FlowVeda Science
Rhodiola Rosea
Clinical Research and Study Summaries
Rhodiola Rosea has been studied extensively in human clinical trials, systematic reviews, and preclinical research for its effects on fatigue resistance, cognitive performance under stress, mood regulation, and adaptogenic activity. The following summaries present findings from 42 peer-reviewed studies, organized by research domain.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Research Domains
42 clinical studies organized across 5 research domains. Select a domain to explore the studies.
10 Studies
Cognitive Function & Mental Performance
Mental work capacity, attention, information processing, and cognitive performance during stress and fatigue
11 Studies
Stress & Fatigue Resilience
Anti-fatigue effects, burnout recovery, cortisol modulation, HPA axis regulation, and stress adaptation
8 Studies
Mood & Emotional Health
Antidepressant effects, stress response support, mood regulation, and emotional balance
7 Studies
Neuroprotection & Neurotransmitter Support
Salidroside neuroprotection, serotonin and dopamine modulation, NGF and BDNF expression
6 Studies
Physical Performance & Antioxidant
Endurance exercise performance, antioxidant capacity, cellular protection, and longevity research Cognitive Function & Mental Performance
Cognitive Function & Mental Performance
Study 1 · HUMAN RCT
A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work
Shevtsov, V.A., Zholus, B.I., Shervarly, V.I., Vol’skij, V.B., Korovin, Y.P., Khristich, M.P., ... & Wikman, G. (2003). Phytomedicine, 10(2-3), 95-105.
This randomized trial compared two doses of Rhodiola rosea extract SHR-5 against placebo in measuring mental work capacity. The findings indicated significant beneficial effects on fatigue reduction and attention, with improvements in cognitive functions during demanding conditions.
“Rhodiola Rosea has significant beneficial effects on fatigue and attention, improving cognitive functions.”
Study 2 · PILOT STUDY
The influence of adaptogens on ultraweak biophoton emission: a pilot-experiment
Schutgens, F.W., Neogi, P., van Wijk, E.P., van Wijk, R., Wikman, G., & Wiegant, F.A. (2009). Phytotherapy Research, 23(8), 1103-1108.
This pilot experiment examined the influence of adaptogens, including Rhodiola rosea, on ultraweak biophoton emission. Biophoton emission was the measured subject of the experiment. The study did not measure cognitive function or attention.
Study 3 · REVIEW
Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review
Ishaque, S., Shamseer, L., Bukutu, C., & Vohra, S. (2012). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(1), 70.
This systematic review evaluated the evidence for Rhodiola rosea’s effects on physical and mental fatigue. The review concluded that Rhodiola may have beneficial effects on cognitive functions and supports preservation of mental performance under demanding conditions.
“Rhodiola rosea may have beneficial effects on cognitive functions.”
Study 4 · HUMAN RCT
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
Spasov, A.A., Wikman, G.K., Mandrikov, V.B., Mironova, I.A., & Neumoin, V.V. (2000). Phytomedicine, 7(2), 85-89.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined Rhodiola’s effects on student fatigue during examination stress. The administration of Rhodiola extract had a pronounced anti-fatigue effect and improved mental performance, particularly the ability to concentrate during stressful periods.
“The administration of Rhodiola Rosea extract had a pronounced anti-fatigue effect and improved the mental performance of students.”
Study 5 · HUMAN RCT
A randomized trial of Rhodiola rosea L. for general fatigue in students
Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Nylander, M., Wikman, G., & Panossian, A. (2010). Phytomedicine, 17(7), 494-499.
This randomized trial examined Rhodiola’s effects on general fatigue in students. Rhodiola intake was associated with favorable effects on fatigue levels and cognitive functions during night duty and demanding academic periods.
“Rhodiola Rosea intake can have favorable effects on fatigue levels and cognitive functions during night duty.”
Study 6 · HUMAN RCT
Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue - A double-blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty
Darbinyan, V., Kteyan, A., Panossian, A., Gabrielian, E., Wikman, G., & Wagner, H. (2000). Phytomedicine, 7(5), 365-371.
This double-blind crossover study examined Rhodiola’s effects on mental performance of physicians during night duty. The findings showed significant reductions in fatigue and improvements in cognitive function during extended work periods.
“Rhodiola rosea has shown to significantly reduce fatigue and improve cognitive functions in physicians during night duty.”
Study 7 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Rhodiola rosea supplementation improves both aerobic and anaerobic performance in active men
De Bock, K., Eijnde, B.O., Ramaekers, M., & Hespel, P. (2004). Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 18(1), 108-114.
This study examined Rhodiola’s effects on both aerobic and anaerobic performance and cognitive function. The findings indicated improvements in total cognitive function, concentration, and speed of audiovisual perception alongside physical performance gains.
“Rhodiola rosea intake results in significant improvements in total cognitive function, concentration, and speed of audiovisual perception.”
Study 8 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Rhodiola rosea supplementation on mental performance and physical capacity
Parisi, A., Tranchita, E., Duranti, G., Ciminelli, E., Quaranta, F., Ceci, R., ... & Sabatini, S. (2010). Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 50(1), 57-63.
This study examined Rhodiola’s effects on mental performance and physical capacity. The findings suggested that Rhodiola appears to modulate neuroplasticity and synaptic reorganization alongside cognitive performance benefits.
Study 9 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on the cognitive function, mood, and quality of sleep
Cropley, M., Banks, A.P., & Boyle, J. (2015). Phytotherapy Research, 29(12), 1934-1939.
This study examined Rhodiola’s effects on cognitive function, mood, and sleep quality. The findings indicated that Rhodiola promotes preservation of cognitive function and supports multiple aspects of mental performance.
“Rhodiola rosea promotes preservation of cognitive function.”
Study 10 · HUMAN RCT
Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled trial
Mao, J.J., Xie, S.X., Zee, J., Soeller, I., Li, Q.S., Rockwell, K., & Amsterdam, J.D. (2015). Phytomedicine, 22(3), 394-399.
This randomized placebo-controlled trial compared Rhodiola rosea to sertraline for major depressive disorder. The study noted cognitive and alertness effects of Rhodiola alongside its primary mood outcomes, with enhanced alertness, reduced fatigue, and improved memory reported.
“Rhodiola rosea enhances alertness, reduces fatigue, and improves memory and thought processes.”
Stress & Fatigue Resilience
Study 11 · HUMAN RCT
Rhodiola rosea: Standardized extract SHR-5 in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue
Olsson, E.M., von Schéele, B., & Panossian, A.G. (2009). Planta Medica, 75(2), 105-112.
This study examined the effects of standardized Rhodiola extract SHR-5 on subjects with stress-related fatigue. Rhodiola supplementation was associated with improvements in life-stress symptoms to a clinically relevant degree and showed significant improvements after just three days.
“Rhodiola supplementation can improve life-stress symptoms to a clinically relevant degree.”
Study 12 · HUMAN RCT
Multicenter, open-label, exploratory clinical trial with Rhodiola rosea extract in patients suffering from burnout symptoms
Kasper, S., & Dienel, A. (2017). Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 13, 889.
This multicenter clinical trial examined Rhodiola extract in patients with burnout symptoms. The findings showed a clear anti-fatigue effect in burnout patients with fatigue syndrome, with measurable improvements across multiple fatigue and stress measures.
“Rhodiola rosea L. showed a clear anti-fatigue effect in burnout patients with fatigue syndrome.”
Study 13 · HUMAN RCT
Rhodiola rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial
Cropley, M., Banks, A.P., & Boyle, J. (2015). Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 23(1), 181-189.
This clinical trial examined Rhodiola in subjects with prolonged or chronic fatigue. The findings indicated robust beneficial effects on symptoms of chronic fatigue, supporting its adaptogenic applications for sustained fatigue management.
“Rhodiola rosea has robust beneficial effects on symptoms of chronic fatigue.”
Study 14 · REVIEW
Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review
Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 14(4), 244-252.
This review examined the role of Rhodiola rosea in stress management across the published literature. The review concluded that Rhodiola exhibits adaptogenic effects modulated through serotonin and dopamine pathways in the brain.
“Rhodiola rosea exhibited adaptogenic effects potentially modulated by the serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.”
Study 15 · HUMAN RCT
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of Rhodiola rosea for stress-related fatigue
Olsson, E.M., von Schéele, B., & Panossian, A.G. (2009). Planta Medica, 75(02), P-50.
This parallel-group study examined Rhodiola for stress-related fatigue. Significant improvements in fatigue, exhaustion, and anxiety symptoms were observed after just three days of supplementation, with continued improvement throughout the study period.
“Rhodiola rosea showed significant improvements in symptoms of stress such as fatigue, exhaustion, and anxiety after just three days.”
Study 16 · ANIMAL MODEL
The Protective Effects of Rhodiola rosea Extract on Hypoxia-Induced Endothelial Damage
Lee, S.Y., Li, M.H., Shi, L.S., Chu, H., Ho, C.L., & Chang, T.C. (2013). Phytomedicine, 20(14), 1318-1324.
This study examined the protective effects of Rhodiola extract against hypoxia-induced damage. The findings indicated cellular protective effects under low-oxygen conditions, supporting the adaptogenic mechanism of Rhodiola at the cellular level.
“Rhodiola rosea extract demonstrated protective effects on hypoxia-induced endothelial damage.”
Study 17 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Rhodiola: A promising anti-aging Chinese herb
Li, T., Zhang, H. (2013). Aging and Disease, 4(5), 245-252.
This review examined Rhodiola’s anti-aging potential across the published literature. The review identified stress resistance and fatigue management as key adaptogenic mechanisms supporting longevity and overall resilience.
“Rhodiola rosea is a promising anti-aging adaptogen with stress resistance properties.”
Study 18 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen
Kelly, G.S. (2001). Alternative Medicine Review, 6(3), 293-302.
This review examined the adaptogenic properties of Rhodiola rosea across the clinical literature. The review confirmed Rhodiola’s classification as an adaptogen, with effects on stress resistance, physical endurance, and cognitive function under demanding conditions.
“Rhodiola rosea is a possible plant adaptogen with stress-protective properties.”
Study 19 · PRECLINICAL
Rhodiola rosea extends lifespan and improves stress resistance in yeast and C. elegans models
Wiegant, F.A., Surinova, S., Ytsma, E., Langelaar-Makkinje, M., Wikman, G., & Post, J.A. (2009). Biogerontology, 10(1), 27-42.
This study examined Rhodiola’s effects on lifespan and stress resistance in model organisms. The findings indicated that Rhodiola extends lifespan and improves resistance to various stressors, supporting its adaptogenic classification in the research literature.
“Rhodiola rosea extends lifespan and improves stress resistance.”
Study 21 · HUMAN CLINICAL
The effects of an acute dose of Rhodiola rosea on endurance exercise performance
Duncan, M.J., Clarke, N.D. (2014). Journal of Sports Sciences, 32(2), 128-134.
This study examined the acute effects of Rhodiola on exercise performance and fatigue perception. The findings supported Rhodiola’s role in fatigue resistance during physical demands, consistent with its adaptogenic mechanism.
“Rhodiola rosea intake demonstrated fatigue resistance effects during acute exercise performance.”
Study 22 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Rhodiola rosea improves endurance exercise performance
De Bock, K., Eijnde, B.O., Ramaekers, M., & Hespel, P. (2004). International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 14(3), 298-307.
This study examined Rhodiola’s acute effects on endurance exercise performance. The findings indicated that Rhodiola intake can improve endurance exercise performance, supporting its use for physical stamina under demanding conditions.
“Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance.”
Mood & Emotional Health
Study 23 · HUMAN RCT
Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression
Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Malmström, C., & Panossian, A. (2007). Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 343-348.
This clinical trial examined Rhodiola extract SHR-5 in participants with mild to moderate depression. The findings demonstrated anti-depressive potential with improvements across multiple depression assessment parameters.
“Rhodiola rosea showed anti-depressive potential in patients with mild to moderate depression.”
Study 24 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Rhodiola rosea L. as a putative botanical antidepressant
Amsterdam, J.D., & Panossian, A.G. (2016). Phytomedicine, 23(7), 770-783.
This study examined Rhodiola as a botanical antidepressant. The findings indicated significant improvements in anxiety, stress, mood, and fatigue levels, supporting Rhodiola’s potential role in emotional health management.
“Rhodiola rosea L. improves anxiety, stress, mood, and fatigue levels significantly.”
Study 25 · HUMAN RCT
A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Bystritsky, A., Kerwin, L., & Feusner, J.D. (2008). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(2), 175-180.
This pilot study examined Rhodiola in participants with generalized anxiety disorder. The findings indicated anti-anxiety and anti-depressive properties, supporting Rhodiola’s potential for emotional balance in anxious populations.
“Rhodiola rosea extract has anti-anxiety and anti-depressive properties in patients with a generalized anxiety disorder.”
Study 26 · HUMAN RCT
Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled trial
Mao, J.J., Xie, S.X., Zee, J., Soeller, I., Li, Q.S., Rockwell, K., & Amsterdam, J.D. (2015). Phytomedicine, 22(3), 394-399.
This randomized placebo-controlled trial compared Rhodiola to sertraline for major depressive disorder. Participants in the Rhodiola group experienced reductions in depressive symptoms with fewer reported side effects, and demonstrated improved serotonin levels.
“Rhodiola rosea demonstrated an ability to improve serotonin levels.”
Study 27 · HUMAN RCT
Efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on symptoms of stress-related fatigue and mood
Olsson, E.M., von Schéele, B., & Panossian, A.G. (2009). Planta Medica, 75(02), P-50.
This study measured Rhodiola’s effects on stress-related mood disturbances. Participants showed significant reductions in self-reported anxiety, anger, confusion, and depression, supporting Rhodiola’s broad mood-regulatory effects.
“Rhodiola rosea demonstrated significant reductions in self-reported anxiety, stress, anger, confusion, and depression.”
Study 28 · ANIMAL MODEL
Effects of Rhodiola rosea on level of 5-hydroxytryptamine, cell proliferation and differentiation in rat brain
Chen, Q.G., Zeng, Y.S., Qu, Z.Q., Tang, J.Y., Qin, Y.J., Chung, P., ... & Tang, X.Q. (2009). Sheng Li Xue Bao, 61(1), 69-80.
This animal study examined Rhodiola’s effects on serotonin levels and cell proliferation in rat brain. The findings indicated that Rhodiola extract increases serotonin levels in the brain, supporting its neurotransmitter-modulating mechanism.
“Rhodiola rosea extract increases serotonin level in the brain.”
Study 29 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Effects of Rhodiola rosea on the transcription of NGF, BDNF, and their receptors
Chen, Q.G., Zeng, Y.S., Tang, J.Y., Qin, Y.J., & He, Z. (2008). Neurochemistry International, 53(1), 1-6.
This study examined Rhodiola’s effects on the expression of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The findings indicated that Rhodiola supports the transcription of neurotrophic factors relevant to mood regulation and neural health.
“Rhodiola rosea has the ability to normalize the levels of serotonin and dopamine.”
Study 30 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Rhodiola rosea for potential anti-aging and mood regulation
Li, T., & Zhang, H. (2013). Aging and Disease, 4(5), 245-252.
This review examined Rhodiola’s anti-aging potential and its relationship to mood regulation. The findings indicated that Rhodiola’s adaptogenic properties extend to emotional health through neurotransmitter balance support.
“Rhodiola rosea has anti-depressive and anti-anxiety effects and it is effective for improving mood.”
Neuroprotection & Neurotransmitter Support
Study 31 · IN VITRO
Neuroprotective effects of salidroside against beta-amyloid-induced oxidative stress
Qu, Z.Q., Zhou, Y., Zeng, Y.S., et al. (2010). Neurochemistry International, 57(5), 547-555.
This in vitro study examined salidroside’s neuroprotective effects against beta-amyloid-induced oxidative stress. The findings supported neuroprotective activity and neuron health preservation.
“Rhodiola rosea displays neuroprotective activities and supports neuron health.”
Study 32 · IN VITRO
Protective effects of salidroside on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis
Zhang, L., Yu, H., Zhao, X., et al. (2010). European Journal of Pharmacology, 644(1-3), 163-168.
This study examined salidroside’s protective effects against oxidative cell damage. The findings demonstrated neuroprotective effects of this key Rhodiola compound.
“The extract of Rhodiola rosea possesses neuroprotective effects.”
Study 33 · IN VITRO
Rhodiola rosea L. extract protects against glutamate-induced oxidative stress
Palumbo, D.R., et al. (2012). Phytotherapy Research, 26(11), 1613-1619.
This study found that Rhodiola extract protects neural tissue from glutamate-induced oxidative stress through antioxidant mechanisms.
Study 34 · ANIMAL MODEL
Effects of Rhodiola rosea on serotonin levels and hippocampal cell proliferation in rats
Chen, Q.G., et al. (2009). Sheng Li Xue Bao, 61(1), 69-80.
This animal study found that Rhodiola increases serotonin levels in the brain and supports hippocampal cell proliferation, supporting its neurotransmitter-modulating mechanism.
“Rhodiola rosea extract increases serotonin level in the brain.”
Study 35 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Effects of Rhodiola rosea on NGF, BDNF, and their receptor transcription
Chen, Q.G., et al. (2008). Neurochemistry International, 53(1), 1-6.
This study found that Rhodiola supports transcription of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, supporting its neurotrophic mechanisms.
“Rhodiola rosea has the ability to normalize the levels of serotonin and dopamine.”
Study 36 · HUMAN RCT
Protective effects of Rhodiola crenulata extract and salidroside on hippocampal neurogenesis
Qu, Z.Q., et al. (2009). Chinese Medical Journal, 122(22), 2692-2698.
This study found that Rhodiola extract enhances serotonin precursor transportation into the brain, supporting hippocampal neurogenesis and neurotransmitter balance.
“Rhodiola rosea can enhance the transportation of serotonin precursors into the brain.”
Study 37 · IN VITRO
Anti-inflammatory activity of Rhodiola rosea L. in vitro
Lee, Y., et al. (2013). Natural Product Research, 27(7), 611-617.
This in vitro study demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity of Rhodiola rosea, supporting the adaptogenic and protective mechanisms of Rhodiola compounds.
“Rhodiola rosea demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.”
Physical Performance & Antioxidant
Study 38 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on sport performance and antioxidant capacity
Parisi, A., et al. (2010). Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 50(1), 57-63.
This study found improvements in sport performance and antioxidant capacity in trained male athletes supplementing with Rhodiola rosea.
“Rhodiola rosea supplementation improves sport performance and antioxidant capacity.”
Study 39 · ANIMAL MODEL
Antioxidant properties of Rhodiola rosea extracts and their protective effects
Schriner, S.E., et al. (2013). Phytotherapy Research, 27(12), 1507-1513.
This study demonstrated measurable antioxidant activity of Rhodiola extracts, supporting cellular protection against oxidative damage.
“Rhodiola rosea extracts demonstrate antioxidant properties and protective effects.”
Study 40 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Antioxidative effects of Rhodiola rosea extracts
Lee, F.T., et al. (2009). International Journal of Biomedical Science, 5(4), 331-339.
This study confirmed antioxidative effects of Rhodiola rosea extracts, supporting its role in cellular protection mechanisms.
“Rhodiola rosea extracts demonstrate significant antioxidative cellular protection.”
Study 41 · HUMAN CLINICAL
Antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from Rhodiola rosea cultivars
Marchev, A.S., et al. (2016). Food Chemistry, 198, 56-62.
This study identified significant antioxidant potential across phenolic compounds present in different Rhodiola cultivars.
“Phenolic compounds from Rhodiola rosea demonstrate significant antioxidant activity.”
Study 42 · ANIMAL MODEL
Protective effects of Rhodiola-improved salidroside on cellular function
Wu, Y.L., et al. (2009). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 123(1), 101-108.
This study found cytoprotective activity of salidroside from Rhodiola, supporting broader cellular protection mechanisms.
“Salidroside demonstrates protective effects on cellular function.”
Study 43 · IN VITRO
Rhodiola rosea extracts and salidroside decrease cancer cell line growth
Liu, Z., et al. (2012). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(1), 1-10.
This in vitro study found anti-proliferative activity of Rhodiola extracts and salidroside, supporting broader cellular health research applications.
“Rhodiola rosea extracts and salidroside demonstrate anti-proliferative activity.”
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The research summaries above reflect findings from the cited studies and do not constitute product claims by FlowVeda.