Exploring the beneficial effects of Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng on metabolic parameters

In this study, researchers at the University of Marilia in Brazil evaluated the effects of Rhodiola rosea (rose root) and Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) on metabolic profile and muscle damage parameters. Their findings were published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

• Adaptogen-based formulations have been used not only in traditional medicine but also in medical practice to increase the resistance of individuals.
• R. rosea (RR) and P. ginseng (PG) have adaptogenic properties and are reported to help with restoring homeostasis and strengthening systems impaired by stress.
• Using rats that were made to swim, the researchers assessed the effects of R. rosea and P. ginseng treatments on the animals’ metabolic profiles and muscle damage parameters.
• They first divided the rats into six groups: G1, or the control group; G2, or the untreated swimming group; G3, or the PG-treated group; G4, or the PG-treated swimming group; P5, or the RR-treated group; and P6,or the RR-treated swimming group.
• At the end of the experiment, the researchers reported that G2, G4, and G6 practiced swimming five times longer than they did 30 days prior to treatment.
• Treatment with either RR of PG did not cause significant changes in anthropometric and biochemical parameters.
• On the other hand, PG- and RR-treated rats experienced reductions in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that R. rosea and P. ginseng can minimize stress caused by exercise and improve physical performance.

Journal Reference:

Bang VMJ, Aranno ALDC, Nogueira BZ, Araujo AC, Bueno PCDS, Barbalho SM, Soares De Souza MDS, Guiguer EL. EFFECTS OF RHODIOLA ROSEA AND PANAX GINSENG ON THE METABOLIC PARAMETERS OF RATS SUBMITTED TO SWIMMING. Journal of Medicinal Food. 11 October 2019;22(10):1087–1090. DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2019.0062