Rhodiola rosea L.: A Critical Review on Biology, Medicinal Properties and Pharmacological Manifestations

Article history: Received 05 September 2015 Accepted 27 September 2015 Available online 29 September 2015 Potential of the medicinal plant Rhodiola rosea belonging to the angiosperm family Crassulaceae, has been used by mankind since time immemorial. However, scientific research documentation of this medicinal plant is gradually growing in literature throughout the world. R. rosea plant is known for its astonishing capacity in rejuvenation of life, cellular longevity, antioxidant capacity, and cardioprotective as well as neuroprotective nature; and over all, its central role as a powerful adaptogen, which is now being commercially exploited to prevent fatigues, illness, and even death in harsh climatic conditions. Its protective role in Cognitive Biology is pharmacologically proved. In this review paper, biology of the plant, medicinal properties, and pharmacological formulations have been structured. The cellular and molecular mechanisms, metabolic cross-talk, and regulation of gene expressions by plant formulations during prevention of human sufferings have also been reviewed.