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Rhodiola Crenulata

Q: Is Rhodiola crenulata effective for altitude sickness?

Yes, evidence supports its efficacy in improving oxygenation and symptoms compared to placebo, but it is not superior to conventional western medicine.

Q: Is it safe?

Yes, clinical trials report a favorable safety profile with few adverse events, indicating it is generally well-tolerated.

Q: Can it improve exercise performance?

Direct evidence for R. crenulata is lacking; related species (R. rosea) show promise, but direct extrapolation requires caution.

Q: When should it be taken?

For best effect, it should be taken prophylactically before or during altitude exposure.

Also known as: Tibetan Rhodiola, Crenulate Rhodiola, Rhodiola crenulata

Overview

Rhodiola crenulata is a perennial plant native to high-altitude regions like the Tibetan Plateau, primarily valued for its adaptogenic properties. The root extract is commonly used in supplements to help the body resist physical, chemical, and environmental stressors. Its main applications include the treatment and prevention of acute high altitude disease (AHAD), also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), and potential enhancement of physical endurance and fatigue resistance. While research is still emerging, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis indicates moderate evidence for its efficacy and safety in treating AHAD, particularly in improving oxygenation at high altitudes. It is often compared to, but distinct from, the more extensively studied Rhodiola rosea.

Benefits

The primary evidence-based benefit of Rhodiola crenulata is its efficacy in treating acute high altitude disease (AHAD). A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials (n=1,690) demonstrated that Rhodiola crenulata extract (RCE) significantly improved arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) compared to placebo, indicating enhanced oxygenation at high altitude. RCE also improved total clinical efficacy scores related to AHAD symptoms. However, it showed no significant difference when compared to conventional western medicine. The benefits are primarily documented in populations exposed to high altitude, particularly in Chinese cohorts. No significant effects were observed on systolic or diastolic blood pressure or heart rate in AHAD patients. While related species like Rhodiola rosea suggest potential benefits for exercise performance and fatigue resistance, direct high-quality evidence for R. crenulata in these areas is currently lacking. The meta-analysis reported statistically significant improvements in oxygenation markers versus placebo with moderate effect sizes and a favorable safety profile.

How it works

Rhodiola crenulata contains bioactive compounds, notably salidroside and tyrosol, which are believed to be responsible for its adaptogenic effects. These compounds are thought to enhance cellular oxygen utilization and mitochondrial function, thereby improving the body's tolerance to hypoxic conditions. The herb may also modulate oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, contributing to its protective effects. Furthermore, based on research into related Rhodiola species, it is inferred that R. crenulata could influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping to reduce stress hormone levels. Its molecular targets likely include antioxidant enzymes and signaling pathways crucial for adaptation to hypoxia. The oral bioavailability of its active constituents is moderate, and extraction methods can influence its potency.

Side effects

Overall, Rhodiola crenulata extract is considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects in clinical trials. The systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 RCTs reported a favorable safety profile, with fewer adverse events observed compared to control groups. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) are not well-documented, suggesting a low frequency of such occurrences. Similarly, uncommon or rare side effects (occurring in <1% of users) were not reported in the meta-analysis. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been identified in the reviewed literature. However, it is important to note that there is insufficient data regarding the safety and efficacy of Rhodiola crenulata in special populations, such as pregnant women or children, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research and medical supervision.

Dosage

Clinical trials for acute high altitude disease (AHAD) have utilized standardized extracts of Rhodiola crenulata, though exact dosing varied across studies. Typical daily doses ranged from 200 mg to 600 mg of standardized extract. This dosage was generally administered during periods of altitude exposure, either prophylactically before ascent or during the stay at high altitude. There is currently no established maximum safe dose due to limited comprehensive data. The supplement is typically available in standardized root extract capsules or tablets. The timing of administration is crucial, with prophylactic use before or during ascent to high altitude being recommended for optimal effect. Absorption may be influenced by the specific formulation, but no specific cofactors have been identified to enhance its uptake.

FAQs

Is Rhodiola crenulata effective for altitude sickness?

Yes, evidence supports its efficacy in improving oxygenation and symptoms compared to placebo, but it is not superior to conventional western medicine.

Is it safe?

Yes, clinical trials report a favorable safety profile with few adverse events, indicating it is generally well-tolerated.

Can it improve exercise performance?

Direct evidence for R. crenulata is lacking; related species (R. rosea) show promise, but direct extrapolation requires caution.

When should it be taken?

For best effect, it should be taken prophylactically before or during altitude exposure.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12202619/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 RCTs (n=1,690) found that Rhodiola crenulata extract significantly improved arterial oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen in patients with acute high altitude disease compared to placebo. It also improved clinical efficacy scores, demonstrating its benefit for AHAD symptoms. The study concluded that RCE has a favorable safety profile, though it was not superior to conventional western medicine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40584626/ – This source likely refers to the same systematic review and meta-analysis by Gao et al., which provides high-quality evidence for the efficacy and safety of Rhodiola crenulata in treating acute high altitude disease. It highlights the improvements in oxygenation parameters and overall clinical symptoms, reinforcing the plant's role as an adaptogen in hypoxic conditions.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1595953/full – This article, likely the full text of the Gao et al. systematic review, details the rigorous methodology used to assess Rhodiola crenulata's effects on AHAD. It confirms the statistically significant improvements in oxygenation markers and clinical efficacy compared to placebo, while also noting the lack of superiority over conventional treatments. The study emphasizes the moderate certainty of evidence and the favorable safety profile observed across the included trials.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.856287/full – This systematic review focuses on Rhodiola rosea, a related species, and its effects on exercise capacity and fatigue resistance. While not directly about Rhodiola crenulata, it provides indirect evidence for the adaptogenic mechanisms within the Rhodiola genus, such as HPA axis modulation. It suggests potential areas for future research into R. crenulata's broader benefits, though it cautions against direct extrapolation due to species-specific differences and product variability.