Rhodiola
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
There are some 50 species of rhodiola, but it is the fragrant root of the species Rhodiola rosea that is used medicinally. Rhodiola rosea grows throughout the mountainous regions in the higher latitudes and elevations of the Northern hemisphere.
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For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Stress 170 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract | Rhodiola has been shown to promote feelings of well-being and support mental function. The herbs discussed here are considered members of a controversial category known as adaptogens, which are thought to increase the body's resistance to stress, and to generally enhance physical and mental functioning. Many animal studies have shown that various herbal adaptogens have protective effects against physically stressful experiences, but whether these findings are relevant to human stress experiences is debatable. Animal studies have demonstrated protective effects of extracts against physical stresses. A double-blind study of healthcare workers experiencing the stress of night duty found that taking 170 mg per day of a standardized rhodiola extract prevented some of the decline in a set of mental performance measures during the first two weeks. However, when this regimen was repeated after a two-week period of not taking the extract, rhodiola did not provide protection from mental performance decline. In another double-blind study, 100 mg per day of the same extract was given to medical students during a stressful exam period. Those taking the extract reported a better sense of general well-being, and performed better on tests of mental and psychomotor performance. A third double-blind study of military cadets performing a 24-hour duty showed that 370 to 555 mg of rhodiola extract per day significantly reduced mental fatigue, as measured by several performance tasks. Another double-blind trial confirmed the effectiveness of rhodiola for the treatment of stress-related fatigue. |
2 Stars Anxiety 170 mg of a standardized extract twice per day | Taking rhodiola has been shown to significantly improve anxiety symptoms. In a preliminary study, supplementation with rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) significantly improved measures of anxiety in people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. The amount used was 170 mg of a standardized extract taken twice a day for ten weeks. |
2 Stars Athletic Performance and General Endurance 200 mg of an herbal extract, standardized to contain 3% rosavin plus 1% salidroside, taken one hour before endurance exercise | In a double-blind trial, healthy volunteers who received an extract of the herb Rhodiola rosea one hour before an endurance-exercise test saw significantly increased endurance, as measured by the time it took to become exhausted. In a double-blind trial, healthy volunteers received 200 mg of an extract of (standardized to contain 3% rosavin plus 1% salidroside) or a placebo one hour prior to an endurance-exercise test. Compared with placebo, rhodiola significantly increased endurance, as measured by the time it took to become exhausted. However, after daily use of rhodiola for four weeks, the herb no longer enhanced short-term endurance. Consequently, if rhodiola is being considered as an exercise aid, it should be used only occasionally. |
2 Stars Mental Performance Refer to label instructions | In a double-blind study, supplementing with an extract of rhodiola for two weeks significantly improved mental fatigue in a group of physicians during night duty. In a double-blind study, supplementation with an extract of Rhodiola (1 tablet per day, providing 170 mg of extract and 4.5 mg of salidroside) for two weeks significantly improved mental fatigue in a group of physicians during night duty. |
1 Star Fatigue Refer to label instructions | Traditional use and some double blind, test tube, and animal research suggests that rhodiola may treat fatigue. In a double-blind study, supplementation with an extract of rhodiola (1 tablet per day, providing 170 mg of extract and 4.5 mg of salidroside) for two weeks significantly improved mental fatigue in a group of physicians during night duty. Rhodiola has long been used in traditional medicine by Northern peoples to treat fatigue and enhance physical strength and endurance. Numerous animal and test tube studies show that rhodiola has both a stimulating and a sedating effect on the central nervous system, depending on intake amount. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Rhodiola has long been used in traditional medicine, primarily in Russia and Scandinavia.1 The Vikings used rhodiola to enhance physical strength and endurance, and it was commonly used by many Northern peoples to treat fatigue, poor physical endurance, nervous system disorders, and infections, and to enhance fertility. Rhodiola was included in the first Swedish Pharmacopeia, and Dioscorides, the Greek physician, reported on its use in his treatise De Materia Medica. In middle Asia, rhodiola was considered a premier treatment for colds and flu during the severe winters that occur there.
How It Works
Rhodiola contains a number of potentially active compounds, including phenylpropanoids (rosavin, rosin, rosarin),; phenylethanol derivatives (salidroside [also known as rhodioloside], tyrosol); flavonoids (rodiolin, rodionin, rodiosin, acetylrodalgin, tricin); monoterpenes (rosiridol, rosaridin); triterpenes (daucosterol, beta-sitosterol); and phenolic acids (chlorogenic, hydroxycinnamic, and gallic acids). The presence of rosavin distinguishes the species R. rosea from other rhodiolas, and many products are standardized to rosavin content to ensure that they contain the proper species.
There are numerous animal and test tube studies showing that rhodiola has both a stimulating and a sedating effect on the central nervous system (depending on intake amount); enhances physical endurance; improves thyroid, thymus, and adrenal function; protects the nervous system, heart, and liver; and has antioxidant and anticancer properties.2
How to Use It
Rhodiola has a more stimulating effect at lower amounts, and a more sedating effect at higher amounts. In medical treatment, the usual amounts taken are 200 to 600 mg per day of a standardized extract to at least 3% rosavins and 0.8 to 1% salidroside.3 The nonstandardized amount would be 1 gram three times daily of the root, the amount for the alcoholic extract (40% alcohol) is 5 to 40 drops two to three times per day (with a weight to volume ratio of 1:1 to 1:5 ). Rhodiola is usually taken before meals.
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
The safety of rhodiola has not been firmly established. However, rhodiola has a history of centuries of folk use and has been the subject of many clinical studies. No side effects or interactions have been reported. Animal studies indicate that rhodiola has a low level of toxicity, and that there is a huge margin of safety at the typical recommended intake amounts.4 There is no information available about the safety of rhodiola in pregnancy or lactation.
1. Brown RP, Gerbarg PL, Ramazanov Z. Rhodiola rosea: a phytomedicinal overview. Herbalgram 2002;56:40-52.
2. Brown RP, Gerbarg PL, Ramazanov Z. Rhodiola rosea: a phytomedicinal overview. Herbalgram 2002;56:40-52.
3. Brown RP, Gerbarg PL, Ramazanov Z. Rhodiola rosea: a phytomedicinal overview. Herbalgram 2002;56:40-52.
4. Brown RP, Gerbarg PL, Ramazanov Z. Rhodiola rosea: a phytomedicinal overview. Herbalgram 2002;56:40-52.
Last Review: 06-08-2015
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
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