From the Research
Rhodiola rosea works primarily by acting as an adaptogen that helps the body resist various stressors, with its mechanism of action involving the modulation of neurotransmitters in the brain and the normalization of cortisol levels during stress responses, as supported by studies such as 1 and 2. The active compounds in Rhodiola, including salidroside and rosavins, play a crucial role in its adaptogenic effects, as noted in studies like 3 and 4. Some key points about Rhodiola rosea's mechanism of action include:
- Modulation of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly by inhibiting the breakdown of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine through monoamine oxidase inhibition, as suggested by 2
- Normalization of cortisol levels during stress responses, which helps in reducing the impact of stress on the body, as indicated by 1
- Enhancement of cellular energy metabolism by increasing ATP production, which can help in improving physical and mental performance, as noted in 5
- Activation of neuropeptide Y expression in the brain, which plays a role in stress resilience, as mentioned in 2
- Antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative damage and may support neurogenesis, as discussed in 5 For therapeutic effects, typical dosages range from 200-600 mg daily of a standardized extract containing 2-3% rosavins and 0.8-1% salidroside, taken in the morning or early afternoon to avoid sleep disruption, as recommended by studies like 4. Effects are generally noticed within 30 minutes to a few hours after administration, with more significant benefits developing after 1-3 weeks of consistent use, as reported in 1 and 2.