For many people who lead busy lives in this modern age, it's not uncommon to feel anxious, depressed, fatigued and as though the brain is just not thinking clearly. But what if I told you that an ancient root could help you cope with many or even all of these complaints? Before you react, let me add that modern science is quickly becoming a prominent voice in promoting this traditional remedy. Interested? Then please read on.

When you first look at the beautiful rhodiola rosea plant, the thing that pops out is its vibrant yellow blossoms. But it's the root of this perennial that has been used traditionally in countries such as Iceland, Russia and Scandinavia. Historically, it has been applied quite broadly  and recommended for such disparate conditions as anemia (iron deficiency), altitude sickness, impotence, and even as a remedy for the common cold and flu.

In the past century, botanists and scientists alike have added a new definition to this old herbal medicine. They now often describe it as an "adaptogen", a substance that supports the body and mind in adapting to both physical and psychological stressors. In order for a substance to be considered an adaptogen, it must have a wide safety margin and be virtually non-toxic. There have been several recent studies that support this claim.

In March 2009, a scientific study appeared in the journal Planta Medica. In it, a total of 60 male and female volunteers, aged 20 to 55, were split into two groups. One of the groups received 4 tablets of a concentrated rhodiola extract per day. The remainder of the volunteers received placebo tablets that looked identical. The duration of the trial was 28 days.

At the beginning and end of the study, psychological questionnaires and a saliva test were administered to determine the participants' level of attention/concentration, cortisol (a stress hormone found in saliva), depression, fatigue and overall quality of life.

By the study's end, the researchers found that the rhodiola extract imparted an anti-fatigue effect. They also noted an improvement in attention/concentration, mental performance and a decrease in cortisol levels. The combination of both psychological and physical changes indicate a potent "adaptogenic" action.

These results are supported by a study published just one year prior. A study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that a 340 mg daily dose of rhodiola extract could significantly decrease the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

Rhodiola rosea has also been examined with regard to mild to moderate depression. A 2007 trial in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry set out to determine if this "golden root" had a place in the natural management of low mood states.

This 6 week study involved 89 clinically depressed male and female volunteers. Their ages ranged from 18 all the way up to 70. Three groups were assigned to one of three different treatment options:

• a) 340 mg of a rhodiola extract
• b) 680 mg of rhodiola or
• c) a placebo.

All of the volunteers were given depression rating tests prior to the study and at its conclusion. The results revealed that the rhodiola users found improvements in overall depression, emotional instability and sleep quality. As with the prior studies I mentioned, no serious side effects were noted.

Rhodiola rosea isn't as well known in the United States as St. John's wort (for depression) or kava (for anxiety). But, that may soon change. Scientific inquiries into the effects and mechanisms behind the activity of the "golden root" are continuously being published. In fact, earlier this month, new evidence emerged that part of rhodiola's adaptogenic qualities may be due to a natural MAO (monamine oxidase) inhibiting effect. MAO inhibition allows for increased levels of serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine in the brain.

In rhodiola, we have an example of a truly integrative approach to medicine. Historical documentation and folk medicinal use have led to modern research and clinical trials. The end result of this marriage between ancient ways and modern science may allow for a rather obscure root to help improve the lives of many people throughout the world.