Botanical Adaptogen from the Arctic
Rhodiola is a legendary botanical from the Polar Arctic regions of Eastern Siberia. Indigenous people of the area used rhodiola as a tonic against stress and for improved work capacity and stamina. This traditional use eventually led to modern research into its potential as an adaptogen—a substance that helps our bodies adapt to environmental, physiological and psychological stress.
Planetary Formulas Full Spectrum Rhodiola Rosea combines a standardized extract of the Rhodiola rosea root with whole rhodiola root extract, providing a broad range of rhodiola’s valuable constituents.
Siberian Tonic Herb
Rhodiola is a root of the Rhodiola rosea plant, which is native to Siberia. It was valued by the traditional aboriginal peoples of the region as a strengthening tonic that was believed to increase physical and mental stamina. In modern times, rhodiola has been researched for its adaptogenic properties.
The term adaptogen was coined by the Russian scientist Lazarev in 1947. Adaptogens are defined as substances that show a nonspecific activity in helping to support our body’s natural defenses. Used to enhance health, vitality and mood, they support the normal mechanisms our bodies have for maintaining a healthy balance or homeostasis in the face of physical and emotional stress. Adaptogens must be safe and must not influence body functions more than necessary to achieve their desired effects.
Dynamics of Stress
According to the pioneering medical research of Dr. Hans Selye, our bodies are able to respond to stressful situations via a process in which the sympathetic nervous system stimulates the hypothalamus-pituitaryadrenal gland axis.However, chronic stress can exhaust our resources and compromise our ability to respond, leading to nonresistance and diminished vitality. Although the exact mechanism of action of adaptogens is not known, evidence suggests that they enhance the general adaptive response of an organism, primarily by influencing the pituitary-adrenal gland axis.
Modern Research Focuses on Glucosides
Most research on rhodiola’s benefits has focused on a pair of glucosides designated as rosavidin (also known as rosavin) and salidroside. These primary compounds have been studied for their ability to increase resistance to various stressors in animals. In these studies, antistress, endocrine and central nervous system effects have been reported. In one human trial, 10 mg of salidrosides, administered orally, was shown to enhance mental function.
Planetary Formulas Full Spectrum Rhodiola Rosea delivers 10 mg of salidrosides in a concentrated extract of rhodiola, standardized to 0.8% rosavin and 0.8% salidrosides, plus a 4:1 whole root extract, for a complete spectrum of rhodiola constituents.
Full Spectrum Formulation
Planetary Formulas Full Spectrum Rhodiola Rosea is one of a series of Full Spectrum single ingredient herbs, which provide the broadest range of benefits the plant has to offer. Combining various parts of the plant—roots, bark, flowers and leaves—or whole herb plus standardized extracts, maintains nature’s wisdom while delivering standardized amounts of pharmacologically active constituents.
These preparations draw on the wisdom of traditional cultures and the new knowledge gleaned from scientific research, providing the best of what modern herbalism has to offer.
References:
Wagner, H., Nörr, H., Winterhoff, H. 1994. Plant Adaptogens. Phytomedicine, 1:63-76. |
1-800-418-4842
