Rhodiola Rosea from the Selection of Traditional Applications to the Novel Phytotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Serious Diseases

Rhodiola rosea is a remarkable herbthat has been a part of traditional medicine systems in order to stimulatethe nervous system, toprotect thebody against oxidative stress, free radical damage, inflammation, and virus infection. Rhodiola rosea is included among a class ofplant derivatives called adaptogen,an agent thathelps the body adapt to various stressors. Adaptogens have been claimed to treata wide variety of medical conditions, fromfatigue to cancer. The studies on Rhodiola rosea have shown that the planthas anti-stress, anti-anxiety, antifatigue,andantidepressant properties with no significant side effects. Rhodiola rosea has been consideredin drug development because of its pharmacological activities throughout the world, especially in parts of Europe, Asia, and Russia. Rhodiola Rosea has shown more efficiency and safety than pharmaceutical drugs for anxiety and depression, which typically can have side effects, such as digestive upset, mood and sleep disorders.