Rhodiola sp.: The Herbal Remedy for High-Altitude Problems

Abstract Various species belonging to the genus Rhodiola (family Crassulaceae) are distributed throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. Rhodiola rhizomes, also called golden roots, have been used traditionally in China, Tibet, Mongolia, and the former Soviet Republics for their medicinal properties. The therapeutic effects demonstrated by Rhodiola are attributed to its biologically active substances: rosavin, rosarin, rosin, salidroside, and tyrosol. These phytoconstituents exhibit protective effects against physical and mental stresses. Rhodiola roots have been described extensively for being adaptogenic, antiproliferative, antifatigue, antihypoxic, cytoprotective, and oxygen scavenging. Some data confirm that the species, Rhodiola rosea L. preparations stop the growth of the malignant tumors and metastasis in the liver. This chapter reviews the active principles in Rhodiola sp. and gives an insight into its roles in ameliorating various health ailments.