Salidroside and exercise performance in healthy active young adults - an exploratory, randomized, double-blind,...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Sports Science

Background:

• Rhodiola rosea extract is known for improving physical performance and stress resilience.
• Salidroside is a key compound in R. rosea, but its low concentration and cultivation challenges limit its use.
• Conservation concerns surround R. rosea due to increasing popularity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the short-term effects of pure, biosynthetic salidroside on exercise performance.
• To assess salidroside's impact on mood state, inflammation, and muscle damage markers.
• To evaluate salidroside as a potential ergogenic aid for active individuals.

Main Methods:

• Fifty healthy, active young adults received either 60 mg/day of salidroside or a placebo for 16 days.
• Participants underwent assessments for peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), time-to-exhaustion (TTE), and muscular endurance.
• Mood states were evaluated using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and blood markers (erythropoietin, myoglobin, CK-MM, CRP) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Salidroside significantly enhanced percent predicted oxygen uptake during high-intensity intermittent exercise (p < 0.01).
• The placebo group showed increased serum myoglobin post-exercise, indicating muscle damage, while the salidroside group did not.
• The placebo group experienced decreased performance in TTE and negative mood changes (decreased friendliness, increased fatigue-inertia), unlike the salidroside group which maintained stable mood and performance.

Conclusions:

• Biosynthetic salidroside supplementation may improve oxygen utilization during exercise.
• Salidroside appears to mitigate exercise-induced muscle damage and reduce fatigue.
• Further research is recommended to explore long-term effects and adaptogenic potential for athletes.