Clinical ResearchResearch compound

Rhodiola rosea

Arctic root, salidroside + rosavin, anti-fatigue adaptogen.

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WHAT IS RHODIOLA ROSEA?

Detailed overview

Rhodiola rosea (arctic root, "golden root") is an anti-fatigue herb used for centuries by populations of arctic uplands. Its active components are salidroside (a tyrosol glycoside) and the rosavin group – a **standardized extract at 3% rosavin / 1% salidroside** ratio (Russian Rosenroot tradition) is recommended. RCT evidence: Olsson 2009 (PMID 19367259) **improvement in mild-moderate depression without sertraline**, Edwards 2012 (PMID 22228617) **stress-related fatigue syndrome**, Hung 2011 (PMID 21366835) physical-fatigue reduction. Acute effect is perceptible after a single 200-400 mg dose (vs. Bacopa which requires an 8-12 week course). Ideal combined with low-dose caffeine against mental fatigue.

Mechanism

Monoaminergic + HPA modulation

Onset

1-4 weeks

Legal status

OTC + EU traditional herbal medicine

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Mild agitation, jitteriness or feeling overstimulated, especially at higher doses
  • Insomnia if taken in late afternoon or evening (stimulating, so morning dosing is advised)
  • Dizziness or mild headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea (worse on an empty stomach)
  • Irritability or restlessness in sensitive individuals

Contraindications · 5

  • Bipolar disorder or manic tendency: its activating effect may trigger a manic/hypomanic episode
  • Avoid with MAO inhibitors and serotonergic antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs); its own MAO-modulating effect carries a serotonin-syndrome risk
  • Not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data
  • Caution when combined with stimulants (caffeine, ADHD medications) due to additive overstimulation and blood-pressure rise
  • Caution in diabetes and with blood-pressure medication, as it may affect blood-sugar and blood-pressure levels

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.