Rhodiola extract 5% | Rhodiola rosea

Properties: Roseroot is one of the strongest known adaptogens. Plants in this group have generalized, positive impact on the organism and cause no side effects. Like the name suggests, adaptogens help the organism to adapt to the external conditions. The most important property of roseroot extract is its ability to reduce stress, which translates to a wide range of benefits. Foremostly, it protects the nervous and cardiovascular systems from the damage caused by stress hormones. Moreover, it increases our capacity to stay calm, even in demanding circumstances. Apart from that, roseroot influences the neurotransmitter secretion, particularly dopamine and serotonin. By upregulating their activity, it supports concentration and helps to maintain energy – especially after a long day. Further, it boosts the mood. Its generalized effect on the organism improves the functioning of practically all important systems and organs. Additionally, roseroot benefits the condition of the skin. Therefore, it is often used in cosmetology, especially as an ingredient of products that aim to protect the skin from damage or negative consequences of aging because of its strong antioxidant properties. It neutralizes free oxygen radicals and thereby protects the structural proteins from damage. This way, roseroot extract slows down the process of tissue aging. The skin becomes more flexible and tender which brings back its youthful appearance. Moreover, this herb prevents the loss of moisture and delivers important nutrients. Thus, it is often used in products recommended for sensitive, allergic, or impure skin. The ability to stimulate hair growth is an additional advantage of roseroot extract. Not only does it strengthen the entire length of each hair, but it also brings back their springiness and prevents frizzing or falling out. For these reasons it is often included in products designed for mature hair care. Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea has been known and exploited by herbalists for centuries. Interestingly, roseroot was primarily used in Europe, although Chinese traditional medicine also mentions its healthy properties.

Occurrence: Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) is a perennial plant from the Crassulaceae family. Usually it grows at high altitudes and in arctic areas. In Poland it can be found only in the mountains, in the national parks of Sudety and Karpaty. Its root, when rubbed, has a nice, rose-like smell – and hence the plant’s name. The properties of roseroot have been known to the locals for millennia. It belongs to the traditional medicine of Russia, Scandinavia, and the Far East. In Europe, herbalists have used it because of its calming properties for over three thousand years.

Biochemistry: Roseroot contains about 140 biologically active compounds. For therapeutic purposes the most important are three phenylpropanoids: rosavine, rosine and rosarin. Interestingly, they occur only in this plant. 

The root of R. rosea also contains carbohydrates, tannins, fats, proteins, minerals (manganese, copper, zinc, chromium, cadmium, cobalt, nickel and selenium), vitamins and organic acids (e.g. succinic acid, tannic acid and malic acid).

Fun fact: Chinese emperors used to send entire expeditions to Sibir, in order to collect supplies of roseroot. They believed it is going to provide them with long, healthy life and also improve their sex life. In the West, the first records of the healing properties of rosary root come from the Greek physician Dioscorides, who in 77 CE described its use in “De Materia medica”.