Chapters 6.11

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Suggested citation for this chapter.

Sauve, C. (2022) Greens, Fleshy Stems and Gourds. In The Student Encyclopedia of Canadian Indigenous Foods. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.firstnationsfoods.org/

Background

Rhodiola rosea or roseroot belongs to the Crassulaceae family which is commonly known as the stonecrop family. Depending on its ethnobotanical origin, roseroot has various names. Arctic root refers to the species of plant growing primarily in the arctic regions while the golden root name is in reference to the potential high value of the crop. Roseroot has a tall “bush-like” appearance and is typically yellow to brown in colour. Roseroot is becoming more popular in today’s population for medicinal use. Roseroot is a naturally growing plant but its commercialization is being seen in various farming operations, specifically in Alberta. On a larger scale, roseroot production is recognized worldwide as an industry specific to the merchandise of medicinal products for the health benefits it may provide.

Roseroot plant [Photograph]. Vitagene. https://vitagene.com/blog/rhodiola-for-stress/.

Geographical origins

Rhodiola rosea is a wildly grown plant species that has existed for decades. Guest and Allen (2014) studied the influx of roseroot in North America. The arrival of roseroot was conducted through an amphi-Atlantic route.Meaning roseroot was brought to Canada by way of both sides of the Atlantic ocean. Roseroot, specifically the Rhodiola rosea L. is very widespread and can be found in Russia, Europe, Greenland and along the coastal regions of North America (Guest and Allen, 2014). The populations in eastern Canada are said to be closely related to species originating from Scandinavia. Specifically, in North America Rhodiola rosea arises in pre-glaciated areas.

Other species of roseroot such as R. integrifolia and R. rhodantha share similar characteristics, but different habitats while ultimately coming from comparable geographical origins. R. rhodantha occupy wet meadows and sides of lakes while R. integrifolia grows in dry rocky areas. Evidence was found to show that R. rhodantha was a parent of the R. integrifolia species that flourishes in the Rockies, the plant can be found in the western Canada and Alaskan rocky mountains (Guest and Allen, 2014). In indigenous culture, roseroot has been traditionally used by the Nunavik Inuit. These Inuit are located in Nunavik which is the Northernmost part of Quebec. As well as, being native to the coast of Labrador home to the Nunatsiavut Inuit.

Nunangut. [Photograph]. Ocean’s North.https://www.oceansnorth.org/en/where-we-work/inuit-nunangat/

History

Rhodiola rosea has been traditionally used by the Nunavik Inuit as a food source and for medicines. The medicinal purposes of this plant are to mentally and physically rejuvenate whomever consumes the plant (Christian et al., 2013). Roseroot is believed to have adaptogenic properties against various stressors. Furthermore, the Eskimo people of Alaska and the Canadian Inuit use the succulent stems and the leaves as a source of green vegetables (Kuhnlein and Turner, 1991). The Inuit people of Nunavik refer to roseroot as ‘tallirunnaq’ or ‘tullirunaq’, while the Nunatsiavut Inuit people call it tulligunnak (Cuerrier and Ampong-Nyarko, 2015).

Inuit people

The Nunatsiavut Inuit have a strong connection to their land. They are the first self-governing Inuit region in all of Canada. Nunatsiavut translates to “Our Beautiful Land” in Inuktitut, the common Inuit language. Hunting, fishing and gathering are an important part of the Inuit tradition and cultures (Mardones et al., 2021). In the northernmost part of Quebec the Nunavik Inuit make up a population of around 13,000 people across 14 villages. Like the Nunatsiavut Inuit, Inuktitut is the first language while English is second (Government of Quebec, 2021).

Nutritional value

Roseroot is a plant commonly used for its medicinal properties. The extracts of the roots are a reputable source for stimulation of the nervous system, relieving depression, enhancing work performance and eliminating fatigue, while overall improving cognitive function. Roseroot has been classified as an adaptogen to continuously produce adjustments in the human body to resist stress. Additionally, roseroot encompasses a variety of antioxidant compounds. (AgriFacts, 2021) In addition to being used for medicine, roseroot is also consumed by Inuit people as a green vegetable source. It is an important food source for containing naturally occurring, “niacin, iron, phosphorus, protein, carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C.” (Cuerrier and Ampong-Nyarko, 2015, p.44) “Rosavins are a group of three separate chemical compounds (rosavin, rosin, rosarin) that are unique to the Rhodiola rosea species.” (Alberta Rhodiola Rosea Growers Organization, 2021) On Nunavik island, the tea remedy created was used for stomach or intestinal discomfort and the raw materials of the plant were consumed for tuberculosis (Cuerrier and Ampong-Nyarko, 2015). The Nunatsiavut use the roots to help medicate infections, colds, fatigue and toothaches.

Natural roseroot

A large portion of the world’s roseroot supply is obtained by harvesting plants grown in the wild. Although, this causes the fear of the extinction of roseroot. It is because of the wild harvesting of roseroot that countries such as Russia strictly regulate the collection. This promoted the modern cultivation of these plants to produce sufficient quantities for industrial use. A study conducted (Galambosi et al., 2007) showed the success in the cultivation of roseroot from naturally occurring plants on the border of Norway. The study concluded that the chemicals extracted within the roots of the plant did not greatly differ in contents from the natural and cultivated strains. “The root formation of the cultivated plants seems to be suitable for the production of the desirable end-form for the market.” (Galambosi et al., 2007, p.146) The roots and rhizomes are the major parts of the plant that constitutes the raw material which produces medicinal drugs. “The important active compound from the root and rhizomes is an aromatic glycoside called salidroside.” (Asdal et al., 2005) As well as rosavine, rosine, and rosarine play a role in the materials beneficial to human health.

Cultivated roseroot

Roseroot is mainly cultivated in cooler areas of Canada where other plants cannot flourish as well. Specifically in Alberta, several locations in central and northern Alberta have been cultivating roseroot in farm-like operations. Alberta accounts for almost 75 acres of cultivated Rhodiola rosea making it the leading supplier in the world. The buds at the soil surface ensure the plant's survival each year. The leaves and stems die and are replaced by the buds. Roseroot has a large root system making the plant require deep loamy soils most sufficient to its continuity. “Rhodiola rosea does well under moderately rich and well drained soils, which are neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7).” (AgriFacts, 2021)Growers are recommended to transplant two-year-old seedlings throughout the early spring as soils are wet from the melting snow (specifically in Canada). The plant can be drought tolerant but once transplanted, a source of water supply is required either through rainfall or irrigation.

Rhodiola rosea field in bloom. [photograph]. Alberta Rhodiola Rosea Growers Organization. https://arrgo.ca/meet-our-growers/
Like any other crop, weeds and pests can be a major factor in whether the plant will survive or die. “So far the main pest concern in Alberta is the Rhodiola aphid.” (AgriFacts, 2021) Rhodiola aphid is managed through the application of an insecticidal soap. Controlling weeds before planting is essential to the management of weeds in roseroot. A common method used on roseroot farms is plasticulture. Plasticulture uses plastic mulch in crop production. While conserving water, plasticulture weed control on mulch beds is crucial to control weeds that may grow through the holes in the plastic of the fields. The roseroot fields are set up where the plants are spaced in rows every 30 cm. Three rows of plants are grown within the width of the plastic mulch. Finally, the roots are harvested at the end of typically four to five years. The yield of the root is increased with the longer period of growth (five years). Plantations are then re-established every year to ensure a continuous supply.

Use of roseroot

The Nunavik Inuit consume roseroot as a green vegetable by preparing the rhizomes with a type of oil. It is said that every part of the plant is edible including its leaves, shoots, rhizomes and roots. The Danish-Norwegian King was served roseroot rhizomes when visiting Norway as part of a meal (Cuerrier and Ampong-Nyarko, 2015). The succulent stems and leaves are used in large quantities. Roseroot leaves can be cut up raw into mixed salads or cooked. Other indigenous groups did not use the plant as a food source but merely for medicinal teas or eyewashes.Roseroot is widely used across the world by several countries for its medicinal benefits.

Overall, each country has its beliefs on what roseroot medicines are used for and how they obtain the medicine from the plant and absorbed into the body. Each country also has a different species of roseroot but altogether, the plants have similar functions within the human body.In China, the roots and rhizomes of the Rhodiola crenulata, are used for treating health problems such as activating blood circulation and other issues relating to heart functions. (Cuerrier and Ampong-Nyarko, 2015) studies showed that China has around 22 different species of roseroot, but all mainly carry out similar functions. “In the north of Italy, a decoction prepared in milk was used to promote pregnancy.” (Cuerrier and Ampong-Nyarko, 2015, p.41) In Norway, roseroot was used to help treat wounds and swollen limbs. Iceland and Denmark however, used a decoction of the roots on wounds and as a hair wash. In Siberia, the plant is believed to have beneficial properties towards the liver.Altogether, roseroot has a numerous purpose within the world's population today and throughout history. Whether it is being consumed as a green vegetable or medicine, it contains beneficial properties to anyone taking in its nutrients.

Benefits

The benefits included with cultivating or harvesting of roseroot is the aesculapian properties it contains. Roseroot has been used for decades by countries across the world all for the same purpose, healing. Whether it is to relieve headaches and pains or treat wounds or help relieve various stressors, its purpose remains the same. (Asdal et al., 2005) provided the following benefits shown in scientific studies regarding the medicinal benefits in sports; a stimulant to help with fatigue, stress, and depression, effective within individuals who change moods quickly. Aids in the restoration of work capacity after long periods of physical activity, prevention in sexual disturbances, activation of hormones which result in fat removal, and helps healthy or obese individuals lose weight. “The use of products from R. rosea gives no addiction or psychological habituation.” (Asdal et al., 2005, p.91) The benefits of roseroot are applied to everyone and not just the athletes studied. Overall, the benefits of roseroot are maximized as it is seemingly always beneficial to the health of every single human who may consume roseroot.

On a marketing scale, roseroot is said to have great value within Inuit people as the high demand results in a need of retrieving the plant from various Inuit communities such as Nunatsiavut and Nunavik. US and Canadian markets both showed a high demand for Rhodiola rosea products in both mainstream and natural markets (Mardones, 2019). Whether it is the demand for the herbal supplements of products like teas or extracts, the demand is there. The production of roseroot could give the potential for an income for these Indigenous communities. Not only can the cultivation of roseroot be beneficial to Indigenous communities, the new found need for the plant has resulted in cultivation. “As of 2012, 20 ha of rhodiola were under cultivation in Alberta, providing employment to over 150 people.” (Mardones, 2019) The fact that the cultivation of the crop implies labour, it will overall benefit more people as labourers will make an income to take home. (Mardones et al., 2021) reported that the cost of living in remote Inuit communities can be very high, with high levels of food insecurity, and a limit on job opportunities. Overall, the need of roseroot will benefit these communities by employing the people living there while giving them an income to prosper.

Map of Nunatsiavut Communities. [photograph].Tourism Nunatsiavut. https://www.tourismnunatsiavut.com/home/communities.htm

Limitations

The limitations of obtaining roseroot are mainly caused by salvaging the natural growing plants in various locations. Specifically in the Nunavik and Nunatsiavut area, some villages can be very remote. In the northernmost part of Labrador, Nunatsiavut, the population is quite small being around less than 1,200 people. (Mardones et al., 2021) Nunatsiavut has very limited access and is generally only accessed by boats and airplanes. Similarly, Rigolet, the southernmost part of Labrador is even more remote and has a much smaller population of around only 300 people. It is inaccessible by road, and is only accessible by boat and small planes. Although, only in the winter can it be accessed by snowmobile (Mardones et al., 2021). As a result, this causes a setback in the market of roseroot as it would be difficult to obtain from these indigenous communities rich in the plant.

References

1.Alberta Rhodiola Rosea Growers Organization. (2021). About Rhodiola rosea. Alberta Rhodiola Rosea Growers Organization. https://arrgo.ca/about-rhodiola-rosea/

2.Ampong-Nyarko, K. (March 2010). Rhodiola rosea: A High Value Crop. Government of Alberta: Agri-Facts. 20-2. Pgs.1-3

3.Asdal, A., Galambosi, B., Olsson, K., Wedelsbäck Bladh, K., and Þorvaldsdóttir, E. (December 2005). Rhodiola rosea L. (Roseroot). Spice- and Medicinal Plants in the Nordic and Baltic Countries Conservation of Genetic Resources. Pgs. 88-97. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katarina-Wedelsback-Bladh/publication/236209900_Spice-

4.Cuerrier, A., and Amopng-Nyarko, K. (2015). Traditional Herbal Medicines for Modern Times: Rhodiola Rosea. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group. Pgs. 35-45. https://books.google.ca/books?id=foeZBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA44&lpg=PA44&dq=traditional+inui

5.Government of Quebec. (2021). Inuit. Government of Quebec.

6.Galambosi, B., Galambosi, Zs., and Slacanin, I. (2007). Comparison of natural and cultivated roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.) roots in Finland. 12(3). Pgs. 141-147. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bertalan-Galambosi/publication/288911661_Comparison_o

7.Kuhnlein, V.H. and Turner, J.N. (1991) Traditional Plant Foods of Canadian Indigenous Peoples: Roseroot. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers. Pg. 113.

8.Mardones, V. (August 2019). Ethnobotanical Entrepreneurship for Indigenous Biocultural Resilience: Rhodiola Rosea in Nunatsiavut. Pgs. 70-80. https://research.library.mun.ca/13998/1/thesis.pdf

9.Mardones, V., Courier, A., and Hermanutz, L. (2021). Developing a community-based

10.enterprise: Nunatsiavut Inuit knowledge and perspectives on the use of medicinal plant Rhodiola rosea. 22:06 Pg. 2. https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/era/index.php/era/article/view/2863