RHODIOLA rosea overdose, what happens?

[Lao Tzu]

I got some from BAC. here is their description on their site.


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RHODIOLA rosea, 3-4% rosavins, aka Golden Root or Arctic Root, is predicted to be the new superstar herb. It is our favorite adaptogen that has been shown to raise oxygen partition in arteries and blood saturation level and to lower blood viscosity while enhancing peripheral circulation. It improved total circulation, oxygen uptake and nutrient transport to the tissues while preventing hypoxy-related free radical generation. It has improved performance of athletes and those in high altitudes (such as climbing Mt. Everest without oxygen!). 89% of athletes in a study showed increased strength & speed in a variety of sports during periods of peak physical stress. Clinical research with healthy subjects showed improvement in depression, hearing, learning & memory, recovery from prolonged exercise, muscle gain, fat loss, lowered cortisol, liver detoxification, tumor resistance, and sexual function with normalization of prostate in males, all with no toxicity reported. It helps normalize mood, stress & anxiety by maintaining optimal levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. No detrimental side effects were reported even at many times the recommended dose of 200-600mg per day. Bitter taste. 500 doses, 50 grams, $11.00 Code 822.1
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However when i got it it came with a little spoon (nothing i've gotten from BAC came with its own measuring cup before) and it said to only take 100mg a day, and they were very adamant that i should not take more than that. I am trying to research it on the net but i can't find out what the consequences are of overdose or what constitutes overdose or why this particular drug seems to be different than all the other ones ive used. Im only on 100mg a day in case anyone wonders, i cant stand megadoses of anything.

Anyone know what the consequences of OD'ing are and how much you need to OD? I can't figure out why on their site they say taking many times more than 200-600mg didn't cause toxicity, and why they implied repeately that it wasn't toxic but when i got the bottle they were adamant that i not take more than 100mg at a time.

 

[macrophage69alpha]

headaches are the most common side effect at over 600mg.

 

[majutsu]

Toxicity is highly unlikely:

"Toxicity, Side Effects, and Contraindications
R. rosea has a very low level of toxicity. In rat toxicity studies, the LD50 (lethal dose at which 50 percent of animals die) was calculated to be 28.6 ml/kg, approximately 3,360 mg/kg.25 The equivalent dosage in a 70 kg man would be about 235 gm or 235,000 mg. Since the usual clinical doses are 200-600 mg/day, there is a huge margin of safety.87

Overall, R. rosea has very few side effects. Most users find that it improves their mood, energy level, and mental clarity. Some individuals, particularly those who tend to be anxious, may feel overly activated, jittery, or agitated. If this occurs, then a smaller dose with very gradual increases may be needed. R. rosea should be taken early in the day because it can interfere with sleep or cause vivid dreams (not nightmares) during the first few weeks. It is contraindicated in excited states. Because R. rosea has an activating antidepressant effect, it should not be used in individuals with bipolar disorder who are vulnerable to becoming manic when given antidepressants or stimulants. Until this has been further studied, the authors advise caution in patients with bipolar spectrum disorders. The herb does not appear to interact with other medications, though it may have additive effects with other stimulants. It is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast and lunch. As with any herbal preparation, patients should inform their primary healthcare practitioner when taking R. rosea."

In short, the CNS and respiratory effects would become significant at 200+ gms a day. I suspect they said 100mg because many of the beneficial studies found improvement at this low dose, and it would therefore be the safest efficacious recommendation.

The quoted part is from a reference on this herbal, with a summary of relevant studies. I'm sure you'll find it fascinating too. :


http://www.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/articleview.asp?a=2333

 

[juve]

I've taken up to a gram of rho with no discernible effects compared to say 400-600mg's - and that's a standard dose. The only problem with rho I would see is if you're using it with an SSRI - it is conjectured that rho exhibits MAOI and Compt-I effect so essence you could suffer from an influx of serotonin which does have some very negative connotations (from headaches to vasoconstrictions and seizures). But that is a conjecture and the evidence is conflicting - since individual responses vary the only way to know is to try it and see how you fare

 

[Lao Tzu]

Why is BAC so adamant that you not take more than 100mg 2x a day then? I'll email them and ask.

 

[instynct999]

sillyest thing i ever hear--adamant about not taking more than that when right in their 'litwerature' it says such
:

No detrimental side effects were reported even at many times the recommended dose of 200-600mg per day. Bitter taste. 500