Rhodiola Rosea May Be Useful In Cancer Treatments

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 8:04 am Email this article
Rhodiola rosea may be useful in cancer treatments, inhibiting tumor growth and decreasing metastasis ( the spread of cancer ) according to research done in rats as noted in the monograph for Rhodiola rosea.

It was found to "[ enhance ] anti-tumor and anti-metastatic efficacy of drug treatment, as well as [ reduce ] drug-induced toxicity."

Rhodiola rosea also prevented liver toxicity of a cancer drug.

Effect on Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine

Rhodiola rosea increases levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain

“The adaptogenic properties, cardiopulmonary protective effects, and central nervous system activities of Rhodiola rosea have been attributed primarily to its ability to influence levels and activity of… serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in [ the brain ],” the monograph notes.

 

Inhibits Breakdown of Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine

Rhodiola rosea inhibits the enzymes that breakdown serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain

“It is believed the changes in [ levels of these neurotransmitters ] are due to inhibition of the activity of enzymes responsible for… degradation [ of these neurotransmitters ] and facilitation of neurotransmitter transport within the brain.”

 

Protects the Heart

Rhodiola rosea protects the heart and prevents depletion of adrenaline and noradrenaline due to stress

“In addition to these central effects, Rhodiola has been reported to prevent both… release [ of adrenaline and noradrenaline ] and subsequent cyclic AMP elevation in the [ heart muscle ], and the depletion of adrenal catecholamines induced by acute stress.”

 

Reference

Reference

Rhodiola rosea monograph. Alternative Medicine Review, 2002, 7(5):421-423.

The monograph is posted here.

Articles on the same subject can be found here:

• Cancer

• Rhodiola rosea (Golden root or Arctic root)