Rose root

Rhodiola rosea — also known as rose root or golden root — is a hardy plant associated with cold and mountainous regions and has a long history of traditional use. Today it is one of the best-known botanicals in the adaptogen category. From a quality perspective, Rhodiola is especially interesting because extracts are commonly characterised by marker compounds such as rosavins and salidroside; rosavin is particularly associated with Rhodiola rosea itself. Research has explored the plant in relation to physical and mental fatigue, although study quality and results vary and should not be confused with claims made for a finished food product. At xdose, Rhodiola fits our Northern functional philosophy naturally: it has a distinctive origin, a recognised phytochemical identity and a purpose-led role in formulation. The extract specification and its place in the complete recipe matter more to us than simply putting a fashionable botanical name on the front label.