Rhodiola (Rhodiola spp.)

Background

Scientific Evidence

Uses

Grade*

Adaptogen

Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens reportedly regulate stress resistance and increase performance, energy, and endurance. Initial results for use of rhodiola as an adaptogen are promising, but further research is required before conclusions can be made.

C

Anxiety

Rhodiola is popularly used for anxiety and other mood-related disorders. In human research, rhodiola was found to reduce cortisol, a hormone whose levels increase during stress. Based on preliminary research, rhodiola may be beneficial in reducing anxiety; however, large, well-designed clinical trials are needed before a conclusion can be made.

C

Bladder cancer

Preliminary research suggests that rhodiola may benefit patients with bladder cancer. Well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

C

Depression

Rhodiola has been used traditionally to reduce depression. In preliminary study of patients with mild-to-moderate depression, the SHR-5 standardized extract of rhodiola decreased symptoms of depression. Further research is needed before conclusions can be made.

C

Exercise performance enhancement

Limited study of rhodiola for exercise performance enhancement is promising; however, additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

C

Fatigue

Rhodiola has been used to increase energy and reduce fatigue. More well-designed studies are required.

C

Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)

Rhodiola has been hypothesized to protect against injury caused by too little oxygen. Review of human research indicates that rhodiola may improve oxygenation. More high quality research is needed.

C

Lung disease (acute injury)

Early study suggests that rhodiola may protect the lungs from acute injury. Further studies are needed before a firm conclusion may be made.

C

Mental performance (during fatigue)

Early study suggests that rhodiola may benefit learning, memory, and mental performance. Well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion may be made.

C

Tuberculosis

Preliminary study suggests that the combination product Dzherelo (containing rhodiola) may benefit patients with tuberculosis. Additional research evaluating rhodiola alone is needed before a conclusion can be made.

C

*Key to grades:

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;

B: Good scientific evidence for this use;

C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;

D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);

F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Tradition

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)

Children (under 18 years old)

References

  1. Abidov M, Grachev S, Seifulla RD, et al. Extract of Rhodiola rosea radix reduces the level of C-reactive protein and creatinine kinase in the blood. Bull Exp Biol Med 2004;138(1):63-64. View Abstract
  2. Apostolidis E, Kwon YI, Shetty K. Potential of cranberry-based herbal synergies for diabetes and hypertension management. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15(3):433-441. View Abstract
  3. Colson SN, Wyatt FB, Johnston DL, et al. Cordyceps sinensis- and Rhodiola rosea-based supplementation in male cyclists and its effect on muscle tissue oxygen saturation. J Strength Cond Res 2005;19(2):358-363. View Abstract
  4. Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, et al. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue--a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine 2000;7(5):365-371. View Abstract
  5. De Bock K, Eijnde BO, Ramaekers M, et al. Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2004;14(3):298-307. View Abstract
  6. Earnest CP, Morss GM, Wyatt F, et al. Effects of a commercial herbal-based formula on exercise performance in cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2004;36(3):504-509. View Abstract
  7. Hung SK, Perry R, and Ernst E. The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine 2011;18(4):235-244. View Abstract
  8. Kormosh N, Laktionov K, Antoshechkina M. Effect of a combination of extract from several plants on cell-mediated and humoral immunity of patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Phytother Res 2006;20(5):424-425. View Abstract
  9. Kwon YI, Jang HD, Shetty K. Evaluation of Rhodiola crenulata and Rhodiola rosea for management of type II diabetes and hypertension. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15(3):425-432. View Abstract
  10. Olsson EM, von Scheele B, Panossian AG. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Med 2009;75(2):105-112. View Abstract
  11. Parisi A, Tranchita E, Duranti G, et al. Effects of chronic Rhodiola rosea supplementation on sport performance and antioxidant capacity in trained male: preliminary results. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2010;50(1):57-63. View Abstract
  12. Provino R. The role of adaptogens in stress management. Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism 2010;22(2):41-49.
  13. Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 2003;10(2-3):95-105. View Abstract
  14. Skarpanska-Stejnborn A, Pilaczynska-Szczesniak L, Basta P, et al. The influence of supplementation with Rhodiola rosea L. extract on selected redox parameters in professional rowers. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2009;19(2):186-199. View Abstract
  15. Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine 2000;7(2):85-89. View Abstract