Phytoconstituents and antioxidant potency of Rhodiola rosea -: A versatile adaptogen

Rhodiola rosea, a popular medicinal plant in Russia and Scandinavia, has been exploited as an adaptogen at high altitudes in these countries. Root extract from this plant is known to affect favorably various physiological functions, including cognition, work performance, high-altitude sickness and cardioprotective effects. However, R. rosea found in the Indian Himalayas needs to be investigated for its beneficial health effects. In the present study, the proximate composition, total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant potency of this plant were determined. The results indicated that the roots contained a significant amount of total phenols (153 +/- 2 mg/g of extractable compounds). Antioxidant activity of the root extract measured by radical scavenging, beta-carotene bleaching and thiocyanate methods revealed that the roots had excellent antioxidant potency. Thus, the roots of this unique phytoadaptogen may have an important role in alleviating oxidative stress in biological systems as well as peroxidative changes in food systems. Therefore it can be exploited for the development of nutraceuticals and health foods.