Bacopa monnieri is a herb which It grows naturally in India and has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic Medicine Tradition in the treatment of a number of disorders, particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory. It is also known as Brahmi. Boasts large green leaves and purple flowers. Researches have shown that the contains many active constituents, including a number of saponins and alkaloids, however, the major constituents are the steroidal saponins, Bacosides A and B. There are some 80 different species of bacopa plant. Only bacopa monnieri has been scientifically evaluated.

Bacopa Benefits

Some studies indicate that bacopa monnieri may help preserve memory and enhance cognitive function. Compounds responsible for the medical effects of bacopa monnieri include saponins, alkaloids and sterols. Another constituents have since been identified, including betulic acid, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, as well as numerous bacosides and bacopa saponins. The triterpenoid saponins and their bacosides are responsible for bacopa capability to enhance nerve impulse transmission. Bacosides have antioxidant effects, enhance nerve impulse transmission and have the ability to repair damaged nerve cells. Bacosides help the repair of damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, neuronal synthesis, restoration and regeneration of synaptic activity resulting in nerve impulse transmission.

Cognitive Function

A 2002 study reported in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that using bacopa for 3 months significantly improved memory. Participants were tested on retention of new information, and the placebo group forgot the information more quickly than the group taking bacopa. One particularly study on bacopa monnieri was performed in Australia, using neuropsychological testing. These tests measure a number of different cognitive skills, such as attention, memory consolidation, short-term memory,  decision making, problem solving, information processing, and verbal learning. In one group were given 300 milligrams of bacopa daily, and the others received a placebo. The tests were repeated 5 and 12 weeks after the study began. The researchers noticed an important improvement among the people in the bacopa group compared to those in the placebo group. The findings demonstrated that bacopa significantly developed performance on specific tests, most notably those dealing with information processing, verbal learning and memory consolidation.

Anxiety

Studies in humans have found that bacopa monnieri may help to reduce stress and anxiety. In a double-blind placebo controlled study at Helfgott Research Institute, 48 participants, 65 or older, were given a daily dose of 300 mg of bacopa or a placebo for 12 weeks. Those who took the bacopa showed improved word recall memory scores in comparison to the placebo group. The Bacopa group also showed less anxiety and depression after taking the supplement when compared to the placebo group. This study provides further evidence that bacopa monnieri has property for safely enhancing cognitive performance in the elderly. Bacopa boosts the effects of certain neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine and serotonin. This effect on neurotransmitters is what enables to decrease anxiety and depression symptoms.

Epileptic Seizures

Some studies suggest that bacopa could reduce the frequency and duration of epileptic seizures by regulating the activities of the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors. GABA controls important functions of the central nervous system. A study on thirteen epilepsy patients using a defatted, ethanolic extract of bacopa  was performed over a 5-month period. The participants showed improvement in the frequency of seizures over a period of 2 to 5 months. The seizures ceased in 5 cases.

Antioxidant Activity

Bacopa seem to have important antioxidant activity in the brain, which may protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals, waste substances that can have toxic effects on cells. A study at the University of Catania, found that Bacopa’s antioxidants have a protective property on human DNA fibroblasts, suggesting that this herb may be helpful in the treatment of diseases in which free radicals play a key role.

Bacopa Dosage

Bacopa monnieri extract is available in powders, capsules, syrups and teas. The dose for bacopa monnieri is generally 200-400 mg per day in 2 or 3 divided doses of an extract standardized to 20 percent bacosides.

Bacopa Side Effects

Although bacopa monnieri is generally considered safe, it may cause side effects such as nausea, dry mouth and muscle fatigue. Though bacopa has not been shown to be harmful to pregnant women, caution should still be exercised. Individuals taking antidepressants or antipsychotics that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes should not take B. monnieri because it interferes with the metabolization and elimination of the drugs which can lead to overdose. Bacopa can cause heart palpitations. Check with your physician before taking bacopa if you have heart problems. Patients taking thyroid medication should be careful as this plant can increase the concentration of the thyroid drugs. Bacopa may affect male fertility. Has been reported to reversibly suppress spermatogenesis and fertility in male mice at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight/day (equivalent to a 19 gram dose for a 76kg male) for 28 and 56 days.

Is a perennial herb in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae.  Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is one of the the well-known herbs a herbal antibiotic and immune system enhancer. This popular herb grows wild in moist mountainous woodland areas. It has acquired reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a cure for various gastric and genitourinary diseases. Golden seal is often combined with other herbs such as Echinacea and others and is believed that goldenseal enhances the therapeutic effects of other herbs. Echinacea may develop immune systems and lessen the symptoms and duration of colds, and goldenseal may help reduce mucus.

Constituents: Hydrastine, berberine, berberastine, canadine, candaline, hydrastinine, fatty acids,  polyphenolic acids, meconin, chlorogenic acid, phytosterols. The underground stems or dried rhizomes and roots are used. The taste is very bitter and has a strong smell. The medicinal effects of goldenseal are attributed to the alkaloids berberine and hydrastine which are present in concentrations of 2 to 10%.

Goldenseal Uses Benefits

Goldenseal is used for respiratory problems, the cold or flu, ulcers, congestion, bladder and intestine infections, fevers, mucous problems. Common uses include treatment of nasal congestion, mouth sores, eye and ear infections, and as a topical antiseptic. A poultice or wash of helps promote healing of external wounds and irritations.  Goldenseal plant is frequently used to boost the  effects of other herbs it is blended or formulated with. The genitourinary system and is  used as antimicrobial in fighting against urinary tract infections and treating gonorrhea. Has not been as subjected to extensive pharmacological investigations, despite it being an herb that possessed a important reputation. Its main active ingredient, berberine, has been the subject of clinical study. Research indicates berberine may be an useful cure for some conditions for which it is commonly used, such as infectious diarrhea and bacterial infections.  Goldenseal is frequently used both internally and topically.

Goldenseal contains a compound named berberine that kills many types of bacteria. Berberine may  activate white blood cells, making them more effective at fighting infection and strengthening the immune system. Berberine also is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat infectious diarrhea and dysentery. Tests in the lab have shown that direct contact with berberine helps stop bacteria and some types of fungus from growing. Golden seal is effective is battling bacteria as well as protozoa, fungi and streptococci.  Studies have shown it is useful in the treatment of diarrhea cause by E. coli , salmonella paratyphi , Shigella dysenteriae, giardia lamblia, and vibrio cholerae .

Goldenseal cleanses and promotes glandular functions by increasing bile flow and digestive enzymes, thus regulating normal liver and spleen functions. Berberine has been shown in several  studies to stimulate the secretion of bile and bilirubin.

Goldenseal root is considered to be an effective broad spectrum antibiotic. Its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects have led researchers to study goldenseal root as a possible alternative to chemical antibiotics. It is found that using goldenseal helps reduce  flu and cold symptoms considerably. This is mainly because of the berberine content in goldenseal which contains  powerful antibiotic and antiseptic effects.

When used as a mouthwash, improves mouth infections and sore throats. An writing in the June 2003 Planta Medica reported that goldenseal constituents named flavonoids were influential against oral pathogens.

Research finds that goldenseal may boost immune function by increasing antigen-specific immunoglobulin production. Goldenseal is  used with Echinacea as an immunostimulant. Like golden seal, echinacea contains effective compounds that augment the immune system. Echinacea is a plant used to strengthen the immune system and to fight bacterial and viral infections. Golden seal is meant to complement echinacea by decreasing congestion and mucus production. As the echinacea herb begins to activate immune fighters such as macrophages, goldenseal reduces the inflammation of mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract, lowers heat, redness and swelling. Lozenges containing golden seal, echinacea and zinc are also popular.

The goldenseal  has effects that stimulate appetite, aid digestion, often increase the production of bile and cure digestive problems . For those who suffer from digestive difficulties like ulcers, gastritis colitis and other inflammatory conditions, goldenseal  may prove helpful. This plant  is also a good bitter tonic, and can help promote strong digestion and increase the production of enzymes and hydrochloric acid.

Golden seal may be used as a topical application to aid in healing injuries and skin conditions such as eczema. Eczema is an itchy, inflammatory skin illness appearing on the face, scalp, elbows and knees. An allergy triggers many cases of eczema or it results from a problem in the immune system. This herb contains an active ingredient named berberine that may help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Goldenseal Uses

Golden seal can be taken internally as a capsule, extract, tincture, or tea. It is generally recommended that the daily dosage  should be one 250 to 500 mg capsule of an extract standardized to 8-12% alkaloids, taken thrice daily. Infusion is made with ½ to 1 teaspoon-powdered root per cup of water. 1 dropperful of tincture 2  to 3 times a day. Can be used externally as a compress to treat wounds. It is  available as a cream or ointment to heal skin wounds. Golden seal tincture can be used as a mouthwash or gargle for mouth sores and sore throats.

Goldenseal Side Effects

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use golden seal. One of golden seal important constituents, berberine, has been reported to cause uterine contractions and to increase levels of bilirubin. Berberine is known to cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Goldenseal is not recommended for children unless under a physician supervision.

Goldenseal could  make the sedative effects of other medicines stronger, as well as interfere with blood pressure medications. Goldenseal should not be used for more than 3 weeks and should not be taken by those with high blood pressure, low blood sugar.

Usually a two-week maximum dosage is suggested. This herb is considered safe for short-term use in adults at recommended dosages. Taking golden seal over a long period of time can reduce absorption of B vitamins. The tannins in goldenseal tincture may cause stomach irritation. Those with kidney , liver and heart disease, or other serious conditions should consult with their physician first. The use of  large doses or extended use is not recommended. High doses may lead to vomiting, difficulty in breathing, bradycardia, spasms, and central paralysis.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a genus of floweringplants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Is common in India and in other tropical and warmregions of the world. The plant is also known as agua de flor de Jamaica, rosa de Jamaica. The hibiscus flower contain glycosides hibiscin and gossypetin. It also has the active flavonoids delphinidin and cyanidin, which gives the tea its red color. Dried flowers have a high  vitamin C content. While the hibiscus flower has over 200 species, the tea is made from Hibiscus sabdariffa. Hibiscus tea is also referred to as sour tea.

Hibiscus Benefits

Hibiscus has high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants assist the body in neutralizing the losses of free radicals, slowing down aging processes, and improving our general health. When body uses oxygen, it releases cells containing hydrogen peroxide that can damage cells; this can speed up the aging process and contribute to illness. Is a important source of Vitamin C, which plays a role in strengthening  immune system and helps to ward off infections and colds. Antioxidants also help lower the risk of developing cancer. Hibiscus tea is a natural ACE inhibitor, which inhibits the contracting action of ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme ), dilates the blood vessels and reduces the blood pressure. North Africans hibiscus tea is used to help maintain a normal body temperature, support heart health, and encourage fluid balance.

Hibiscus  may help reduce inflammation in body. This plant has important antioxidant activity. Antioxidants can decrease inflammatory symptoms in many health conditions, including inflammatory joint disease, and acute and chronic pancreatitis. The antioxidants in hibiscus may help lessen liver inflammation and enhance liver health. (2009-Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry). Hibiscus tea is believed to have positive effects in treating liver disorder in traditional Asian medicine. It is used to treat liver disease in India and China. Antioxidant compounds in hibiscus tea offer protective effects for the liver, according to a article published in the 2011 issue of the journal Current Medicinal Chemistry. An experimental study in mice detected that hibiscus can preventliver damage caused by acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and a number of other pain-killers, which is known to cause liver damage in high  doses. When tested against stomach cancer cells, hibiscus showed to be deadly to the cells. A study published of Chemico-biological Interactions found that an extract of hibiscus is toxic to cancer cells.

Hibiscus Flowers and Blood Pressure

Hypertension is  known as high blood pressure. The World Health Organization defines hypertension as blood pressure higher than 140/90. Hibiscus tea reduces blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive people. Some research has demonstrated that they have a diuretic effects and have found mild blood vessel–dilation property. Studies done at “Tufts University” of Boston show that drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea each day lowers blood pressure by an average of 6 points. For 6 weeks, 65 adults who had mildly elevated blood pressure drank either 3 cups of hibiscus tea or a placebo beverage each day. After 6 weeks, systolic blood pressure in individuals drinking the hibiscus tea was significantly reduced. Compared with the baseline measurements, hibiscus tea reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.5%  whereas no reduction was seen in the placebo group. The researchers conclude that hibiscus tea could be a dietary change recommended for people with prehypertension  or mild hypertension.

A other study published in the “British Medical Journal” showed that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea every day for a 3 months could help lowering high blood pressure levels by 10 percent. A study described in the “Phytomedicine” tested the effects of 16 ounces of hibiscus tea every morning and 25 mg of hypertension captropil twice a day. Research findings show that the tea works just as well as the medication. A randomized, placebo-controlled study from Iran compared the effects of hibiscus tea on 54 people with moderate high blood pressure. After fifteen days, those who drank the hibiscus tea had an about of 11.2 %decrease in systolic pressure and 10.7 % decrease in diastolic pressure. These decline were statistically significant when compared to the placebo group.

How Does it Work

The anthocyanins and flavonoids  found in hibiscus tea have antioxidant effects. Antioxidants inhibit the level of oxidation that affects molecules, which can cause cell damage and higher blood pressure. This plant has diuretic effect. An critical property of the diuretic action of the hibiscus tea is that it increases sodium excretion without affecting potassium. It opens the arteries, and it appears to act as a natural ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme ) inhibitor, which means it slows the release of hormones that constrict blood vessels. In addition, hibiscus plant helps promote relaxation, reducing stress levels and subsequently blood pressure. The presence of stress hormones in the blood can cause blood pressure increases.

Dosage

A typical adult dosage of hibiscus;  One cup of hibiscus tea 2x daily or dried powdered hibiscus extract providing 250 mg anthocyanins per day. 2 tsp of dried blossoms or 1 tsp of crumbled blossom with 1 cup of boiling water, steep for ten minutes. Tincture : 1 – 3 ml, daily (1–3 full droppers)

Hibiscus Tea Side Effects

Individuals who have low blood pressure must avoid drinking Hibiscus tea. Consuming the tea by individuals with low blood pressure may cause dizziness, faintness or other more serious problems such as damage to the heart or brain. If you take medications to hypertension, talk to your physician before taking natural remedy with similar features. People that are taking acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs should be careful with regard to their consumption of hibiscus tea, due to the fact that the tea could affect how the body processes the drugs.

Consuming hibiscus tea reduces estrogen levels, and  using hormone replacement therapy or taking birth control drugs should avoid drinking the tea. Do not drink hibiscus while pregnant or breastfeeding. Hibiscus plant may stimulate the uterus and is contraindicated in pregnant women due to its theoretical ability to induce abortion. Women who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, or those who are using hormone replacement, should play it safe and avoid drinking hibiscus tea. Some individuals have experienced an hallucinogenic effect from drinking hibiscus tea or a sensation of feeling intoxicated. Take care when driving or using machinery if you are unfamiliar with the effects
of such tea. Hibiscus can be an allergy trigger for some people. Symptoms will mostly resemble hay fever, with stuffed sinuses, itchy red eyes.

What is Curcumin? Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, which is a member of the ginger family. It has a long history of use in herbal remedies, particularly in India, China, and Indonesia. Curcumin is the most important biologically active phytochemical compound of Turmeric. Curcuminoids comprise about 2-9% of turmeric. Curcumin is one of 3 curcuminoids of turmeric. The other two curcuminoids are bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin.

Curcumin Benefits

Curcuminhas a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine for stomach pain and arthritis. Scientific research has found that curcumin has strong antioxidative, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, hepatoprotective and antiangiogenic efficacy. In several systems, curcumin has been described as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Studies has been presented to suggest that curcumin can suppress tumor initiation, promotion and metastasis. Recent studies have are evaluating the therapeutic potential of curcumin in treatment of especially colorectal and pancreatic cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Curcumin and Anti Inflammatory Properties

Curcumin blocks the formation of reactive-oxygen species, possesses anti-inflammatory effect as a result of inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX) and other enzymes involved in inflammation. COX-2 is the body’s main enzyme responsible for the production of pain and inflammation in muscle and other tissues. Curcumin has not only been shown to be a COX-2 inhibitor, but it’s also well tolerated.

According to a study, curcumin inhibits the production of various inflammatory chemicals, including cyclo-oxygenase-2, lipoxygenase, prostaglandins, leukotrienes,  tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8. (Nutrición Hospitalaria journal.)

NF-kappaB (Nuclear factor-kappa) acts like a switch to turn on genes that produce the body’s inflammatory responses. Curcumin has been shown to exert strong inhibitory effects on NF-kappaB activation within the body. Curcumin inhibits overexpression of NF-kappaB.

Curcumin has similar anti-inflammatory action as NSAIDS. A  human study of 18 patients with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) found that 1,200 mg of curcumin per day was at least comparable to NSAID drugs in improving symptoms. Turmeric extract was found to be safe and evenly effective as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. (August 2009 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine) Published a study found curcumin substantially suppresses systemic inflammation markers MMP-3 by 48% to 99%, and MMP-13 by 45% to 97%.

Anti-Cancer

Curcumin may help prevent and treat cancer by different mechanisms. Curcumin has been found to inhibit the activity of several matrix metalloproteinases in cell culture studies. Angiogenesis is the scientific term meaning the process which a tumor uses to promote blood vessels growing into a tumor. Curcumin has been found to inhibit angiogenesis in cultured vascular endothelial cells and in an animal model. Laboratory studies have shown that curcumin induces programmed death of colon cancer cells. Curcumin also suppresses colon cancer when combined with other polyphenols such as resveratrol. The combination of curcumin with green tea extracts has prevented experimentally induced colon cancer in rats. Prostate cancer is often dependent on sex hormones for its growth. Curcumin reduces expression of sex hormone receptors in the prostate, which speeds androgenic breakdown and impairs cancer cells’ ability to respond to the effects of testosterone.

Curcumin also appears to reduce the risk of lung cancer associated with smoking. Experimental studies on curcumin and nicotine, cancer-causing chemical, showed that curcumin reduced the effects of nicotine as a carcinogen by 50 %.  Published  in June 2010, the study documented curcumin’s mechanisms of action in regards to lung cancer. The researchers, concluded that curcumin is effective in stopping the spread of cancer cells through apoptosis, or cell death.  A study published in 2009 reported that laboratory tests of curcumin found that it activates substances that kill both brain and lung cancer tumors. Research determined that curcumin both prevents brain tumor formation and kills brain tumor cells.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is due, in part, to the accumulation of amyloid, a protein, in the brain. Oxidative damage and inflammation are also associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin has been found to inhibit amyloid beta oligomer formation in vitro. Alzheimer’s begins as an inflammatory process in the brain. In a study conducted in 2005 showed that curcumin inhibits the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which are collections of beta-amyloid protein, in both tissue culture and in animal models of Alzheimer’s. The study was published in the February 2005 “The Journal of Biological Chemistry” journal. Vitamin D3 together with curcumin, may stimulate the body’s immune system to clear amyloid beta from the brain. A preliminary study results, which appear in the July issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, may lead to new approaches in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s by utilizing the property of vitamin D3  both alone and together with natural or synthetic curcumin to boost the immune system in protecting the brain against amyloid beta.

Curcumin Dosage

Take 400 to 600 milligrams of turmeric extracts three to four times daily per day. (standardized for 95% curcuminoids) Supplements ranging from 450 mg to 2,500 mg have been given in clinical trials. Curcumin was found to be pharmacologically safe in human clinical trials with doses up to 10 g/day. A phase 1 human trial with 25 subjects using up to 8000 mg of curcumin per day for three months found no toxicity from curcumin.

Curcumin Bioavailability

Clinical trials  indicate that the systemic bioavailability of orally administered curcumin is relatively low. Some capsules of curcumin contain piperine, a compound found in pepper which aids absorption of curcumin into the blood stream. Nanoparticle or liposomal formulations can also increase absorption.

Curcumin Side Effects

Don’t use turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction. Allergic dermatitis has been reported with curcumin. Curcumin may interact with chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. Talk to your physician before taking curcumin with blood thinners, including ibuprofen or aspirin .

Rhodiola rosea, is a perennial plant which grows on the sandy, rocky, cold, and dry soil of Siberian mountain slopes. While research has been conducted on the plant in some areas of the world, only recently has the West begun to investigate its health benefits. Rhodiola is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia. Since 1961, more than 180 studies have been published in Slavic and Scandinavian journals.

Rhodiola Benefits

Rhodiola rosea contains rosavin, salidrosides, rosarin and tyrosol. There have been many studies conducted on rhodiola and many have published positive results. Studies in cell cultures, animals, and humans have revealed antifatigue, anti-stress, anticancer, antioxidant, immune enhancing and sexual stimulating effects.

Adaptogenic

Rhodiola  is an adaptogenic herb, this means that it works by having a positive impact on the balance of the whole body, not just treating one condition. An adaptogen is a physiological agent that naturally increases the body’s resistance to physical and emotional stress. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials show that rhodiola can increase general wellbeing, reduce mental fatigue, and improve learning and memory.

Energy

Rhodiola extract has been shown to increase physical and mental performance by more efficiently mobilizing and sustaining muscular energy reserves. Rhodiola extract increases the level of enzymes, RNA, and proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustive exercise. Rhodiola does help improve mental and physical performance, according to a study published in 2010 in Phytomedicine. In one study of 112 athletes, researchers discovered that 89% of those supplemented with rhodiola showed rapid improvement in both speed and strength during track and field, swimming, speed skating and ski racing.

Depression

Rhodiola rosea has been clinically shown to stimulate serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine activity and may help to support a healthy neurotransmitter balance. A study published in 2007 in the  Nordic Journal of Psychiatry showed that patients with mild to-moderate depression who took a rhodiola extract reported fewer symptoms than those who took a placebo. The root extracts of rhodiola were shown to have strong anti-depressant effects by inhibiting monoamine oxidases A and B. According to a study published in the  2009 edition of  The Journal of Ethnopharmacology,  rhodiola contains potent antidepressant properties that may improve mood and function of the nervous system. Rhodiola has been found to stimulate the neurotransmitters responsible for creating feelings of well-being as well as offering significant relief for low energy conditions like asthenia. A 100-300 mg dose is recommended to promote healthy cognitive functions such as focus, attention, concentration, memory and mental sharpness.

Cortisol

Rhodiola modulates cortisol production during times of physical or emotional duress. Although an important hormone, the excessive release of cortisol that accompanies stressful situations can negatively impact on the metabolism. When cortisol is produced at an elevated amount and stays in our system for a prolonged period of time, it can do more damage than good. Rhodiola  increases immune response while blocking the immune lowering effects of cortisol.

Immune Booster

Rhodiola rosea, stimulates appropriate immune responses. Has been found in studies to help to increase the activity of natural killer cells. The compounds in rhodiola attacks the virus at a cellular level by it’s immune stimulating action.  It also improves T-cell immunity and increases the bodies resistance to toxins accumulated during infection. Stress suppresses immunity and destroys resistance to various forms of  virus or bacterial  attack. Also, by making us less susceptible to stress, rhodiola helps our immunity to disease indirectly.

Cancer

Administration of rhodiola  extract appears to have potential as an anticancer agent. It helps to inhibit tumor growth on its own, and is also anti-mutagenic, substantially reducing the development of chromosomal aberrations. Study have shown that rhodiola reduced the cell mutations associated with cancer as well as help the body’s ability to repair DNA mutations. A study in rats showed that rhodiola decreased tumor growth by 39% and inhibited metastases by 50%. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that rhodiola  inhibited the cell division of certain cancer cells and effectively reduced their ability to survive. Another study published in April 2011 concerning treatments for bladder cancer concluded that rhodiola rosea and one of its bioactive components, salidroside showed positive effects on inhibiting the growth of bladder cancer cells.

Rhodiola Dosage

The usual dose of rhodiola is 200 to 600 mg daily (2-3% rosavins and 0.8-1% salidroside). The most recent comprehensive clinical trial, conducted  in 2007, suggested effective daily dosage of rhodiola rosea was in the 340 to 680 milligram range. In tincture form, to 40 drops are used, two to three times a day.

Rhodiola Side Effects

Generally, rhodiola rosea side effects are rare and very few. Rhodiola can cause restlessness, irritability and insomnia if taken in high doses. It is not recommended for people who are bipolar, manic, paranoid, or during pregnancy or lactation. The activating and antidepressant effects of rhodiola can trigger manic reaction in those with bipolar disorder.