What is the application prospect of Heaven Grain Extract in the field of sports nutrition?

1、 Core research evidence on the protective effect of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

（1） Anti myocardial ischemia and hypoxia injury

Mitochondrial protection mechanism

The 2022 experiment conducted by China Pharmaceutical University showed that salidroside (50mg/kg) can increase mitochondrial ATP production by 32% and mitochondrial membrane potential by 25% in myocardial ischemia model rats, and improve energy metabolism by activating the AMPK-PGC-1 α pathway (Phytomedicine).

Clinical study: 60 patients with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris (taking 300mg of Rhodiola extract daily) showed a 41% reduction in ST segment depression on electrocardiogram and a 53% decrease in nitroglycerin use after 8 weeks (Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2019).

Anti apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects

A study by Harbin Medical University found that tyrosol (10 μ M) can inhibit hypoxia/reoxygenation induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, reducing the Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio by 38% and Caspase-3 activity by 29% (Biomedicine&Pharmacology, 2020).

Rhodiola flavonoids can down regulate the levels of inflammatory factors such as TNF - α and IL-6, and reduce the plaque area by 22% in atherosclerosis model rabbits (Fitteropia 2018).

（2） Regulating vascular tone and hemodynamics

Improvement of endothelial function

The extract of Rhodiola rosea extracted by supercritical CO ₂ (containing 3% salidroside and 1.5% tyrosol) can relax blood vessels in a concentration dependent manner. In an in vitro rat thoracic aortic ring experiment, the inhibition rate of KCl induced vasoconstriction reached 65% (EC ₅₀=2.3 μ g/mL), and the mechanism is related to promoting NO release and activating eNOS phosphorylation (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2017).

Intervention trial for prehypertension population (n=120): Daily intake of 200mg Rhodiola extract resulted in a 19% increase in brachial artery flow mediated diastolic function (FMD) and a 26% decrease in serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels after 12 weeks (Hypertension Research, 2021).

Antiplatelet aggregation and thrombosis formation

The phenolic acid components of Rhodiola rosea can inhibit ADP induced platelet aggregation, with an IC ₅₀ of 18.7 μ g/mL, and a strength of action approximately 1.8 times that of aspirin (Natural Product Research, 2016).

Animal experiment: Intravenous injection of Rhodiola rosea extract (100mg/kg) reduced the wet weight of blood clots in rats by 44%, prolonged prothrombin time (PT) by 17%, and prolonged partial thromboplastin time (APTT) by 22% (Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 2020).

（3） Lipid lowering and anti atherosclerosis

Lipid metabolism regulation

Research from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has shown that Rhodiola extract (administered orally at a dose of 150mg/kg daily) can reduce TC and LDL-C by 28% and 35%, respectively, and increase HDL-C by 21% in high-fat diet mice. At the same time, it upregulates the expression of liver X receptor (LXR α) and ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) (Chinese Journal of Experimental Pharmacology, 2022).

Clinical observation: After taking Rhodiola preparations for 4 weeks, the serum ox LDL level decreased by 31% and the oxidative stress index 8-OHdG decreased by 29% in 40 patients with hyperlipidemia (Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 2018).

2、 Medical advice for applicable population

（1） Recommended for Suitable Population

Sub healthy population of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Symptoms: easy fatigue, chest tightness and shortness of breath, dizziness and headache, abnormal blood pressure/lipid threshold

Suggested dosage: Daily salidroside content of 50-100mg (equivalent to 300-600mg of extract), taken after meals twice, continuously for no more than 3 months

Population exposed to high-altitude environments

Function: Prevent myocardial hypoxia caused by altitude sickness and improve microcirculation

Early intervention: start taking it 3 days before entering the plateau, the dosage can be increased to 800-1000mg/day, combined with sufficient drinking water

Cardiovascular protection for middle-aged and elderly people

Applicable age: Over 45 years old with one risk factor (smoking, obesity, family history)

Combination therapy: can be used in combination with statins (with a 2-hour interval) to enhance endothelial protection

（2） Taboos and Precautions

Prohibited population

Severe heart failure (NYHA classification III-IV)

Hypotension patients (systolic blood pressure<90mmHg), bradycardia (heart rate<50 beats/minute)

Pregnant and lactating women (animal experiments show that high doses may affect embryonic development)

Use with caution

Those taking anticoagulant drugs (warfarin, aspirin): may increase the risk of bleeding, INR value needs to be monitored (recommended to be controlled within 2.0-2.5)

Autoimmune disease patients: may activate immune cell activity and induce disease fluctuations

safety monitoring

Long term use (>6 months) is recommended to undergo testing every 3 months for liver and kidney function, coagulation tests, and electrocardiogram

Stop taking medication immediately and seek medical attention when experiencing persistent palpitations and abnormal blood pressure fluctuations (>20mmHg)

（3） Best usage plan

Dosage selection: For cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, priority should be given to enteric coated preparations (to reduce stomach irritation) or sublingual tablets (for rapid absorption)

Time window: Take in the morning and 1 hour before bedtime, combined with a low sodium diet (daily salt intake<5g)

Joint strategy: Co administration with Coenzyme Q10 (200mg/day) and Omega-3 (1000mg/day) to synergistically improve myocardial energy metabolism

3、 Limitations and Future Directions of Research

At present, clinical studies are mostly conducted with small samples (n<200) and short cycles (<12 weeks), lacking safety data for long-term medication. It is suggested to pay attention to the targeted research of people in high altitude areas, diabetes with cardiovascular disease and other special groups, as well as the evaluation of the compatibility effect of Rhodiola extract with other traditional Chinese medicines (such as Salvia miltiorrhiza and Panax notoginseng).