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Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance
Katrien De Bock1, Bert O Eijnde, Monique Ramaekers
1Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy in the Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
Summary
Acute Rhodiola rosea intake enhances endurance exercise capacity in healthy individuals. However, a 4-week Rhodiola rosea regimen did not alter this effect, suggesting short-term use is beneficial for performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb with purported benefits for physical and mental performance.
- Investigating its effects on exercise capacity and related physiological parameters is crucial for understanding its ergogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of acute and 4-week Rhodiola rosea supplementation on physical capacity, muscle strength, movement speed, reaction time, and attention.
- To determine if prior daily Rhodiola rosea intake modifies the acute effects on exercise performance.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study involving 24 healthy volunteers.
- Acute effects were assessed 1 hour after a single dose of Rhodiola rosea extract or placebo, measuring exercise capacity and cognitive functions.
- Four-week daily supplementation was followed by a washout period before repeating acute testing to assess carry-over effects.
Main Results:
- Acute Rhodiola rosea intake significantly increased time to exhaustion and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) compared to placebo.
- Pulmonary ventilation showed a trend towards increase with Rhodiola rosea.
- No significant changes in muscle strength, limb movement speed, reaction time, or attention were observed with acute or 4-week intake.
Conclusions:
- Acute Rhodiola rosea supplementation can enhance endurance exercise capacity in young, healthy individuals.
- The ergogenic effect of acute Rhodiola rosea intake is not influenced by a preceding 4-week daily supplementation regimen.