Can Rhodiola Crenulata Intake Improve Oxygen Saturation and Decrease the Incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness Clinical Trial

Official title: Can Rhodiola Crenulata Intake Improve Oxygen Saturation and Decrease the Incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Traditional folk medicine in the Arctic and Himalayan areas used Rhodiola species to enhance physical endurance, prevent aging, resist acute mountain sickness (AMS), and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence and respiratory infections. Rhodiola crenulata are widely used to prevent AMS in Himalayan areas and Lhasa in Tibet but none was examined by human study. The investigators conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study to investigate the efficacy of Rhodiola crenulata in preventing AMS.

Clinical Trial Description

The number of people traveling to altitude for work or for recreation is rising, and increased media attention towards these activities has also raised the profile of altitude related illness. The most effective preventive measure for acute mountain sickness (AMS)—gradual ascent—is frequently difficult or impractical for modern international travel to locations such as Lhasa in Tibet (3650 m) and La Paz in Bolivia (3740 m). In order to solve this problem, prophylactic acetazolamide was most commonly used. But prescription needed and side effects such as paresthesia and nausea are the disadvantage of using acetazolamide. Some over-the-counter herbal supplements with essentially no adverse effect were widely used, such as Rhodiola species. Rhodiola crenulata are widely used to prevent AMS in Himalayan areas and Lhasa in Tibet but none was examined by human study. The investigators conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study to investigate the efficacy of Rhodiola crenulata in preventing AMS. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Prevention

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Acute Mountain Sickness
• Altitude Sickness
• Environmental Illness

• NCT number: NCT01536288
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: October 2010
• Completion date: May 2011