Review on the Research Progress of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract in Improving Mood

1. Introduction 

Rhodiola rosea L., a traditional medicinal plant growing in alpine regions, is known as the "Ginseng of the Plateau". In traditional medicine, it is mainly used to combat fatigue and regulate stress responses. With the in-depth analysis of the "emotion-neuro-endocrine" interaction mechanism by modern neuroscience, the potential of Rhodiola rosea L. extract in the field of mood regulation has gradually attracted attention. This article reviews its active components, mechanism of action, pharmacological research, and safety, aiming to provide a scientific basis for its application in the field of emotional health. 

2. Active Components and Metabolic Characteristics 

The core active components of Rhodiola rosea L. are salidroside and rosavins (including rosavin, rosarin, and rosin). 

2.1 Chemical Structure 

Salidroside belongs to the phenylethanoid glycoside class, and rosavins are phenylpropanoid glycosides. The two components synergistically form the material basis for the "adaptogen" effect—it can not only enhance the body's stress resistance but also avoid overexcitement. 

2.2 Metabolic Regularity 

After oral administration, salidroside is rapidly absorbed in the intestines (with a bioavailability of approximately 15%), metabolized in the liver into products such as tyrosol, and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Rosavins prolong the action time of active components by inhibiting intestinal enzymatic hydrolysis. The plasma half-life of both components is 3-6 hours, and supplementation 2-3 times a day can maintain a steady-state concentration. 

3. Mechanism of Action of Rhodiola rosea L. in Improving Mood 

3.1 Neuroendocrine Regulation: Targeting the HPA Axis 

Under chronic stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is overactivated, leading to sustained elevation of cortisol and inducing anxiety and depression. Rhodiola rosea L. extract can downregulate the activity of the HPA axis: clinical studies have shown that daily intake of 340mg of Rhodiola rosea L. extract reduces cortisol levels by 27% in patients with generalized anxiety after 10 weeks, blocking the vicious cycle of "stress → elevated cortisol → emotional breakdown". 

3.2 Neurotransmitter Regulation: Enhancing Pleasure Signals 

Rhodiola rosea L. promotes the synthesis and release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) and dopamine, thereby enhancing synaptic transmission efficiency: 

In animal experiments, after treatment with Rhodiola rosea L., the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain of depressed model rats increased by 40%, and the sensitivity of dopamine receptors was enhanced; 

Clinical observations found that supplementation with Rhodiola rosea L. can improve "emotional apathy" and enhance the experience of pleasure (e.g., in the sucrose preference test, pleasurable behaviors of depressed mice increased by 35%). 

3.3 Neuroprotection: Repairing Stress-Induced Damage 

Chronic stress causes apoptosis of hippocampal neurons and impairs the emotional-cognitive association function. Rhodiola rosea L. extract can activate the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway to promote neuronal proliferation and anti-apoptosis: After middle-aged women continuously supplemented with Rhodiola rosea L. extract for 12 weeks, their performance in working memory tests improved by 27%; Mechanistically, salidroside can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, reducing synaptic damage to neurons. 

4. Progress in Pharmacological Research 

4.1 Animal Experiments: Verification of Emotional Behavior 

Anti-anxiety: After treatment with Rhodiola rosea L. extract, the "freezing time in the maze fear test" of anxiety model mice was shortened by 50%, and exploratory behavior increased; 

Antidepressant: The sucrose preference of depressed model rats increased by 35%, confirming the improvement of anhedonia; 

Sleep-mood association: By regulating GABA receptors, it prolongs slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) and indirectly improves "emotional insomnia". 

4.2 Clinical Studies: Verification of Efficacy in Populations 

Mild anxiety: Studies have shown that daily supplementation with Rhodiola rosea L. extract reduces scores of anxiety, anger, and confusion by 49% after 14 days, with an overall mood improvement rate of 62%; 

Moderate depression: When 680mg/day of Rhodiola rosea L. extract was used continuously for 6 weeks in combination with the antidepressant sertraline, the remission rate of depressive symptoms was 23% higher than that of sertraline alone, and the incidence of side effects such as dizziness and nausea decreased by 50%; 

Menopausal mood: Salidroside regulates the HPA axis through estrogen-like effects, reducing the frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women by 60% and improving irritability symptoms by 54%. 

5. Analysis of Medication Safety 

Short-term safety: When the daily dose is ≤1000mg, 95% of subjects only experience mild dizziness and dry mouth (incidence <15%), with no serious adverse reactions; 

Long-term risks: In studies of continuous use for 6-12 weeks, no significant abnormalities were found in liver and kidney function indicators. However, caution should be exercised regarding the synergistic effect with antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs), such as the increased risk of serotonin syndrome; 

Contraindicated populations: Pregnant women, lactating women, and patients with severe liver and kidney dysfunction should use with caution; those taking sedatives or anticoagulants should follow medical advice. 

6. Conclusions and Prospects 

6.1 Conclusions 

With its "neuroendocrine-neurotransmitter-neuroprotection" multi-target mechanism, Rhodiola rosea L. extract exhibits natural advantages in the intervention of mild to moderate anxiety, depression, and menopausal mood swings. Its "adaptogen" characteristic (bidirectional regulation of stress responses) distinguishes it from traditional sedative drugs, with better tolerance. However, current research still has limitations, such as small sample sizes and incompletely clarified mechanisms (e.g., gut-brain axis interaction). 

6.2 Prospects 

(1) Optimization of precise dosage and dosage forms: Develop sustained-release preparations to prolong the action time of active components; 

(2) Combined medication regimens: Explore the synergistic effects with probiotics and neurotrophic agents (e.g., 5-HTP); 

(3) Research on long-term safety and special populations: Clarify the usage thresholds for pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases. 

With the integration of neuroscience and natural pharmaceutical chemistry, Rhodiola rosea L. extract is expected to become a "green solution" for emotional health management, providing a new path for mood regulation in a stress-filled society. 

References 

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