How Long Does Rhodiola Rosea Stay in Your System?

What is Rhodiola Rosea?

RhodiolaRhodiola Rosea is known by its scientific name, Rhodiola crenulate. It also goes by nicknames, Golden Root or Arctic Root. It is typically used as an adaptogen, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, cognitive enhancer, and energy booster. Although Rhodiola has likely been around for thousands of years, it was first found in scientific literature in the early 1700s. Although it was not found directly mentioned in literature before the 1700s, it is believed that Dioscorides utilized the plant as a medicinal herb in Ancient Greece, calling it “Rhodia Riza.” It was extremely popular amongst the Viking culture, who used the herb to improve mental performance and physical endurance. Purportedly, this would help them achieve more successful raids and expeditions.

Rhodiola was proudly mentioned in the Swedish Pharmacopeia (first edition). The plant grows in colder, mountainous regions of Asia and Europe.  The roots hold the adaptogenic properties, decreasing stress and anxiety when consumed.  Ancient China supposedly used an herbal tea brewed from Rhodiola to treat the common cold and flu. And the Siberians believed that the root held the power to a longer life, brewing a concoction of the plant themselves.  They also used Rhodiola to improve fertility and encourage the health of newborns.

What are the Active Constituents of Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola’s primary, active constituents include phenylpropanoids (e.g. rosavins), salidroside, flavonoids, monoterpenes (rosiridin), and triterpenes.  These active constituents are responsible for its many effects, and for it being classified as a natural stimulant.

Benefits and Effects of Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea offers many benefits to the body and mind. The below list includes some of the many natural benefits found in its active constituents:

  • Cognitive enhancing benefits (including learning and memory)
  • Increase to blood flow and overall circulation
  • Increases energy
  • Increases stamina
  • Decreases fatigue
  • Improves athletic performance & workouts
  • Decrease stress, with adaptogenic effects
  • Resists the effect of developing stress
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-depressant
  • Improvements to mood

Some other purported uses include managing diabetes and anticancer properties. All that said, Rhodiola is a pretty incredible plant, hence its nickname “Golden Root.”

How Long Will Rhodiola Rosea Stay in the System?

Rhodiola Rosea will typically metabolize and begin working in the system within 30 minutes of consumption. It will work its magic in the average human body for roughly 4 to 6 hours. The action takes place within the body’s stress system, also known as the sympatho-adrenal-system (or SAS). The herb works by providing rapid response to stressors and maintaining an optimum balance of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine neurotransmitters.

Recent studies indicate that the pharmacokinetics, excretion, and tissue distribution of certain active constituents found within Rhodiola (specifically salidroside) will begin to decline in the plasma rather quickly.  The half-life of this active constitutent was found to be about 1 hour.  While other portions of the plant may have a slightly longer half lifes, this means as the plant begins to metabolize, it is almost immediately seeing a decline in concentration.  One of the more lengthy half-lives in terms of active constituents is found in rosavins, which appear to remain in the system for up to 10 and a half hours.

Regardless, Rhodiola will typically begin working within 30 minutes and feel like it has worn off after no more than six hours.

Does the Body Get Used to Rhodiola Rosea?

StaminaRhodiola Rosea has been proven to build tolerance within the body. The best effects are typically found within the first week of consumption. For this reason, it is common that nootropic stacks or supplements containing Rhodiola Rosea will be rotated every other week to maintain the maximum benefits of the herb. Fortunately, even small doses will produce large effects in the body, which is why many premium nootropic supplements will not include larger doses of Rhodiola in their formula. It could be suggested that there is a “sweet spot” which makes Rhodiola a bit more effective over a longer course of regimen, even indefinitely.

The decrease in effects usually applies to Rhodiola’s energy and stamina producing properties, as some studies have shown long-term use of the plant will continue to improve mood and offer adaptogenic effects.  It has been shown that longer term use of Rhodiola may continue to contribute to cognitive enhancement. In fact, many recent studies indicate that regular use of Rhodiola can improve overall learning and memory.  Additionally, as an anti-depressant, it is likely that the greatest benefits will be seen over the course of a longer, regular regimen. This make sense, as it modifies the balance of neurotransmitters responsible for depression and overall mood.

Rhodiola Rosea as a Nootropic

In terms of nootropic benefits, Rhodiola has a lot to offer a nootropic stack. It is a natural cognitive enhancer. It offers a plethora of energy to both body and mind.  It improves stamina, helping one think and problem solve for longer durations of time, faster.  It has adaptogenic properties, which promote the better functioning of the mind and body by reducing unnecessary stress and thwarting off new stress. For these reasons, Rhodiola is often found in a variety of nootropic stacks and supplements.

Rhodiola Rosea is found in our Pirate Blast supplement for its ability to promote and enhance natural blood flow and energy in the body.

Final Words About Rhodiola Rosea

While there are many uses for Rhodiola Rosea, it is most commonly found in supplements with improve stamina, energy, libido, and athletic performance. It is very popular amongst athletes and bodybuilders. It is also used for its ability to improve erectile dysfunction. In fact, many recent studies have proven that the herb has the ability to substantially improve sexual function in men with ED or who suffer from premature ejaculation. The stamina and energy-boosting properties of Rhodiola make it helpful from even a cognitive perspective. Overall, there are many reasons to include Rhodiola in many nootropic stacks, which is why it has found its way into a variety of nootropic supplements.  And it has sure earned its nickname the “Golden Root” for many of these reasons.

Disclaimer: Although Rhodiola Rosea is generally accepted as safe for consumption within daily values, it is always best to contact your physician before adding any nootropic or supplement to your daily regimen.

The Nootropics Library: Rhodiola Crenulata

Everything You Need To Know About Rhodiola Crenulata

General Information

Scientific Name: Rhodiola crenulata (or Rhodiola rosea)

Any Other Names: Sometimes mistaken for a close cousin, Rhodiola Rosea, Golden Root

Primary Constituents: Phenylpropanoids (e.g. rosavins), salidroside, flavonoids, monoterpenes (rosiridin), and triterpenes

Country or Region of Origin: Artic Regions of Alaska, Canada, Russia, Scandinavia, and Scotland; Indigenous to the Mountainous Regions

Known Uses: Adaptogen, Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Cognitive Enhancer

General History & Introduction

Rhodiola is also known as the “Golden Root” throughout many traditional cultures (Orr, 2014). It is native to artic regions and thrives in some of the most extreme environments.  In fact, the rough terrain of the mountains provide the herb a most attraction place to grow. The plant itself can cope and survive in some of the harshest, and most stressful habitats. Rhodiola has been hailed a general tonic herb, offering improvements to overall health to the whole body (2014). It is a part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used to treat a variety of conditions and ailments (Beshara et al., 2019).  Rhodiola may be heavily used in modern, medicinal practices all over the world, however, the first documented use of the herb dates back to 90 AD when famed Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides recorded its benefits (Morris, 2019).

Nootropic Benefits of Rhodiola Crenulata

Cognitive Enhancer

CAREER ORIENTED

Many cultures have turned to Rhodiola for its incredible ability to release mental tension and hone mental acuity (Orr, 2014). Rhodiola has been hailed alongside many nootropics for its ability to enhance circulation to the brain and act as a precursor for neurotransmitters critical to cognitive function (Tabassum et al., 2012). For these reasons, the herb is very commonly chosen for career-focused or entrepreneur nootropic stacks (2012).  It is frequently combined with Ginkgo biloba, which has been proven to offer endurance enhancements of the mind and body (Zhang et al., 2009, Al-Kuraishy, 2015).

Adaptogen, Stress & Anxiety

Rhodiola has been well-qualified as a nootropic adaptogen, or a general tonic which improves the entire body to some extent (Orr, 2014). These types of ingredients are very popular in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.  One of Rhodiola’s best adaptogenic benefits is its ability to impact both physical and mental endurance.  It has been revered as such a strong energy booster, and it is commonly utilized in China as a “work productivity” herb (2014).  The root has the purported ability to improve the mind and body’s natural resistance to chemical and environmental stressors (Beshara et al., 2019).

Libido and Energy

ENERGY

In addition to its ability to provide a natural boost to energy, the natural herb is used throughout Chinese culture for its innate libido-boosting properties (Orr, 2014). Many ancient Chinese recipes have included Rhodiola for its incredible ability to relieve fatigue and provide a smooth energy boost (2014). Rhodiola is used to improve one’s ability to focus and maintain endurance (Beshara et al., 2019). It is also frequently turned to for its stamina-boosting properties (2019).

Other Benefits

Some sources have claimed the herb provides a great boost to immune system even being able to reduce the risk of catching the common cold (Orr, 2014).  In fact, it is a traditional Chinese remedy for improving the overall immune system (Beshara et al., 2019).  Rhodiola is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some athletes even use the herb to reduce some types of muscle damage.  The root is also frequently (and successfully) used as a natural, holistic treatment for depression (2019).

Dosing and Usage Information

TEA

Rhodiola has traditionally been consumed as a tea or tincture, however, it is more popularly consumed today as a dietary supplement (Orr, 2014). Normal daily doses of the herb in its supplement form range from 100 to 1000 mg or more, depending upon the extraction potency.

Side Effects

While Rhodiola is generally considered safe for consumption within normal established daily values, it should not be taken during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, during menstruation, or if prone to kidney stones (Orr, 2014).

Other Important Information

Rhodiola Crenulata is commonly mistaken for, or used interchangeably with a close cousin, Rhodiola Rosea.  Rhodiola Rosea is a species within the same family, but it lacks the same quality of salidroside, a component that contributes to a large percentage of the favorable benefits produced by the plant (Orr, 2014). Besides being included in several Ancient Chinese remedies, Rhodiola has also been hailed as a holistic powerhouse in Russian medicine.  The Russians revered the plant for its versatile ability to favorably impact many aspects of human health, including neurological and psychiatric problems. It has been especially respected for its ability to aid in schizophrenia and depression (2014).

Conclusion

Rhodiola is surprisingly versatile, allowing nootropic enthusiasts the ability to modify many aspects of their neurotransmitter production and regular cognitive routine.  It is a strong adaptogen, an alluring libido booster, and an effective mood booster (Orr, 2014). Rhodiola may appear less often in the tabloids, so to speak, but there is no mistaking its power as an electrifying nootropic influence!  It is no wonder it is in many popular proprietary blends and nootropic stacks.

A Note from NooFiles

This article is intended to be used for information only.  We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.

Sources:

Al-Kuraishy H. M. (2015). Central additive effect of Ginkgo biloba and Rhodiola rosea on psychomotor vigilance task and short-term working memory accuracy. Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology. Vol. 5(1). Pp. 7–13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5455/jice.20151123043202

Beshara, J., Engle, D., and Haynes, K. (2019). Beyond Coffee. Monocle Publishing. ISBN 9781544505459

Morris, J. (2019). Smart Plants: Power Foods and Natural Nootropics For Optimized Thinking, Focus, and Memory. Sterling Epicure Publishing. New York, New York. Pp. 104-105. ISBN 978-1-4549-3342-7.

Orr, S. (2014). The New American Herbal. Clarkson Potter Publishers. New York, New York. ISBN 978-0-449-81993-7.

Tabassum, N., Rasool, S., Malik, Z., Ahmad, F. (2012). Natural Cognitive Enhancers. Journal of Pharmacy Research. Vol. 5(1). ISSN: 0974-6943.

Zhang, Zj., Tong, Y., and Zou, J. (2009). Dietary supplement with a combination of Rhodiola crenulata and Ginkgo biloba enhances the endurance performance in healthy volunteers. Chin. J. Integr. Med. Vol. 15. Pp. 177–183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-009-0177-x