• The June 2004 issue of International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism studied the effects of high-dose rhodiola on exercise in various aspects such as muscle strength, aural and visual reaction time and ability to sustain attention. One hour after taking 200 mg of rhodiola extract with 3 percent rosavin and 1 percent salidroside, participants showed increased time to exhaustion, increased peak oxygen uptake, and increased pulmonary ventilation compared to participants receiving a placebo.  

• Cordyceps (one of the most valued natural agents in traditional Chinese medicine) is a mushroom originally discovered in the mountains of Tibet.   Cordyceps is known as a supplement that aids in improving aerobic capacity and endurance, as well as aiding in the adaptation to high altitudes and hypoxia. It has been noted to reduce blood glucose without reducing plasma insulin levels.  Cordyceps has also been shown to improve exercise performance and contribute to wellness in healthy older subjects (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.  2010 May; 16(5):585-90.

Mental Acuity 

Rhodiola rosea has long been studied for its ability to enhance exercise performance and endurance, and its ability to reduce fatigue and increase stamina (mentally as well physical) has also been investigated. 

• One Rhodiola study showed positive results with medical interns working long shifts under what are quite often very stressful conditions.  The study examined the effect of Rhodiola extract (administered repeatedly at low doses) on fatigue during night duty among a group of 56 physicians.  

The tests reflected an overall level of mental fatigue, involving complex perceptive and cognitive cerebral functions, such as short-term memory, calculation and ability of concentration, and speed of audio-visual perception. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the Rhodiola group during the first two weeks period, with no side effects reported for either treatment noted.  Results demonstrated that Rhodiola could reduce general fatigue under such stressful conditions. 

Source:  Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, et al. Rhodiola rosea in Stress Induced Fatigue--A Double Blind Coss-over Study of a Standardized Extract SHR-5 with a Repeated Low-dose Regimen on the Mental Performance of Healthy Physicians During Night Duty. Phytomedicine. Oct2000; 7(5): 365-71.

• According to Dr. Richard P. Brown, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University, Rhodiola rosea is not only very safe and well tolerated; in fact, many people report that they drink less coffee with Rhodiola rosea.  Source: Brown RP, Gerbarg PL, Graham B: The Rhodiola Revolution, Rodale Press, New York, NY, US, 2004

• An additional study investigated the stimulating effect of Rhodiola rosea extract in students during a stressful examination period.  The study was double-blinded placebo controlled using a repeated low-dose regimen.  Students took the Rhodiola supplement for 20 days during an examination period.  Physical as well as mental performance was assessed.  The study reported Rhodiola had positive effects on mental fatigue, neuro-motor tests, and physical fitness.  The self-assessment of the general well being of each individual was also significantly higher in the Rhodiola group over placebo.  Reference:  Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. Apr2000; 7(2): 85-9.

• Shevtsov et al produced another randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled, parallel-group study to investigate the effect of a single dose (two doses were evaluated) of Rhodiola extract on the capacity for mental work in the presence of stress and fatigue.  The study included 161 cadets aged 19-21 years, and demonstrated a significant anti-fatigue effect with both Rhodiola doses versus placebo.  Reference: Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, Vol'skij VB, Korovin YP, Khristich MP, Roslyakova NA, Wikman G. Centre of Sanitary and Epidemiological Inspection of the R.F. Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia.  A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine. 2003 Mar; 10(2-3): 95-105

Resveratrol

• According to a recent report in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, an additional benefit associated with Resveratrol is linked to its ability to activate a powerful fat controlling hormone adiponectin.  University of Texas researchers found resveratrol plays an important role in regulating insulin sensitivity and energy…noting, “the results of these studies should be of interest to those who are obese, diabetic, and growing older.”  Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry,
  “Up-regulation of Adiponectin by Resveratrol: The essential roles of the Akt/Fox01 and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathways and DsbA-L” Authors: A. Wang, M. Liu, X. Liu, L.Q. Dong, R.D. Glickman, T.J. Slaga, Z. Zhou, F. Liu

• Another recent study in the International Journal of Obesity suggested daily intake of resveratrol may improve the metabolic profile of those with obesity while also producing beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.

Source: International Journal of Obesity
Volume 34; doi:10.1038/ijo.2010.98
 “Anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol on adipokine expression and secretion in human adipose tissue explants”  Authors: J. Olholm, S.K. Paulsen, K.B. Cullberg, B. Richelsen, S.B. Pedersen.  

• Fountain Of Youth In A Wine Rx?  www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/25/60minutes/main4752082.shtml

Red Yeast Rice

• Halbert et al reported in the January 2010 issue of American Journal of Cardiology on a study looking at red-yeast-rice compared to pravastatin for statin-intolerant patients.  The researchers reported patients taking red yeast rice achieved clinically significant LDL-cholesterol reduction. Following a 12 week regimen, it was found that red-yeast-rice reduced LDL cholesterol levels 30% from baseline as compared to the pravastatin group’s reduction of 27% from baseline.  Source:  (Halbert SC, French B, Gordon RY, et al.  Tolerability of red yeast rice (2400mg twice daily) versus pravastatin (20mg twice daily) in patients with previous statin intolerance. Am J Cardiology; 105:198-204)

• “Red yeast rice and therapeutic lifestyle change decrease LDL cholesterol level without increasing CPK or pain levels and may be a treatment option for dyslipidemic patients who cannot tolerate statin therapy,” the researchers concluded.  (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, 2009;150:830-839)

• Red Yeast Rice Helps Reduce Cholesterol:  

Over-the-Counter Supplement Is an Alternative to Statin Drugs - View article: ABCnews.com

Vitamin D

• Recent research shows that low vitamin D levels can be linked to an increased incidence of PAD. Data from 4,389 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2001 to 2004 was analyzed to explore the association between vitamin D levels and PAD. A greater prevalence of PAD was found in participants with the lowest levels of vitamin D. (Reference: Melamed ML, Muntner P, Michos ED, Uribarri J, Weber C, Sharma J, Raggi P. Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and the Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease. Results from NHANES 2001 to 2004. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008 Apr 16.)