Rhodiola Boosts Sports Performance

ROMECompetitive athletes may realize enhanced performance and recovery from chronic consumption of the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea, according to a new study (J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2010 Mar;50(1):57-63). Researchers from the University of Rome investigated the impact of chronic Rhodiola rosea supplementation on physical performance and redox status in 14 trained male athletes. After four weeks of supplementation, the subjects underwent a cardio-pulmonary exhaustion test and blood samples were taken to evaluate antioxidant status and other biochemical parameters. While supplementation did not impact VO2 max, heart rate or exercise duration, it did significantly reduce plasma free fatty acid levels. In addition, while blood antioxidant status and inflammatory markers were unchanged after Rhodiola consumption, the intervention did result in significantly lower levels of blood lactate and plasma creatine kinase. The researchers concluded chronic Rhodiola supplementation could reduce parameters of skeletal muscle damage after exhaustive exercise and ameliorate fatty acid consumption, ultimately increasing the bodys ability to adapt to physical exercise.