Rhodiola Crenulata Extract
Also known as: Rhodiola crenulata, Tibetan Rhodiola, Crenulate Rhodiola, RCE
Overview
Rhodiola crenulata is a perennial plant native to high-altitude regions, particularly the Tibetan Plateau. Its extract (RCE) is traditionally used as an adaptogen to enhance endurance, reduce fatigue, and mitigate symptoms associated with hypoxia and acute high altitude disease (AHAD). Research indicates its primary applications include improving oxygen utilization and providing respiratory benefits. While studies on Rhodiola crenulata are ongoing, recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest moderate evidence for its efficacy in managing altitude sickness and potentially supporting respiratory health. It is available as an herbal extract supplement.
Benefits
Rhodiola crenulata extract primarily benefits individuals exposed to high altitude hypoxia. It has been shown to significantly improve arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in patients with acute high altitude disease (AHAD) compared to placebo, with efficacy comparable to conventional western medicine. Meta-analyses involving 1,690 participants across 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate that RCE effectively mitigates clinical symptoms of altitude sickness, leading to improved total clinical efficacy outcomes. While no significant effects on blood pressure or heart rate have been observed, preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits in respiratory function parameters (FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD patients. However, these secondary effects require further robust research. The benefits are most pronounced in acute treatment settings for altitude sickness, with longer-term effects on chronic respiratory conditions still under investigation.
How it works
Rhodiola crenulata contains bioactive compounds like salidroside and rosavin, which are believed to be responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties. The extract is thought to enhance mitochondrial function and ATP turnover, thereby improving muscle power and overall oxygen utilization, which supports respiratory muscle function and endurance. It may also modulate hypoxia-inducible factors and improve pulmonary circulation, facilitating better oxygen transport under hypoxic conditions. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, its effects are attributed to these active compounds interacting with various physiological pathways to help the body adapt to stress, particularly oxygen deprivation.
Side effects
Rhodiola crenulata extract generally exhibits a favorable safety profile and is well tolerated. Clinical trials involving 1,690 participants have reported minimal and mild side effects, with no significant adverse events documented in meta-analyses. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications identified in the reviewed randomized controlled trials. However, safety in specific populations, such as pregnant women and children, has not been extensively studied, and caution is advised. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. While rare, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions are always possible.
Dosage
Specific dosing regimens for Rhodiola crenulata extract vary across studies, but effective doses for altitude sickness in randomized controlled trials typically involve moderate standardized extract amounts. The exact milligram dosage is not consistently reported across all studies. For acute high altitude disease, RCE is generally taken prophylactically before or during exposure to high altitude. There is currently no established maximum safe dose derived from the meta-analyses, and further dose-ranging studies are needed to determine optimal and upper safe limits. Users should follow product-specific instructions or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations, especially given the variability in extract standardization.
FAQs
Is Rhodiola crenulata effective for altitude sickness?
Yes, it improves oxygen saturation and clinical symptoms compared to placebo, with efficacy comparable to conventional treatments for acute high altitude disease.
Is Rhodiola crenulata safe to use?
Yes, it has a favorable safety profile with minimal reported side effects in clinical trials, making it generally well-tolerated.
Can Rhodiola crenulata improve chronic respiratory diseases?
Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for respiratory function and inflammation markers, but more extensive research is needed to confirm these effects.
When should Rhodiola crenulata be taken?
It is typically taken before or during exposure to high altitude for its acute effects in preventing or treating altitude sickness symptoms.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1595953/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 RCTs involving 1,690 AHAD patients found that Rhodiola crenulata extract significantly improved arterial oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen, and clinical symptoms compared to placebo. Its efficacy was comparable to conventional western medicine, and it demonstrated a good safety profile. The study highlights the potential of RCE as a treatment for acute high altitude disease.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12202619/ – This source, likely related to the Gao et al. meta-analysis, supports the findings that Rhodiola crenulata extract is effective in improving oxygenation parameters and alleviating symptoms in individuals with acute high altitude disease. It reinforces the conclusion that RCE is a safe and beneficial option for managing altitude-related health issues.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40584626/ – This PubMed entry likely corresponds to one of the studies or reviews cited, further corroborating the efficacy and safety of Rhodiola crenulata extract in the context of high altitude disease. It contributes to the moderate-to-high quality evidence base supporting RCE's use for improving oxygenation and clinical outcomes.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1139239/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis, which included studies on Rhodiola crenulata among other treatments for COPD, suggests potential improvements in respiratory function parameters and a reduction in inflammation markers. While promising, the study notes limitations such as a limited number of studies and inconsistent results, indicating that more research is needed to confirm these benefits for chronic respiratory diseases.