Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is a plant originating from cold, mountainous areas in Europe and Asia. Multiple bioactive compounds, including salidrosides and rosavins, can be extracted from its root and rhizome (1). These have powerful effects on important hormonal pathways in humans, such as modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to demonstrable effects on stress responses (2). Often classified as an ‘adaptogen’, Rhodiola therefore possesses a wide array of potential benefits relating to mood and stress responses.

Multiple mood domains, including stress and depressive symptoms, have shown to be improved with Rhodiola supplementation. In a multicentre trial on patients with clinical burnout, 400mg daily intake led to better scoring on quantitative stress scales (3). Perhaps even more impressively, a randomised controlled trial showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms close to that of the recognised antidepressant Sertraline, but with reduced incidence of adverse effects (4). Even in those with mild symptoms of anxiety, Rhodiola has been shown to reduce self-reported levels of anger, stress and anxiety (5).

Rhodiola rosea is considered generally safe to use, with no major toxicity reports at commonly consumed dosages (2). As with any supplement, it is important to check drug interactions, as Rhodiola has been shown to have possible interactions with more popular medications such as the blood pressure lowering agent Losartan.