Rhodiola Rosea
The Golden Root
Rhodiola Rosea is a flowering herb traditionally used in cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia to boost energy, enhance mood, and build resistance to stress. Nicknamed the "golden root," it has been a cornerstone of natural medicine in cultures like those of Russia, Scandinavia, and China for centuries.
Historically consumed as a tea or tincture, Rhodiola was used by hunters, monks, and warriors to increase stamina and sharpen focus. Modern science now supports what ancient wisdom intuited: Rhodiola is a potent adaptogen—helping the body adapt to physical and emotional stress while supporting cognitive performance.
Users commonly describe Rhodiola as offering a sense of calm clarity, balanced energy, and improved resilience—without the jitters of stimulants or the dullness of sedatives.
*The research below is provided for informational purposes only and does not refer to this specific product.
The Research:
Stress Resilience and Fatigue Reduction
Study: Darbinyan, V., et al. (2000). Rhodiola rosea in stress-induced fatigue—a double-blind cross-over study of a standardized extract (SHR-5) with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty.
Journal: Phytomedicine
Key Takeaway: Rhodiola reduced fatigue and improved performance under stress in night-shift physicians.
Why it matters: This suggests Rhodiola may help maintain focus and calm during prolonged stress or high-pressure work.
Read the Research
Mood and Anxiety Regulation
Study: Cropley, M., et al. (2015). The effect of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on anxiety, stress, cognition and other mood symptoms: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Journal: Phytotherapy Research
Key Takeaway: Multiple studies show Rhodiola may reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and mild depression.
Why it matters: Consumers may experience improved mood and emotional regulation without pharmaceutical side effects.
Cognitive Performance and Mental Clarity
Study: Spasov, A. A., et al. (2000). 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.
Journal: Phytomedicine
Key Takeaway: Students taking Rhodiola showed significantly reduced mental fatigue and improved academic performance.
Why it matters: Rhodiola may help users stay sharp and clear-headed during mentally demanding periods.
Safety and Tolerability
Study: Panossian, A., et al. (2010). Clinical efficacy of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Journal: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
Key Takeaway: Rhodiola was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile in individuals with mild to moderate depression.
Why it matters: Confirms that Rhodiola is generally safe for daily use with minimal side effects.
Mechanism of Action:
Study: Panossian, A., Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress—protective activity.
Journal: Pharmaceuticals
Key Takeaway: Rhodiola influences stress-response mediators like cortisol, nitric oxide, and heat shock proteins, enhancing resilience and performance.
Why it matters: Explains the multi-layered effects consumers describe as “clear energy” and “inner balance.”