Bodybuilding.com - Clayton's Health Facts: Rhodiola.

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Rhodiola.

Clayton South, SPN (ISSA), is a recognized expert in the bodybuilding / fitness industry with over 150 bodybuilding, fitness and nutrition publications to his credit.

Rhodiola rosea root extract has a wide range of adaptogenic functions. An adaptogen is a substance (typically an herb) that helps a body to adapt to stressful situations.

That is, it produces a normalizing action on the body, increasing resistance to adverse influences. The adaptogenic effects of Rhodiola have been demonstrated in numerous studies, resulting in increased resistance to the effects of stress, and improvements in associated anxiety and moodiness.

One way that Rhodiola performs these remarkable functions is by improving the neurological mechanisms of dealing with stress. This includes stimulating the release of the mood-modulating neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.

Serotonin
Serotonin is believed to play an important part of the biochemistry of depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. It is also believed to be influential on sexuality and appetite.
The name "serotonin" is something of a misnomer and reflects the circumstances of the compound's discovery. It was initially identified as a vasoconstrictor substance in blood serum - hence "serotonin", a serum agent affecting vascular tone.
This agent was later chemically identified as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and as the broad range of physiological roles were elucidated, 5-HT became the preferred name in the pharmacological field.

Rhodiola has also been shown to support modest increases in beta-endorphins that supports pain reduction and improves mood. Supplementation with Rhodiola may be expected to promote positive support for mild mood changes, and provide relief from everyday stress and anxiety.

What Are Endorphins?
Endorphins are neurochemicals occurring naturally in the brain. They have painkilling and tranquillizing effects on the body. In addition, endorphins are also thought to be connected to physiological processes including euphoric feelings, appetite modulation, and the release of sex hormones.
Prolonged, continuous exercise contributes to an increased production and release of endorphins, resulting in a sense of euphoria that has been popularly labeled "runner's high".