Clinical trial ofRhodiola roseaL. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of standardized extract SHR-5 of rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea L. in patients suffering from a current episode of mild/moderate depression. The phase III clinical trial was carried out as a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study with parallel groups over 6 weeks. Participants, males and females aged 18-70 years, were selected according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for depression, the severity of which was determined by scores gained in Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) questionnaires. Patients with initial HAMD scores between 21 and 31 were randomized into three groups, one of which (group A: 31 patients) received two tablets daily of SHR-5 (340 mg/day), a second (group B: 29 patients) received two tablets twice per day of SHR-5 (680 mg/day), and a third (group C: 29 patients) received two placebo tablets daily. The efficacy of SHR-5 extract with respect to depressive complaints was assessed on days 0 and 42 of the study period from total and specific subgroup HAMD scores. For individuals in groups A and B, overall depression, together with insomnia, emotional instability and somatization, but not self-esteem, improved significantly following medication, whilst the placebo group did not show such improvements. No serious side-effects were reported in any of the groups A-C. It is concluded that the standardized extract SHR-5 shows anti-depressive potency in patients with mild to moderate depression when administered in dosages of either 340 or 680 mg/day over a 6-week period.

The Effects ofRhodiola roseaL. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms

“…Following 14 days, the treatment group demonstrated a significant reduction in self-reported anxiety and stress. This finding supports previous evidence and research (Darbinyan et al, 2000;Panossian et al, 2010;Spasov et al, 2000;Darbinyan et al, 2007;Sarris, 2007). Although Rhodiola rosea has been used traditionally to relieve a range of symptoms of stress related disorders, to our knowledge this is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L. in the treatment of mild anxiety.…”

In vitro inhibition of cytochrome P-450 activities and quantification of constituents in a selection of commercial Rhodiola rosea products

“…Rhodiola rosea products are claimed to stimulate weight loss, relieve psychological stress, increase sexual performance and exert positive cardiac effects. Several studies have been performed to evaluate in vivo effects, some showing positive results related to CNS performance and treatment of depression (Darbinyan et al 2007;Panossian et al 2010;Edwards et al 2012) and some with variable and disputed results (Blomkvist et al 2009). Due to its widespread use, R. rosea is likely to be used concomitantly with conventional medicine and potentially adverse effects could arise (Maniscalco et al 2015).…”

Panax ginsengRhodiola roseaandSchisandra chinensis

“…Thus, searching for new therapeutic products from medicinal plants for the treatment of depression is a possible solution such as using Rhodiola rosea where there have been encouraging results. A clinical trial showed a significant effect using Rhodiola rosea extract (340-680 mg/day) in male and female patients from 18 to 70 years old with mild to moderate depression (Darbinyan et al, 2007). Several mechanisms of action possibly contributing to this clinical effect have been identified.…”