Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea, also known as "golden root" or "Arctic root," is a perennial herb adapted to cold, high-altitude regions of Europe and Asia. Its rhizome contains various phenolic compounds, most notably rosavin and salidroside, used in supplements to help the body manage physical, mental, and environmental stressors.

• Rosavin: The primary active constituent, rosavin (C₁₆H₂₈O₆), has the IUPAC name (2S,3R,4S)-2-[3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-phenyl]-3-hydroxy-4-[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-oxy]-butanoic acid.
• Salidroside: Salidroside (C₁₄H₂₀O₇, 2-(hydroxymethyl)-5-hydroxy-6-methoxy-benzene-1-ol) is a simpler phenolic glucoside.
• Solubility and Stability: Both rosavin and salidroside are water-soluble, stable at pH 4–7, and degrade at high temperatures (>70 °C) or extreme pH.
• Standardized Extract Production: Standardized extracts are typically produced using 50% ethanol-water extraction, followed by C18-reverse-phase chromatography to achieve the 3% rosavin standard.

Rhodiola is primarily cultivated in Siberia, the Baltic states, and China (Ladakh, Nepal), where wild populations are harvested under Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP).

• Commercial Supplements: Use standardized extracts from dried rhizomes, harvested in late autumn when active constituents are at their peak.
• Extraction and Processing: Extraction uses ethanol-water (50/50), followed by spray-drying to create a stable powder.
• Quality Control: Quality-focused manufacturers use HPLC-UV or LC-MS fingerprinting to verify rosavin content and test for heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microbial contamination. Look for products certified by USP, NSF, or EU GMP.