PpProf. Peptide
← Back to Supplement Library

Rhodiola Rosea

Cognitive & Nootropic

Last reviewed: May 26, 2026

Also Known As: Arctic root, golden root, roseroot, SHR-5 (Swedish-Russian extract), rhodiola, rosavins

Supplement Class: Adaptogenic herb / HPA axis modulator / MAO inhibitor (mild) / monoamine preservation / opioid receptor agonist (mild)

Evidence Tier: Strong (mental fatigue under stress and chronic burnout) — Spasov 2000 student-stress RCT, Olsson 2009 burnout RCT, Hung 2011 systematic review of 11 RCTs, Anghelescu 2018 review. Moderate (antidepressant) — Mao 2015 head-to-head vs sertraline showing comparable depression-score reductions with better safety profile. One of the cleaner adaptogen evidence bases.

What is Rhodiola rosea?

Rhodiola rosea is a flowering plant from cold mountainous regions of Europe and Asia — particularly Siberia and Scandinavia — used in traditional Russian and Nordic medicine for centuries to increase endurance, reduce fatigue, and enhance resilience to physical and mental stress. It belongs to the adaptogen class — herbs that help the body adapt to stressors by normalizing physiological processes without causing excessive stimulation or sedation. The primary bioactive compounds are rosavins and salidroside, working through multiple mechanism layers: HPA axis modulation (normalizing cortisol during chronic stress), MAO inhibition (preserving dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin under stress), opioid receptor activation (stress-protective mood effects), serotonin reuptake inhibition, and antioxidant effects. The evidence base is one of the cleaner in the adaptogen space — Spasov 2000 (SHR-5 in stressed medical students), Olsson 2009 (burnout in chronically stressed adults), Hung 2011 systematic review of 11 RCTs, and Mao 2015 head-to-head against sertraline showing antidepressant-comparable effects with better safety profile. The supplement supports both acute (pre-stressor) and chronic (daily burnout) protocols — unusual flexibility. Rhodiola pairs naturally with cognitive peptide Semax via the neurotrophic-stress axis. Distinct from Ashwagandha (mildly stimulating vs mildly calming) — the two adaptogens can be paired AM + PM for balanced stress management.

Reported benefits:

  • Significant mental fatigue reduction under acute stress (Spasov 2000 student exam RCT)
  • Burnout symptom reduction and reduced cortisol awakening response (Olsson 2009)
  • Antidepressant effects comparable to sertraline in mild-moderate depression with better safety (Mao 2015)
  • Improved cognitive performance under stress and sleep deprivation
  • Reduced perceived exertion and improved time-to-exhaustion in endurance exercise
  • HPA axis normalization during chronic stress (cortisol modulation)
  • Monoamine preservation via MAO inhibition (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin)

Common dose: 200–600 mg/day of SHR-5 standardized extract (3% rosavins + 1% salidroside), taken in the morning or early afternoon. Acute pre-stressor dose: 200–400 mg 30–60 minutes before. Don't dose after 2 PM — mildly stimulating effect disrupts sleep onset for many users.

Watch for: SSRI interaction (serotonergic effect overlap — coordinate with prescribing clinician); species substitution (Rhodiola rosea vs R. crenulata / R. sachalinensis — verify species explicitly on label); morning-only dosing (insomnia risk if late).

Shop Rhodiola Rosea on Amazon →

How does Rhodiola rosea work?

Rhodiola works through multiple parallel mechanisms — HPA axis modulation (normalizing cortisol during chronic stress), monoamine oxidase inhibition (preserving dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin), opioid receptor activation (stress-protective mood effects), and serotonin reuptake inhibition. The combination produces the characteristic adaptogen profile: stress resilience without sedation, mild stimulation without jitteriness.

  1. HPA axis modulation. Rhodiola modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis — the core stress response system — helping normalize cortisol levels during chronic stress without suppressing the acute stress response needed for performance. Olsson 2009 documented reduced morning-awakening cortisol response with chronic Rhodiola supplementation. This is the mechanism arm most relevant for chronic burnout and stress-fatigue contexts.
  2. Monoamine oxidase inhibition. Salidroside and rosavins inhibit MAO enzymes that break down dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin — preserving these neurotransmitters and supporting mood, motivation, and cognitive function under stress. This mechanism overlaps with prescription MAO-inhibitor antidepressants (selegiline, phenelzine) but at much milder magnitude.
  3. Opioid receptor activation. Rhodiola activates mu-opioid receptors in the brain — contributing to stress-protective and mood-enhancing effects. This is mechanistically distinct from opioid analgesics; the activation is modest and doesn't produce analgesia or dependence risk at supplemental doses.
  4. Serotonin reuptake inhibition. Rhodiola modestly inhibits serotonin transporters — same general mechanism as SSRIs but at lower potency. Contributes to the antidepressant-like effects documented in Mao 2015 vs sertraline trial.
  5. Antioxidant effects. Rhodiola reduces oxidative stress in neural and muscle tissue — relevant for exercise performance and recovery applications. Mechanism is secondary to the stress-response modulation but contributes to the multi-system effects.
  6. Energy metabolism and ATP. Rhodiola supports cellular energy metabolism and ATP production in muscle and brain tissue — contributing to the anti-fatigue effects and the documented improvements in time-to-exhaustion during exercise.
  7. Anti-fatigue cognitive effects. Combined mechanism produces the distinctive anti-fatigue effect: reduced mental tiredness without acute stimulation, improved performance under stress without sedation or hyperstimulation. The Spasov 2000 student-stress trial captured this profile.

What does Rhodiola rosea actually do?

Rhodiola has one of the more consistent adaptogen evidence bases. Strongest evidence is for mental fatigue during stress (Spasov 2000 student exam) and burnout (Olsson 2009). Antidepressant evidence is moderate (Mao 2015 head-to-head vs sertraline). Physical performance and time-to-exhaustion effects are documented in athletic contexts.

  1. Mental fatigue under acute stress (Strong). Spasov 2000 in medical students documented significant improvements in physical fitness, mental fatigue, and neuro-motor function during exam stress. The foundational human evidence for Rhodiola's anti-fatigue and cognitive-under-stress effect.
  2. Chronic burnout and stress-related fatigue (Strong). Olsson 2009 (28-day RCT, n=60) documented significant improvements in Pines burnout scale scores, attention, and reduced morning cortisol awakening response. The strongest evidence for chronic-use protocols.
  3. Mild-moderate depression (Moderate). Mao 2015 head-to-head with sertraline showed Rhodiola produces depression-score reductions with better safety profile than the SSRI (smaller efficacy but fewer adverse events). Reasonable adjunct or alternative in mild depression contexts.
  4. Physical endurance and time-to-exhaustion (Moderate). Multiple exercise trials show improved time-to-exhaustion and reduced perceived exertion with acute Rhodiola pre-exercise. Effect sizes are modest; mechanism likely involves the energy-metabolism + anti-fatigue arms.
  5. Anxiety reduction (Moderate). Reduced anxiety scores in stress-related and burnout populations across multiple trials. Effect is part of the general adaptogen profile, not anxiolytic-class.
  6. Cognitive performance under sleep deprivation (Moderate). Some military and shift-work trials show Rhodiola preserves cognitive function during sleep restriction. Useful in operational-stress contexts.
  7. Mood elevation (Modest). General mood improvement reported in multiple trials. Effect smaller than dedicated antidepressants but consistent.
  8. Athletic competition contexts (Modest-Moderate). Acute pre-competition dosing shows reduced perceived exertion and modest endurance improvements. Used in elite-athlete contexts in Russia and Scandinavia.

How is Rhodiola rosea dosed?

Rhodiola dosing is well-characterized from the trial base. Standard range: 200–600 mg/day of standardized extract (3% rosavins + 1% salidroside, SHR-5 or equivalent). Acute use: single dose 30–60 minutes before stressor. Chronic use: daily morning dose for 2–6 weeks for burnout/fatigue protocols.

  1. Standard chronic dose. 200–400 mg/day SHR-5-equivalent extract, taken in the morning. The Olsson 2009 burnout protocol used 576 mg/day (288 mg twice).
  2. Acute pre-stressor dose. 200–400 mg taken 30–60 minutes before exam, presentation, or hard cognitive task. Spasov 2000 dose was 170 mg twice daily; acute single-dose effects emerge within an hour.
  3. Antidepressant adjunct dose. 340–680 mg/day standardized extract — the Mao 2015 trial protocol. Coordinate with prescribing clinician if combining with SSRIs (serotonergic effect overlap).
  4. Exercise endurance dose. 200–400 mg taken 30–60 minutes before endurance training or competition. Acute pre-exercise dosing.
  5. Upper bound. 600 mg/day — above this, side effects (jitteriness, insomnia, irritability) scale faster than benefits. No serious toxicity but tolerability suffers.

Timeline: acute effects within 60 minutes; chronic burnout/fatigue effects emerge over 2–6 weeks. Some practitioners recommend 5 days on / 2 days off cycling to maintain sensitivity, though no clear tolerance development is documented in the trial base.

Label math. Look for “Rhodiola rosea extract standardized to 3% rosavins + 1% salidroside” or “SHR-5” explicitly. Cheaper products often substitute related species (R. crenulata, R. sachalinensis) with lower rosavin content — generic “Rhodiola extract” without standardization disclosure may underperform.

How to take Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola is taken orally as capsules of standardized extract. The two practical considerations are timing (morning only — stimulating effect disrupts sleep if dosed late) and form quality (standardization to rosavins + salidroside is the central quality marker).

AspectRecommendation
FrequencyOnce daily morning for chronic use; or once before known stressor for acute use. Higher doses can be split AM + early afternoon (not later).
Best time of dayMorning or early afternoon (before 2 PM). Avoid evening dosing — Rhodiola is mildly stimulating and can disrupt sleep when dosed late.
FoodEither — absorption is not strongly food-dependent. Some users find empty stomach produces faster onset; food reduces occasional GI upset.
FormSHR-5 standardized extract (3% rosavins + 1% salidroside) is the trial-validated form. Generic Rhodiola extract with explicit rosavin/salidroside standardization is acceptable. Avoid unstandardized whole-root powder — bioactive content varies widely.
Standardization markerLook for “Rhodiola rosea (not R. crenulata or other species) extract standardized to 3% rosavins + 1% salidroside” or “SHR-5”. Species substitution is a real industry quality issue — verify Rhodiola rosea specifically on the label.
CyclingOptional — some practitioners recommend 5 days on / 2 days off to maintain sensitivity, but no clear tolerance development is documented in the trial base. Chronic daily use for 6–12 weeks is well-tolerated in clinical research.

What does Rhodiola rosea stack with?

Rhodiola pairs naturally with the broader cognitive enhancement and stress modulation toolkit. The adaptogen mechanism complements neurotrophic peptides, GABAergic anxiolytics, and other stress-modulation supplements. The three areas below cover the natural stacking categories.

With peptides

Rhodiola pairs naturally with the cognitive peptide cluster — particularly via the stress-response and neurotrophic axes. Semax (an ACTH(4-10) analog) modulates BDNF and neurotrophic signaling — directly addressing stress-induced cognitive impairment via the neurotrophic pathway. Rhodiola operates at complementary layers: HPA axis modulation (normalizing cortisol during chronic stress), MAO inhibition (preserving dopamine and norepinephrine for cognitive function under stress), opioid receptor activation (stress-protective mood effects), and modest serotonin reuptake inhibition. The peptide does direct BDNF and neurotrophic signaling; Rhodiola does HPA-axis + monoamine + opioid-receptor stress modulation. Mechanistically complementary, no known negative interactions. Particularly useful for high-cognitive-demand-under-stress contexts where both neurotrophic support (Semax) and stress-response normalization (Rhodiola) matter. Selank (tuftsin analog, GABAergic anxiolytic) can be added for users wanting an additional anxiolytic layer.

With supplements

  1. Ashwagandha — calming adaptogen with cortisol-blunting effects. Different timeframe than Rhodiola (calming vs mildly stimulating). Common Rhodiola-AM + Ashwagandha-PM stack for stress + sleep balance.
  2. L-theanine — alpha-wave calm focus, GABAergic modulation. Pairs cleanly with Rhodiola's stimulating effect for smoother subjective experience.
  3. Bacopa monnieri — chronic synaptic remodeling and memory consolidation. Different timescale; mechanistically compatible.
  4. Alpha-GPC — acetylcholine substrate for cognitive performance. Common nootropic stack co-occupant.
  5. Lion's Mane — NGF/BDNF support via different mechanism. Long-term neurotrophic adjunct to Rhodiola's acute stress-response modulation.
  6. Caffeine + L-theanine — compatible acute cognitive stack. Rhodiola adds chronic adaptogen layer.

With lifestyle

  1. Morning dosing only. Don't dose after early afternoon (2 PM cutoff). Late-day Rhodiola disrupts sleep onset for many users.
  2. Pre-stressor acute timing. 30–60 minutes before known stressors (exams, presentations, competition, hard cognitive blocks). Single dose effects emerge within an hour.
  3. Chronic burnout protocol. Daily morning dose for 4–6 weeks for stress-related fatigue. Effects build over weeks via HPA-axis normalization.
  4. Combine with sleep hygiene. Rhodiola supports daytime stress resilience; sleep optimization supports overnight HPA recovery. Both matter for chronic stress management.
  5. Avoid with SSRIs without clinician coordination. Serotonergic effect overlap — coordinate with prescribing clinician for any concurrent use.

Side effects and interactions

Rhodiola is generally well-tolerated at standard doses. The main practical considerations are mild stimulant-like effects (jitteriness, insomnia if dosed late), potential serotonergic interactions with prescription antidepressants, and standard adaptogen pregnancy contraindication.

Common (mostly transient)

  1. Insomnia or sleep disruption — primarily if dosed late in the day. Resolves with morning-only dosing.
  2. Mild irritability or jitteriness — at higher doses or in caffeine-sensitive users. Resolves with dose reduction.
  3. Mild GI discomfort — occasional, generally at higher doses.
  4. Dry mouth — uncommon, dose-related.
  5. No documented serious adverse events at standard supplemental doses across the human RCT base.

Less common (watch-list)

  1. Mild blood-pressure effects — modest BP modulation documented. Monitor during titration if on antihypertensives.
  2. Bipolar mood instability — adaptogens with mild stimulation can theoretically destabilize mood in bipolar disorder. Avoid in bipolar contexts without specialist coordination.
  3. Pregnancy contraindication — adaptogen effects during pregnancy not well-characterized. Avoid.

Drug and supplement interactions

  1. SSRIs and other antidepressants. Serotonergic effect overlap; theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome at high combined doses. Coordinate with prescribing clinician.
  2. MAO inhibitors (selegiline, phenelzine). Mechanism overlap (Rhodiola has mild MAO inhibition). Avoid combining.
  3. Stimulant medications (ADHD drugs, modafinil, caffeine). Additive stimulation. Watch total stimulant load; reduce caffeine if over-stimulated.
  4. Blood pressure medications — modest additive effect. Monitor BP during titration.
  5. Diabetes medications — mild glucose-lowering documented. Monitor glucose if combined with insulin/sulfonylureas/GLP peptides.
  6. Anticoagulants — mild antiplatelet effect; coordinate for chronic anticoagulant users.
  7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding — avoid; adaptogen effects in pregnancy not well-characterized.

What we don't know yet about Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola has one of the more consistent adaptogen evidence bases but several open questions affect how confidently it can be recommended.

Species substitution and product quality. Rhodiola rosea is the trial-validated species; many products substitute related species (R. crenulata, R. sachalinensis) with lower rosavin content. Independent testing has documented species substitution and inconsistent rosavin/salidroside content in commercial Rhodiola products. The practical mitigation is to look for explicit Rhodiola rosea sourcing and SHR-5 or equivalent standardization.

Antidepressant efficacy magnitude. Mao 2015 vs sertraline showed Rhodiola produces depression reductions with better safety profile, but smaller absolute efficacy than the SSRI. Where Rhodiola sits in the depression treatment landscape — first-line for mild depression, adjunct for moderate, not appropriate for severe — isn't precisely characterized by current evidence.

Long-term safety beyond 12 weeks. Most trial data extends to 4–12 weeks. Multi-year continuous use is reasonable based on traditional safety precedent (centuries of use in Russian/Scandinavian traditional medicine) but not directly RCT-characterized.

Tolerance development question. Some practitioners recommend 5 days on / 2 days off cycling to maintain sensitivity. The clinical-trial base doesn't document clear tolerance development at supplemental doses; whether cycling is necessary or just precautionary is unresolved.

Rosavins vs salidroside relative contribution. The two main bioactive compound classes have somewhat different mechanism profiles. Whether the 3:1 rosavin:salidroside ratio (matching natural Russian R. rosea) is optimal or whether different ratios produce different effects isn't precisely characterized.

SSRI combination safety. Mechanistic overlap (Rhodiola's mild MAO inhibition + serotonin reuptake inhibition) creates theoretical serotonin syndrome risk at high combined doses. The clinical-significance threshold for typical SSRI doses + supplemental Rhodiola isn't precisely characterized; the conservative recommendation is clinician coordination.

Healthy young-adult enhancement context. Most positive evidence is in stressed, fatigued, or depressed populations. Whether Rhodiola produces meaningful benefit in healthy non-stressed young adults seeking general cognitive enhancement is less directly supported by trial data.

Where to buy Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is widely available, but species substitution and standardization variance are real industry quality issues. The screen below is what we use before clicking through. Standardization to rosavins + salidroside is the central quality marker.

Quality markers to look for

  • Rhodiola rosea species explicitly stated — NOT R. crenulata, R. sachalinensis, or just “Rhodiola” without species. Species substitution is a documented quality issue.
  • Standardized to 3% rosavins + 1% salidroside — the SHR-5 standardization or equivalent. Most positive RCTs use this ratio.
  • SHR-5 explicit brand reference — the original Swedish-Russian collaboration extract used in foundational trials (Spasov 2000, Olsson 2009). Premium quality reference.
  • 200–400 mg per capsule — matches the trial-validated dose range. Allows flexible single- or split-dose protocols.
  • Third-party tested — USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab certifications. Verify species identity (DNA testing) is the relevant additional screen given the species-substitution risk.
  • cGMP-certified manufacturing facility — minimum bar for any supplement.
  • No proprietary “stress” or “adaptogen” blends that obscure the actual Rhodiola dose alongside other ingredients.
  • Sustainably sourced — wild Rhodiola rosea is increasingly rare; reputable brands disclose cultivated vs wild sourcing.
Shop Rhodiola Rosea on Amazon →

Amazon affiliate link — Prof. Peptide earns a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We use commissions to fund research and editorial work.

Rhodiola Rosea FAQ

What's the right dose of Rhodiola rosea?

200–600 mg/day of standardized extract — minimum 3% rosavins + 1% salidroside (the SHR-5 standardization or equivalent). The Spasov 2000 student-stress trial used 170 mg twice daily; Olsson 2009 burnout trial used 576 mg/day; antidepressant trials used 340–680 mg/day. Practical default: start at 200 mg in the morning; escalate to 400–600 mg if needed. Take in the morning or early afternoon — Rhodiola is mildly stimulating for many users and can disrupt sleep if taken late.

Acute vs chronic Rhodiola — when does it work best?

Both protocols are evidence-supported. Acute use: single dose 30–60 minutes before a stressful event (exam, presentation, hard workout) — Rhodiola's anti-fatigue effects manifest within an hour. Chronic use: daily for 2–6 weeks for burnout, chronic stress, mild depression — effect builds over weeks for the HPA-axis-normalization arm. For mental performance under acute stress (Spasov 2000 student exam protocol): acute pre-stressor dosing. For chronic burnout/fatigue (Olsson 2009): daily continuous use. The supplement is unusual in supporting both timeframes.

Rosavins vs salidroside — does the ratio matter?

Yes, modestly. Rhodiola's two main bioactive compound classes are rosavins (named for their rose-like aroma) and salidroside. Most positive RCTs use SHR-5 extract or equivalents standardized to ~3% rosavins + 1% salidroside — close to the natural ratio in wild Russian/Scandinavian Rhodiola root. Cheaper products often have lower rosavin content (sourced from species other than R. rosea — R. crenulata, R. sachalinensis — that may contain rosavins but at lower concentrations). Look for explicit '3% rosavins + 1% salidroside' standardization. Generic 'Rhodiola extract' without standardization disclosure may underperform at the same labeled dose.

How does Rhodiola compare to Ashwagandha?

Different adaptogen profiles. Rhodiola is mildly stimulating — it reduces mental fatigue and improves performance under stress without sedation; best for active stress and acute cognitive demand. Ashwagandha is mildly calming — it blunts cortisol and reduces anxiety symptoms; best for chronic stress and sleep-disruptive arousal. Mechanism profiles differ: Rhodiola modulates HPA axis + MAO inhibition + monoamine preservation; Ashwagandha modulates HPA axis + GABAergic + mild thyroid effects. Practical heuristic: Rhodiola for daytime performance under stress; Ashwagandha for evening cortisol calming and sleep support. Both can be stacked together — the mild stimulation of Rhodiola + the calming of Ashwagandha balance well in some users.

Can I stack Rhodiola with Semax for cognitive enhancement under stress?

Yes — and the stack is mechanistically natural for users targeting comprehensive stress resilience and cognitive performance. Semax (an ACTH(4-10) analog) modulates BDNF and neurotrophic signaling — directly addressing stress-induced cognitive impairment via the neurotrophic pathway. Rhodiola operates at different layers: HPA axis modulation (normalizing cortisol during chronic stress), monoamine preservation via MAO inhibition (maintaining dopamine/norepinephrine for cognitive function under stress), and opioid receptor activation (stress-protective mood effects). The peptide does direct BDNF + neurotrophic signaling; Rhodiola does HPA-axis + monoamine + opioid-receptor stress modulation. Mechanistically complementary, no known negative interactions. Particularly useful for high-cognitive-demand-under-stress contexts (exams, demanding work blocks, competition).

Does Rhodiola really work for depression?

Modestly, with evidence comparable to sertraline (Zoloft) for mild-to-moderate cases — though with smaller effect sizes than the comparison drug in some measures. Mao 2015 was a head-to-head RCT comparing Rhodiola (340 mg/day) vs sertraline (50 mg/day) in mild-moderate depression over 12 weeks. Both produced reductions in depression scores; sertraline produced larger absolute reductions but with more adverse events. Rhodiola had a better safety profile with smaller efficacy. Practical positioning: reasonable adjunct or first-line option in mild depression where patients want to avoid SSRI side effects; not a substitute for established treatment in moderate-to-severe depression. Coordinate with prescribing clinician for switching from SSRIs (don't stop SSRIs abruptly to start Rhodiola).

Is Rhodiola a stimulant? Will it make me jittery?

It's mildly stimulating for many users but operates through a different mechanism than caffeine or amphetamines. Rhodiola doesn't block adenosine (caffeine's mechanism) and doesn't directly release catecholamines (amphetamine's mechanism). It modulates the existing stress response via HPA axis + MAO inhibition + opioid receptor activation. The subjective experience is more 'calm focus under stress' than 'wired alertness' — but at higher doses (400+ mg) or in caffeine-sensitive users, jitteriness, irritability, and insomnia can occur. The conservative practical rule: take Rhodiola in the morning, start at 200 mg, escalate slowly, and don't dose after early afternoon.

Are there any drug interactions to watch for?

Several. (1) SSRIs and other antidepressants — Rhodiola's serotonin reuptake inhibition and MAO inhibition can produce additive serotonergic effects with prescription antidepressants, theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome at high combined doses. Coordinate with prescribing clinician. (2) Blood pressure medications — Rhodiola may modestly affect BP. Monitor during titration. (3) Diabetes medications — mild glucose-lowering documented; modest additive effect with insulin/sulfonylureas. (4) Stimulant medications (ADHD drugs, modafinil) — additive stimulation. Watch total stimulant load. (5) Anticoagulants — modest antiplatelet effect. Coordinate for chronic anticoagulant users. Pregnancy: avoid — adaptogen effects during pregnancy not well-characterized.

References

  1. Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. 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. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10839209/
  2. Olsson EM, von Schéele 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. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19016404/
  3. Mao JJ, Xie SX, Zee J, et al. Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2015;22(3):394-399. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25837277/
  4. Hung SK, Perry R, Ernst E. The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 2011;18(4):235-244. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21036578/
  5. Anghelescu IG, Edwards D, Seifritz E, Kasper S. Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 2018;22(4):242-252. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29325481/
  6. Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmström C, Panossian A. Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(5):343-348. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17990195/

Published Studies

Plain-English summaries of the peer-reviewed studies behind the claims above. Click any title to read the source paper.

Phytomedicine · 2000Paywalled
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of the Stimulating and Adaptogenic Effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 Extract on Fatigue of Students Caused by Stress During an Examination Period →

Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV

A 20-day double-blind placebo-controlled trial of SHR-5 standardized Rhodiola extract (170 mg twice daily) in 40 medical students during an examination period. Rhodiola significantly improved physical fitness, mental fatigue, and neuro-motor function versus placebo, with no serious adverse events. The Spasov 2000 SHR-5 trial is the foundational human evidence for Rhodiola's anti-fatigue and cognitive-under-stress effects and the basis for the standardized-extract dose-and-protocol recommendations.

Planta Medica · 2009Open Access
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 →

Olsson EM, von Schéele B, Panossian AG

A 28-day randomized placebo-controlled trial of SHR-5 extract (576 mg/day) in 60 adults with stress-related fatigue. Rhodiola significantly improved Pines burnout scale scores, attention, depression, and reduced cortisol response to morning awakening stress versus placebo. The Olsson 2009 trial is the strongest evidence for Rhodiola in chronic burnout populations and supports the HPA-axis-normalization mechanism arm.

Phytomedicine · 2015Open Access
Rhodiola rosea Versus Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial →

Mao JJ, Xie SX, Zee J, et al.

A 12-week three-arm RCT comparing Rhodiola rosea (340 mg/day) vs sertraline 50 mg/day vs placebo in 57 adults with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder. Sertraline produced larger absolute reductions in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores than Rhodiola, but Rhodiola produced significantly fewer adverse events. The Mao 2015 trial is the cleanest head-to-head comparison of Rhodiola vs an established SSRI and supports the use case as adjunct or alternative in mild depression where SSRI side effects are unacceptable.

Phytomedicine · 2011Paywalled
The Effectiveness and Efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials →

Hung SK, Perry R, Ernst E

A systematic review of 11 RCTs of Rhodiola rosea covering physical performance, mental performance, mood, and various stress-related conditions. Most trials documented significant benefits with limited adverse effects. The review noted methodological variability across trials but consistent directional signal favoring Rhodiola. Useful as the cleanest single-source evidence summary across multiple use cases.

International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice · 2018Open Access
Stress Management and the Role of Rhodiola rosea: A Review →

Anghelescu IG, Edwards D, Seifritz E, Kasper S

A clinical review of Rhodiola rosea evidence for stress management and burnout. Covers mechanism (HPA axis modulation, monoamine effects, opioid receptor activation), clinical trial evidence across burnout, fatigue, anxiety, depression contexts, and dosing recommendations. Anghelescu 2018 is useful as a clinician-oriented evidence synthesis and dose-protocol reference.

AdaptogenAnti-FatigueStress ResilienceRosavinsSHR-5HPA Axis

Related Supplements

AshwagandhaL-TheanineBacopa MonnieriLion's ManeAlpha-GPC

We may earn commissions from peptide vendor affiliate links.

Have a question about Rhodiola Rosea? Send us an email →