the durty version

Rhodiola Rosea is a natural plant that comes from the Artic regions and has been known to noticeably increase energy levels, physical endurance, and emotional well being. Some people have been using this to promote better mental health, but in a nutshell, it is the Gingko Biloba / St. John’s Wort on steroids. It has been known to increase your natural adaptability against a but of stressors, regardless if they are physical, chemical, or biological. For the most part the natural drug helps to promote your mental clarity and physical  well being.

There have been several tests on the drug and all have been positive.

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Rhodiola
Species: R. rosea

Uses of Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Russian research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents high-altitude sickness. In one study, the Rhodiola rosea group decreased proofreading errors by 88% while the control group increased proofreading errors by 84%. Rhodiola rosea’s effects are attributed to its ability to optimise serotonin and dopamine levels, due to monoamine oxidase inhibition and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins.
Substances like these are referred to as adaptogens. They differ from stimulants, and do not have the same health consequences as nicotine, etc.

In Russia, Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, has been used for centuries to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life. It has also been used for centuries in Scandinavia, both by the Vikings and the Sámi. Note that Rhodiola is sometimes inappropriately referred to as "Arctic Root®", which is a trademark product name held by the Swedish Herbal Institute for an extract SHR-5 which contains unique Rhodiola rosea extracts tested in human clinical trials. Publication of a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial shows a significant effect for SHR-5 Rhodiola extract in cases of mild-to-moderate depression.

It is used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is called hóng jǐng tiān (红景天).

Active ingredients
Dried Rhodiola rosea root
Dried Rhodiola rosea root

Rhodiola rosea has some compounds which are not found in other Rhodiola species. These are:

* Rosavin (C20H28O10)
* Rosarin (C19H26O10)
* Rosin (C15H20O6)

Note that the word rosavins can be used to include rosavin, rosarin, and rosin. Also, the word Rosavin is a brand name.

Rosavin, rosarin, rosin and salidroside (and sometimes p-tyrosol, rhodioniside, rhodiolin and rosiridin) are considered the active ingredients of Rhodiola rosea.

Dosage

Rhodiola rosea extract is mainly used in the form of capsules. These capsules usually contain 100 mg of a standardized amount of 3 percent rosavins and 0.8-1 percent salidroside because the naturally occurring ratio of these compounds in Rhodiola rosea root is approximately 3:1.

A typical dosage is one or two capsules daily; one in the morning and when taking two capsules one in the early afternoon. Rhodiola rosea should be taken early in the day because it can interfere with sleep. If a user becomes overly activated, jittery or agitated then a smaller dose with very gradual increases may be needed. It is contraindicated in excited states.

The dose may be increased to 200 mg three times a day if needed. A high dose is considered to be daily intakes of 1,000 mg and above.
[Via: Wikipedia.com]