Ashwagandha is a herb that belongs to the night shade family of plants. The nightshade family of plants is a very interesting one and includes a lot of vegetables that make up large parts of many diets. Notable nightshade members are potatoes, tomatoes, chili peppers, goji berries and even tobacco! Another name for the nightshade family is Solanaceae. This is where Ashwagandha gets its Latin name from; Withania somnifera. Ashwagandha is a short perennial shrub, with a large root system that develops small deep orange fruits. The fruits resemble a small cherry and the leaves look frosty due to the many tiny hairs that are on them. This one of the reasons why Ashwagandha is also referred to as ‘winter cherry’. Traditionally, the Ashwagandha root is used, however new research has found high concentrations of key components in the leaves too. Various manufacturers have taken notice of this. One of the most notable being Natreon who produce a specialized extract of Ashwagandha called Sensoril. Sensoril is made from the leaves of Ashwagandha, giving it a unique chemical composition, which produces noticeable calming effects.

Rosavins are a collection of compounds which include, rosavin, rosin, and rosarin. They are known as a cinnamyl alcohol glycosides belonging to a group of compounds known as phenylpropanoids. They are amongst the main active phytochemical components in Rhodiola rosea, but studies remain inconclusive on how they specifically operate and their mechanisms of action. Some research suggests that rosavins may not be effective on their own, but must be combined with other more powerful compounds, like salidroside, to exhibit potential effects.

Research suggests that rosavin in Rhodiola rosea may support healthy stress levels. Rosavin may also act as an active compound that supports weight loss. Studies show that rosavin may potentiate hormone-based lipase, an enzyme that can break down adipose tissue, or fat, particularly around the midsection. This break down of stomach fat may be promoted when rosavin is combined with exercise.

Alternately known as rhodioloside, salidroside is considered the more powerful component in Rhodiola rosea. Some studies even suggest salidroside may be more active than rosavin. Salidroside is a glucoside form of tyrosol, and can also be found in Rhodiola crenulata, a species related to Rhodiola rosea found specifically in China. Salidrosides have also been found in other unrelated plants species.

Research identifies that salidroside may have a variety of positive effects throughout your body. Some studies show that salidroside may have adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens refer to any compound that may help your body adapt to the physical drawbacks associated with stress as well as maintaining homeostasis. Salidroside may also support nerve health. Studies suggest that salidroside may promote nerve repair processes, regulate the release of neurotransmitters, and protect cells. One study found that salidroside may protect nerve cells from toxins and other harmful substances while promoting cognitive function. Salidroside has also been found to potentially support skeletal health as well. A study tested the effects of an isolated salidroside extract on bone. The study found that salidroside may protect against oxidative stress. This suggests that salidroside may support bone development.

Many of the studies surrounding Rhodiola rosea focus on the nootropic as a whole, and the way its different phytochemicals and compounds like rosavin and salidroside work together. Studies show that one of the main mechanisms of action for Rhodiola rosea extract may involve its regulation of monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase comprises a family of enzymes bound to the outer membrane of mitochondria. The various subtypes of monoamine oxidase are all involved in the oxidative breakdown of various components and neurotransmitters in your system, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

By blocking monamine oxidase enzymes, Rhodiola rosea can lead to a significant modulation of certain neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and dopamine. Along with contributing to the body’s natural cyclic processes, serotonin is responsible for regulating emotions like happiness. Dopamine is responsible for a variety of functions, including movement and emotional response, but it is best known for controlling motivation, reward, and the brain’s pleasure centers. By promoting both dopamine and serotonin, Rhodiola rosea may support healthy stress levels and promote feelings of well-being. The supported serotonin and dopamine may also promote your attention, concentration, and overall cognitive function. Rhodiola rosea may also promote focus and mental energy.

Along with its effects on certain neurotransmitters, Rhodiola rosea has been studied for its potential to regulate cortisol. Cortisol is released during periods of physical or emotional stress. Cortisol may interfere with a healthy immune system and the normal metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, Rhodiola rosea may support healthy cortisol and stress levels. These adaptogenic benefits of Rhodiola rosea may also support a healthy night's sleep, which offers its own wide range of potential benefits such as promoting cognitive function. While many studies suggest that salidroside is the more powerful Rhodiola rosea supplement, both salidroside and rosavins play a key role in the potential effects of Rhodiola rosea extract.

There appears to be about 60-90 species of rhodiola. The main rhodiola species of interest is Rhodiola rosea as it contains both high concentrations of salidroside and rosavins. However, Rhodiola rosea is in short supply these days, with increasing costs, and thus different species are being falsely sold as Rhodiola rosea. This adulturation is happening all over the industry. Due to the fact that we perform species testing on all of our plant extracts, we discovered that one particular batch of “Rhodiola rosea” that was sent to us contained lots of salidroside, no rosavins, and the HP-TLC species testing indicated it was not Rhodiola rosea. This made us scratch our heads quite a bit. How could one of the compounds of interest be showing up, while the other compound of interest was not at all present, in addition to it not even being the plant we were looking for?

We dug through some research and found another fairly common species of rhodiola that has also seen extensive use in traditional medicine in China and Tibet. This species is called Rhodiola crenulata, and it doesn’t contain any rosavins. Instead it contains high concentrations of salidroside and p-tyrosol, the stimulating and mood elevating compounds that are also present in Rhodiola rosea. We retested the batch that was sent to us, and discovered that we had actually been sent Rhodiola crenulata. We then evaluated whether or not Rhodiola crenulata would be a worthwhile extract, and we quickly came to the conclusion that it could be advantageous to carry a Rhodiola crenulata extract in addition to a Rhodiola rosea extracts we already had. The reason for this is that the absolute lack of rosavins makes this extract much better for individuals who respond particularly well to just salidroside. The extract will be better suited to athletes looking to curb exercise fatigue, and for individuals wanting just an energy boost. For those that are looking for a more well rounded effect profile, the Rhodiola rosea will still be the preferred extract due to it containing rosavins. As always, each plant has its own unique effects and benefits. The issue comes from when supplement companies mislabel products in an attempt to save money. We feel Rhodiola crenulata is unique enough to stand on its own, and shouldn't be mislabeled at something it is not.