# Herbal Support for the Nervous System: The Impact of Adaptogens in Humans and Dogs
## 6 Golden Root (_Rhodiola rosea_)
### Studies Related to Therapeutic Effects on Humans  
In traditional medicine, _R. rosea_ has been used to relieve stress, fatigue and support physical and mental performance. Its roots have been used as a tonic, improving endurance, and reducing symptoms of fatigue [119]. Modern clinical studies confirm the beneficial effects of _R. rosea_ in relieving symptoms of stress, fatigue, and improving cognitive function. Its adaptogenic properties make it a subject of interest. However, reports of studies in dogs are limited. Studies in mice have shown that _R. rosea_ extract increases resistance to stress, which is characteristic of adaptogens. In one experiment, it was observed that the administration of an extract of this plant improved the ability of mice to cope with stressors, which suggests its potential use in  
Figure 6: Characteristics of the plant and its principal active compounds [113; 114; 115; 116; 117; 118; 119; 120] (search without time range in the Scopus database with Article title, Abstract, Keywords, searching documents with the following command: (adaptogen name) AND nervous AND human/dog, as of 30 March 2025 [Scopus]). alleviating the symptoms of stress [121]. In animal models, such as mice, extract of _R. rosea_ in a dosages of 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg showed anxiolytic effects. In the elevated plus maze test, which is a standard test assessing the level of anxiety in rodents, the administration of the extract of this plant resulted in a reduction in anxiety symptoms [121]. Extracts of _R. rosea_ have shown antidepressant effects. [PERSON] et al. [122] conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial over 6 weeks to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized _R. rosea_ extract in patients with mild to moderate depression. The study found that both doses of _R. rosea_ (340 mg/day and 680 mg/day) significantly improved depression symptoms, insomnia, emotional instability, and somatization. Additionally, a phase II trial by [PERSON] et al. [123] compared _R. rosea_ to serntraline in treating mild-to-moderate depression. Results showed that while _R. rosea_ had a modest antidepressant effect compared to serntraline, it caused fewer side effects and was better tolerated, suggesting a more favorable risk-to-benefit ratio. Studies in rats indicate that _R. rosea_ may affect the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, in the brain. These changes may be related to the observed antidepressant and anxiolytic effects obtained after administration of dry water extracts from roots of _Rhodioda rosea_ (3% rosavins), where the extract concentration after rehydration was 80 mg/mL [48]. In animal models, _R. rosea_ extract improved cognitive functions, such as memory and learning. In studies on memory-impaired rats, administration of an extract from this plant in a dosage of 300 and 500 mg/kg led to improved performance in behavioral tests assessing memory and learning [124]. Salidroside, the main active compound of _R. rosea_, has shown neuroprotective effects in studies on neurons. It protected cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis, suggesting potential use in protecting neurons from damage [125]. _R. rosea_ extracts have shown the ability to inhibit enzymes such as monoamine oxidase A and B, responsible for the breakdown of neurotransmitters [126]. This effect may contribute to increased availability of neurotransmitters in the brain, which is important in treating mood disorders. Studies in rats have shown that the administration of _R. rosea_ extract reduces symptoms of fatigue. Rats given the extract showed increased physical activity and better performance in endurance tests [127]. In studies in rats with symptoms of depression, _R. rosea_ extract promoted stem cell differentiation and proliferation in the hippocampus, suggesting its potential effect on neurogenesis and brain plasticity. Although studies in animal models are preliminary, the results suggest that _R.