Rhodiola Rosea

Introduction
Rhodiola rosea is an interesting and effective adaptogen, having tried it myself several times I will mention that the effects can deviate, not only from individual to individual, but also from day to day and brand to brand. However, I have never taken it long-term, as such I cannot state with accuracy whether or not these daily deviations subside with constant administration. There are certain consistency with the adaptogen, however, that I'd like to put into writing.

Properties
The following comes directly from Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief on page 191. I have altered it to list form for increased readability.
- Adaptogen
- Antidepressant
- Antioxidant
- Antiviral
- Immune system stimulant
- Nervine
- Mild central nervous system stimulant
- Antiarrythmic (protects against irregular hearbeats)
- Cardioprotective
- Neuroprotective

In addition, the following excerpt summarizes the benefits:

"Rhodiola is a cooling adaptogen; therefore it is less likely to cause overstimulation (nervousness or insomnia) that occasionally can occur when people are taking red Asian ginseng. It has significant benefits for the nervous system, and it has been shown to enhance alertness, reduce fatigue, and improve memory and depressed mental states."^[1]

Mechanism of Action
The following is a direct excerpt from the Rhodiola Rosea monograph.

"The adaptogenic properties, cardiopulmonary protective effects, and central nervous system activities of Rhodiola rosea have been attributed primarily to its ability to influence levels and activity of biogenic monoamines such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and hypothalamus. It is believed the changes in monoamine levels are due to inhibition of the activity of enzymes responsible for monoamine degradation and facilitation of neurotransmitter transport within the brain."^[8]

ADHD
As reported in the mechanism of action, Rhodiola Rosea influences levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine^[8]. The current understanding of ADHD places emphasis on dopamine^[2]. Given the connection and the enhancement of alertness, Rhodiola Rosea may be used to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It is difficult to know for certain, without ample research, the benefits of this herb for that cause.

An anecdote was listed on Revolution Health for this particular purpose. Though difficult to rely on anecdotes, due to subjective ratings as well as low credibility, the post does offer the suggestion of a promise in its use.

Sleep Deprivation
Rhodiola Rosea was experimented with to see if the effects could counteract the usual cognitive decline accompanying sleep deprivation. The following excerpt summarizes the study:

"The decrease in physical and mental performance of physicians on prolonged night call is well known. A low dose (170 mg/d) of R. rosea root extract was given to 56 young, healthy physicians on night call (Darbinyan and others 2000). The effect was measured as total mental performance, calculated as “fatigue index.” The tests reflected an overall level of mental fatigue involving complex cognitive functions, such as associative thinking, short-term memory, calculation, concentration, and speed of audio-visual perception. These parameters were tested before and after night duty during 3 periods of 2 wk each in a double-blind cross-over trial. A statistically significant improvement in mental performance tests was observed in the treatment group (R. rosea) during the 1st 2-wk period. However, at 6 wk, the effect appeared to be lost."^[3]

Athletic Performance

"In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, rhodiola was found to enhance exercise capacity in healthy young test subjects. Improvements were noted in muscle strength, speed of limb movement, reaction time, and attention span."^[1][4]

References:
^[1] (Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief)

^[2] Wikipedia entry for: ADHD - Genetic Factors

^[3] (Rhodiola Rosea: A Versatile Adaptogen, pg. 193)

^[4] Acute Rhodiola Rosea Intake Can Improve Endurance Exercise Performance (De Bock et al. 2004)

^[8] Stancheva SL, Mosharrof A. Effect of the extract of Rhodiola rosea L. on the content of the brain biogenic monamines. Med Physiol 1987;40:85-87

Cordyceps Sinensis

Description:

"The caterpillar fungus or Tochukaso has been highly regarded in Chinese medicine for many centuries. It is not a mushroom type fungus and the fruiting structure cannot be cultivated or cultured. The complete structure can be used in many forms, whole, powdered or extracted and has many applications in Chinese medicine (Hobbs, 1995; Halpern, 1999). Anti-cancer polysaccharides have been isolated from several species of Cordyceps and some have been shown to have hypoglycaemic activity as well (Jones, 1997; Itami and Yahagi, 1990; Kun 1998). A major concern with herbal medicine using Cordyceps collected from nature is quality and safety.

However, the pure mycelium of these parasitic fungi can now be easily cultivated in fermentors and is attracting considerable interest as an agent to treat fatigue and improve motor function (Mizuno, 1999). The major chemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies on Cordyceps sinensis have been reviewed for English and Chinese literature by Zhu et al. (1988a,b). These studies show that the main activities of the fungus are in oxygen-free-radical scavenging.

With this particular fungus it is clear that there will be increased usage of fermenter-produced mycelium. Such methods use selected media under aseptic conditions, providing better quality and homogeneity through process control.

Key active constituents:
Galactomannans (antitumour, immunostimulating)
Cordycepin
Sterols"^[1]

Benefits

"Animal, human, and in vitro studies confirm that this mushroom enhances aerobic capacity and cellular energy stores, reduces myocardial (heart muscle) oxygen consumption, lowers cholesterol, prevents damage to cells caused by free radicals, and normalizes immune function. In human studies, cordyceps was found to prevent immunosuppression and help restore normal macrophage and natural killer (NK) cell activity. In one study, it helped reduce tumor size in 50 percent of the patients." ^[2]

"Cordyceps has also been found to improve lung function and symptoms of chronic bronchitis."^[3]

^[1] Medicinal mushrooms: their therapeutic properties and current medical usage with special emphasis on cancer treatments. Chapter 3C

^[2](Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, pg. 152)

^[3](Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, pg. 153)

Jiaogulan: Herb of Immortality

The following is a summary I produced using a book which google has out for limited public viewing called Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens by J. P. MD Saleeby. Bit of a pain as the book contains no copy & paste function, as such it was done manually. Given the time taken I thought I'd have it posted in public locations for easy viewing. I felt such a remarkable herb should be given more publicity, especially given its market potential and healing attributes.

Properties
- Adaptogenic
- Regulates Cholesterol^[1][9] & Blood Pressure
- Strengthens the immune system^[2][3]
- Effective in the Treatment of Hypertension^[4]
- Improves circulation & cardiovascular function^[11][12]
- Increases stamina^[11][12]
- Reduces stress
- Weight loss aid^[5]
- Increases Nutrient absorption^[5]
- Stimulates liver function^[6]
- Anti-Inflammatory^[6]
- Reduces blood sugar^[7]
- Antioxidant^[8]
- Increases SOD^[8]
- Promotes restful sleep
- Increases Vitamin D^[9]
- Lowers risk of heart attack^[9]
- Anti-cancer^[10]



Studies
"Nearly 300 scientific papers on Jiagoulan and its saponins have been published in respected scientific journals."

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¹ "In a number of studies, the effectiveness of treatment using gypenosides to lower total cholesterol was shown to be as much as 63 percent." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 55)

²"Jiaogulan strengthens the immune system by preventing stress hormones that weaken immunity from overpowering the body, making a person more vulnerable to illness." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 56)

³"Research suggests that a daily dose of Jiaogulan could lessen the risk of colds, flu and infection by increasing the production of infection-fighting blood cells. In one controlled study, young rats fed with jiaogulan extract showed an increase in the number of T-lymphocytes." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 57)

⁴ "In a clinical trial of patients suffering from hypertension, the effect of Jiaogulan were compared with that of ginseng. The results revealed that 82 percent of those taking Jiaogulan noted improvement in their condition as opposed to only 46 percent of those taking ginseng." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 54)

⁵ "Jiaogulan also appears to improve fat metabolism and increase the absorption of nutrients. It appears to also block the absorption of fat, depress lipid peroxide and fat sediment in the blood vessels." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 54-5)

⁶ "A number of studies[Lin, J (2000) & ChenJC(1999)] show that Jiaogulan may produce anti-inflammatory effects that protect the liver from various toxic chemical such as carbon tetrachloride. Jiaogulan (50 mg daily) was shown to activate DNA replication in liver cells, thus promoting liver regeneration." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 57)

⁷ "Clinical studies in lab animals show that Jiaogulan extract appears to stimulate rejuvenation of essential pancreatic Beta cells, the key cell responsible in the generation of insulin." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 58)

⁸ "Scientific studies illustrate that taking 40mg of Jiaogulan daily can triple the body's production of superoxide dismatuase, therby helping to neutralize damaging free radicals." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 60)

⁹ "Jiaogulan is thought to increase lipid metabolism, which includes the conversion of cholesterol to Vitamin D, bile acids and HDL. It also inhibits the production of free fatty acids, which leads to triglyceride synthesis by the body's fat cells. In lowering the LDL cholesterol, Jiaogulan can help prevent atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 54)

¹⁰"This herbal was also found to improve the Natural Killer (NK) cell activity in cancer patients, thereby helping their bodies to fight back against the invading tumors." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 56)

¹¹ "By increasing the body's blood supply through enhanced cardiac output, Jiaogulan helps to nourish the internal organs by getting more oxygen to cells. Since oxygen plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism and activity, more oxygen means greater endurance and increased stamina. Jiaogulan also contributes to a healthier heart because of its capacity to help the body cope with the harmful effects of stress, which can be a major element in the development of heart disease. Incidentally, improved cardiac output has been show to shorten recovery time from illness and injury." (Wonder Herbs: A guide to Three Adaptogen, pg. 55)

¹² "One trial studied 220 athletes as well as 30 healthy non-athletes taking Jiaogulan and showed a significant increase in cardiac output via ultrasound color doppler (ECHO) examination. This was achieved without an increase in blood pressure or pulse rate." (Wonder Herbs: A guide to Three Adaptogen, pg. 55)

Recommended Brand
This herb I myself take, it's rare to find it in Vitamin Shops. However, it is quite cheap over the internet. The brand I take is the following: