Rhodiola

What are the characteristics of Rhodiola?

Rhodiola is known to boost the body's resistance and immune defenses. By improving the synthesis and release of serotonin, it acts on nervous system disorders such as stress, seasonal or chronic depression and headaches. A stimulant, Rhodiola also acts on female libido, erectile dysfunction in men, and physical performance during intense sporting effort.

Among the Siberian Yakuts and in Scandinavia, the root, nicknamed "tundra ginseng", is traditionally taken as a stimulant and to combat fatigue. Among the Inuit of Alaska and Canada, a decoction of fresh flowers is recommended against gastritis, intestinal disorders and tuberculosis, while the stems and leaves are eaten as a vegetable. In Russia, the herbal tea and 40° alcoholic tincture are traditional, and the fluid extract is listed in the 1975 Russian Pharmacopoeia. In Mongolia, the root is recommended against influenza, tuberculosis and cancer. A Himalayan species, Rhodiola crenulata, is also used in traditional Chinese medicine as a stimulant, but overharvesting, particularly in Tibet, is threatening this species with extinction.

Latin name: Rhodiola rosea L.

Botanical family: Crassulaceae

Producer organ: Rhizome

Known or presumed mode of action :

Action on the level and activity of monoamines and opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins. Rhodiola rosea acts primarily on the central nervous system and other systems through several key biological mechanisms:

• Enhanced cognitive capacity: Its anticholinesterase action, due to flavonoid glycosides, inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase(AChE), thus promoting memory and learning.
• Neuroprotective properties: protects neurons through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cholinergic modulation mechanisms. Salidroside, an active component, acts via the mitochondrial pathway to limit oxidative damage (ORF, NO).
• Anti-depressant action: By inhibiting monoamine oxidases (MAO), rhodiola preserves neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, noradrenalin), thus regulating the cellular response to stress.
• Anti-fatigue effect: Its adaptogenic properties boost physical and mental stamina, by reducing salivary cortisol (stress).
• Endocrine properties: It influences the menstrual cycle and sexual function, with effects onamenorrhea and erectile dysfunction.
• Cardioprotective and anticancer activity: It inhibits angiotensin I-converting enzyme(ACE), showing antihypertensive potential, and promotes apoptosis of cancer cells.

These modes of action highlight its multifunctional therapeutic potential, suitable for a wide range of pathologies.

Precautions for use :

• Avoid taking in the evening, to avoid disrupting sleep.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
• For adults only
• Caution with people suffering from bipolar disorder (manic-depressive psychosis), in whom the root could trigger manic episodes of psychic excitement.
• Due to its hypoglycemic effect, dosage adjustment may be necessary in people taking antidiabetic drugs
• Modification of blood pressure, dosage adjustment may be necessary in patients on antihypertensive drugs
  • Possible interaction with losartan
• Increased risk of bleeding, caution with aspirin, oral anticoagulants, heparin, clopidogrel, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Use with caution in patients taking CNS depressants
• Possible interactions with cytochromes P450, caution with drugs with narrow therapeutic margins
  • Possible interactions with paracetamol, acetazolamide, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, anxiolytics, sedatives, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressants, MAOIs and SRIs, anti-inflammatories, antivirals, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, central nervous system stimulants, lipid-lowering agents, estrogens, immunomodulants, opiates, pentobarbital, theophylline

Main plant components :

• Phenylethanoids(salidroside and tyrosol), phenylpropanoids(cinnamic alcohol and its derivatives: rosin and rosavin), and rosavidin (a cinnamyl-0(6'-O-L-arabinopyranosyl-glucopyranoside), rhodiooctanoside, rosiridine, rhodioline, viridoside
• Essential oil, 8-sitosterone, daucosterol
• Monoterpenes, an anthraglycoside
• Flavonoids and tannins (16-18%)
• Cinnamic alcohol, chlorogenic acid

The root and rhizome dispensed in pharmacies have an EMA Community monograph. The plant is listed as a medicinal plant in the French Pharmacopoeia and is authorized for use in dietary supplements in France.

How to reduce cortisol levels for better sleep?

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. High cortisol levels can cause sleep problems. If you're looking to reduce your cortisol levels to improve the quality of your sleep over the long term, here are a few tips that may help.

1. Manage your stress: Stress is one of the main causes of increased cortisol levels in the body. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, regular exercise and behavioral therapy can help reduce your stress and cortisol levels.
2. Improve your diet: Eating healthy, balanced foods can help maintain healthy cortisol levels. Avoid processed foods high in sugar, saturated fat and salt. Instead, opt for nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats.
3. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels in the body. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Also avoid screens and blue light before bedtime.
4. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce cortisol levels and improve the quality of your sleep. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, preferably outdoors.
5. Avoid stimulants: Stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can increase cortisol levels in the body. Avoid consuming them before bedtime and limit your intake during the day.

By following these tips, you can reduce your cortisol levels and improve the quality of your sleep. However, if you have persistent sleep problems, it's important to consult a doctor for further advice.

What food supplements for stress and sleep does Soin-et-Nature offer?

Soin-et-Nature offers a varied range of food supplements to manage stress, improve sleep and promote emotional balance. Here are the main categories available:

• To regain a stable emotional balance, adapted supplements promote mental well-being and emotional management.
• To improve sleep quality, natural solutions help reduce nocturnal disturbances and promote restful rest.
• To naturally regulate the sleep cycle, melatonin supports sleep onset and a balanced biological rhythm.
• To reduce stress and anxiety, targeted supplements provide natural help in stressful situations.
• To regain serenity and well-being, specific formulas offer global support for the mind and body.
• To promote relaxation and calm, griffonia, rich in 5-HTP, helps regulate mood.
• For natural support against mild depression, St. John's Wort is recognized for its natural antidepressant properties.
• To improve stress resistance and mental vitality, Rhodiola is ideal for better managing demanding situations.

These dietary supplements for stress and sleep available on Soin-et-Nature help you regain balance and serenity, while promoting quality sleep.