Rhodiola rosea Exerts Antiviral Activity in Athletes Following a Competitive Marathon Race

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Exercise Physiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Rhodiola rosea is a medicinal plant known for adaptogenic properties.
• Emerging research suggests Rhodiola rosea contains compounds with antimicrobial activity.
• The impact of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on immune responses in athletes is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antiviral and antibacterial properties of Rhodiola rosea metabolites in marathon runners' serum.
• To investigate the effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on exercise-induced immune changes.

Main Methods:

• Marathon runners were randomized to ingest Rhodiola rosea (600 mg/day) or placebo for 30 days prior to, during, and post-marathon.
• Blood serum samples were collected at multiple time points: pre-marathon, and 15 min and 1.5 h post-marathon.
• Serum was tested for its ability to affect HeLa cell susceptibility to vesicular stomatitis virus and to support Escherichia coli growth.

Main Results:

• Rhodiola rosea serum did not prevent exercise-induced susceptibility to viral killing.
• However, Rhodiola rosea supplementation delayed exercise-dependent increases in virus replication (P=0.013).
• Serum from both groups post-marathon promoted E. coli growth; Rhodiola rosea did not show antibacterial effects.

Conclusions:

• Bioactive compounds in Rhodiola rosea serum may offer protection against viral replication after intense exercise.
• Rhodiola rosea supplementation induces antiviral activity, potentially mitigating exercise-induced viral susceptibility.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms and clinical implications.