AMP elevation in the myocardium. Antiarrhythmic effect has also demonstrated in vivo, may be partially due to an increase in the level of endogenous opioid peptides as can induce opioid peptide biosynthesis through the activation of both central and peripheral opioid receptors. Extract was shown to increase leu-enkephalin (endogenous opioid peptide) concentration in blood plasma, suprarenal glands and myocardium of rats exposed to stress.

Safety & Toxicity Concerns:

  • May cause agitation, especially in those prone to anxiety.
  • Avoid with excited states and use with caution in bipolar conditions, especially with those with a tendency towards mania.
  • Avoid concurrent use with stimulants (e.g. caffeine).

Interactions:

  • Theoretical interaction with cardiac medications and antidepressants.