High altitude disease (HAD) refers to disorders triggered by specific environmental factors such as low oxygen levels, low atmospheric pressure, cold and dry conditions, and strong ultraviolet radiation. Its pathogenesis is complex and often linked to qi deficiency and blood stasis. Hongjingtian (Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma), a renowned traditional Chinese medicinal herb, contains diverse active ingredients including phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, volatile oils, organic acids and other active components. It has the effects of nourishing qi, promoting blood circulation, clearing meridians and relieving asthma, exhibiting multiple biological effects in prevention and treatment of HAD. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma and its active ingredients play a preventive and therapeutic role in HAD through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, anti-fatigue, regulation of programmed cell death, improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism, and intestinal flora regulation. This review summarizes the mechanisms and applications of Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma and its active ingredients in prevention and treatment of HAD in recent years, providing a reference for clinical research on Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma in treatment of HAD.

Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma  /  high altitude disease  /  Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma drug pair  /  salidroside  /  kaempferol  /  anti-inflammatory  /  anti-oxidative stress  /  anti-fatigue  /  improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism