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Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) - Natural Medicine A-Z
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Synonyms: ADAPT-232, aliphatic alcohol, Arctic Root®, benzyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, Chisan®, cinnamyl glycoside, Crassulaceae (Family), daucosterol, Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim, epigallocatechin, flavonoids, Full Spectrum™ Rhodiola Rosea Extract, gallic acid, galloylepigallocatechin, geraniol, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, glucopyranoside, golden root, golden root tincture, goldenroot, goldroot, gossypetin, herbacetin, heterodendrin, hongjingtian, hydroquinone, jiangtian, kaempferol, linalool, lotaustralin, Mind Power Rx, monoterpene alcohols, monoterpene hydrocarbons, n-decanol, p-tyrosol, Passion Rx, phenylethyl alcohol, phenylpropamide, protocatechuic acid, queen's crown, REC-7004, rhamnopyranoside, rhizome, rhodakon, rhodalidin, rhodalin, rhodaxon, Rhodiola alterna, Rhodiola brevipetiolata, Rhodiola crenulata, Rhodiola dumulosa, Rhodiola Energy™, Rhodiola Extended Release, Rhodiola Force, rhodiola herb, Rhodiola heterodonta, Rhodiola imbricata Edgew, Rhodiola integrifolia Raf., Rhodiola kirilowii, Rhodiola quadrifilda, Rhodiola rhodantha, rhodiola root, Rhodiola sachalinensis, Rhodiola sacra, Rhodiola semenovii, Rhodiola tibetica, rhodiolgidin, rhodiolgin, rhodiolin, rhodionidin, rhodionin, rhodioniside, rhodiosin, rodia riza, rodiola, rosarin, rosavin, rose root, roseroot, roseroot stonecrop, rosin, rosiridin, rosiridol, Russian golden root, Russian root, SHR-5, salidroside, Sedum rhodiola, Sedum rosea, Sedum rosea (L.) Scop., Sedum roseum Scop., Siberian Rhodiola rosea, sitosterol, sterols, tannins, volatile oil, zolotoy koren.
 Overview Does It Work? Safety How to Use

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) grows in cold regions and at high altitudes in Europe and Asia, where its roots have traditionally been used to increase resistance to physical stress.

While there are more than 200 species of rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea is considered preferable, because it contains rosavins. Supplements generally contain a minimum of 3% rosavins.

Rhodiola has been used to prevent fatigue and enhance physical and mental performance. Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen, which is an agent that works in the cells to normalize function and stimulate healing.

Rhodiola may provide benefit in bladder cancer, lung disease, and exercise and mental performance, but more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses

Grade*

Bladder cancer

Early evidence suggests that rhodiola may decrease the spread of cancer, increase survival, and provide benefit in bladder cancer. More evidence is needed.

C

Exercise performance enhancement

Limited human study of rhodiola for exercise performance enhancement is promising; however, better studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

C

Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)

Although it has been suggested that rhodiola may protect against tissue damage caused by lack of oxygen, study results do not support this. More research is needed.

C

Lung disease (acute injury)

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

C

Mental performance

Early human study suggests that rhodiola may benefit learning, memory, and mental performance. Well-designed studies are needed before a recommendation may 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 for this use (it may not work)

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to rhodiola.

Side Effects and Warnings

Rhodiola may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Rhodiola may increase heart rate, irregular heart beats, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and salivation, may alter blood pressure, and may have hormonal properties.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Rhodiola is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Adults (18 years and older)

Various doses have been studied and there is no proven effective dose for rhodiola. Typically, 200 to 600 milligrams rhodiola has been used. High doses are considered to be 1,000 milligrams or more per day.

Rhodiola extract (SHR-5) has been used in doses including: one 200-milligram dose; 100 milligrams per day for 20 days; and 100 milligrams to 555 milligrams for up to 20 days.

Some sources suggest that rhodiola should be taken on an empty stomach and that individuals should take a break from rhodiola every one to two weeks.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for rhodiola in children.
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