Plant Comparison
Rhodiola Rosea vs White clover
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Rhodiola Rosea and White clover: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, blood sugar / diabetes support, cognitive function, …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Rhodiola Rosea | White clover | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 6/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Rhodiola Rosea |
| Blood sugar / diabetes support | 6/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Rhodiola Rosea |
| Cognitive function | 9/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Rhodiola Rosea |
| Cold & flu | 6/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Rhodiola Rosea |
| Immune support | 6/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Rhodiola Rosea |
| Inflammation (general) | 9/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Rhodiola Rosea |
| Skin irritation | 6/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Rhodiola Rosea |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Characteristic phenylpropanoid glycosides largely unique to Rhodiola rosea, used as a standardisation marker for commercial extracts.
Phenylethanoid glycosides considered key adaptogenic and antioxidant constituents.
Contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the root.
Present in small amounts; not significant in normal food or tea use.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from immunomodulator action
inferred from ergogenic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from ergogenic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from immunomodulator action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antimicrobial action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated. May cause agitation, insomnia, or vivid dreams in sensitive individuals — take in the morning. Avoid in manic episodes or severe anxiety. Theoretical interactions with MAOIs, SSRIs, and CNS stimulants. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Generally very safe as a food and in moderate herbal use. Cyanogenic glucosides present in very small amounts — not significant in normal food or tea use. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens (as in red clover) — same precautions apply in hormone-sensitive conditions. Well tolerated by most people.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Succulent perennial herb (Crassulaceae), 15-40 cm tall, with a thick, fleshy, branching rhizome that has a rose-like fragrance when cut - the origin of the name 'rosea'. Leaves are fleshy, greyish-green, oval to oblong. Small yellow (occasionally reddish) flowers are clustered in dense terminal heads; the species is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. Fruit follicles turn red as they ripen.[3]
Low, creeping perennial herb rooting at the nodes, with trifoliate leaves, each leaflet oval and often marked with a pale chevron. Rounded white (sometimes pink-tinged) flower heads are borne on long stalks above the foliage.[30]
Habitat
Native to arctic and mountainous regions of Europe, Asia and North America (circumpolar), growing in cold, rocky, high-altitude or high-latitude terrain - cliffs, rocky slopes and tundra - tolerating harsh, exposed conditions.[3]
Grows in lawns, pastures, meadows and grassy waste ground; native to Europe and western Asia and now naturalised worldwide, including as a common lawn and forage plant.[30]
Harvesting
Rhizome and root are dug from plants at least a few years old (traditionally 4-5 years), typically in autumn, then cleaned and dried. Wild populations grow slowly, so cultivated sources are increasingly preferred for sustainability.[3]
Flowering heads and leaves are picked through the flowering season and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[30]
Traditional Uses
Rhodiola has a long tradition of use across Scandinavian, Russian and Central Asian folk medicine as a tonic for cold-climate hardiness, physical endurance and mental stamina. It is classified as a modern 'adaptogen', and clinical trials support benefits for stress-related fatigue, mood and cognitive performance.[1, 3]
White clover has a folk tradition, similar to but lighter than its relative red clover, as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing remedy and mild expectorant, and modern research on its isoflavones and phenolics has additionally investigated antioxidant, kidney-protective and liver-protective activity.[30, 31, 32]
Preparations
Dosage
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Rhodiola and eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) are classic adaptogens combined in traditional and studied fixed formulas to build resistance to stress and fatigue; used together their stress-protective effects are complementary.[17, 18]
Rhodiola and schisandra are adaptogens co-formulated in clinically studied combinations for stress, fatigue and mental performance; combined use is intended to be synergistic rather than harmful.[17, 18]
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Ivanova Stojcheva, E. and Quintela, J.C (2022) 'The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions - Encouraging Clinical Evidence', Molecules, 27(12), pp. 3902. doi:10.3390/molecules27123902 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123902 - Pu, W.L., Zhang, M.Y., Bai, R.Y., Sun, L.K. and others (2019) 'Anti-inflammatory effects of Rhodiola rosea L.: A review', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 121, pp. 109552. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109552 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109552 - Panossian, A., Wikman, G. and Sarris, J (2010) 'Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy', Phytomedicine, 17(7), pp. 481-493. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.02.002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.02.002 - Tinsley, G.M., Jagim, A.R., Potter, G.D.M., Garner, D. and Galpin, A.J (2023) 'Rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen to enhance exercise performance: a review of the literature', The British Journal of Nutrition, 131(3), pp. 461-473. doi:10.1017/S0007114523001988 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114523001988 - Cropley, M., Banks, A.P. and Boyle, J (2015) 'The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms', Phytotherapy Research, 29(12), pp. 1934-1939. doi:10.1002/ptr.5486 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5486 - Amsterdam, J.D. and Panossian, A.G (2016) 'Rhodiola rosea L. as a putative botanical antidepressant', Phytomedicine, 23(7), pp. 770-783. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2016.02.009 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.02.009 - Olsson, E.M., von Scheele, B. and Panossian, A.G (2009) 'A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract SHR-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue', Planta Medica, 75(2), pp. 105-112. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1088346 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1088346 - Ishaque, S., Shamseer, L., Bukutu, C. and Vohra, S (2012) 'Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12, pp. 70. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-70 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-70 - Borgonetti, V., Governa, P., Biagi, M., Dalia, P. and Corsi, L (2019) 'Rhodiola rosea L. modulates inflammatory processes in a CRH-activated BV2 cell model', Phytomedicine, 68, pp. 153143. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153143 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153143 - Coors, A., Brosch, M., Kahl, E., Khalil, R. and others (2019) 'Rhodiola rosea root extract has antipsychotic-like effects in rodent models of sensorimotor gating', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 235, pp. 320-328. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.02.031 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.02.031 - Darbinyan, V. et al (2000) 'Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue — a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5', 7(5), pp. 365--371. Randomized trial
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Rhodiola%20rosea%20in%20stress%20induced%20fatigue%20%E2%80%94%20a%20double%20blind%20cross-over%20study%20of%20a%20standardized%20extract%20SHR-5 - Kelly, G.S (2001) 'Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen', 6(3), pp. 293--302. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Rhodiola%20rosea%3A%20a%20possible%20plant%20adaptogen - Panossian, A., Wikman, G. and Sarris, J (2010) 'Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy', 17(7), pp. 481--493. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.02.002 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.02.002 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Maniscalco, I., Toffol, E., Giupponi, G. and Conca, A (2014) 'The interaction of Rhodiola rosea and antidepressants. A case report', Neuropsychiatrie, 29(1), pp. 36-38. doi:10.1007/s40211-014-0124-8 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40211-014-0124-8 - van Diermen, D., Marston, A., Bravo, J., Reist, M., Carrupt, P.A. and Hostettmann, K (2009) 'Monoamine oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. roots', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 122(2), pp. 397-401. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.01.007 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.01.007 - Panossian, A.G (2013) 'Adaptogens in mental and behavioral disorders', Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36(1), pp. 49-64. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.005 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.005 - Karosanidze, I., Kiladze, U., Kirtadze, N., Giorgadze, M. and Panossian, A (2022) 'Efficacy of Adaptogens in Patients with Long COVID-19: A Randomized, Quadruple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial', Pharmaceuticals, 15(3), pp. 345. doi:10.3390/ph15030345 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15030345
- Ngangom, L., Venugopal, D. and Pandey, N (2024) 'Investigation of Trifolium repens L. from the Indian Himalayan region as a phyto-therapeutic agent', Natural Product Research, 38(24), pp. 4468-4478. doi:10.1080/14786419.2023.2299319 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2023.2299319 - Ahmad, S. and Zeb, A (2020) 'Phytochemical profile and pharmacological properties of Trifolium repens', Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 32(3), pp. 20200015. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0015 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0015 - Sarno, F., Pepe, G., Termolino, P., Carafa, V. and others (2020) 'Trifolium repens Blocks Proliferation in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia via the BCR-ABL/STAT5 Pathway', Cells, 9(2), pp. 379. doi:10.3390/cells9020379 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9020379 - Ahmad, S. and Zeb, A (2020) 'Nephroprotective property of Trifolium repens leaf extract against paracetamol-induced kidney damage in mice', 3 Biotech, 10(12), pp. 541. doi:10.1007/s13205-020-02539-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-020-02539-0 - Kolodziejczyk-Czepas, J (2012) 'Trifolium species-derived substances and extracts--biological activity and prospects for medicinal applications', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143(1), pp. 14-23. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.048 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.048 - Chen, Y.H., Chen, P., Wang, Y., Yang, C.H., Wu, X., Wu, C.J., Luo, L., Wang, Q., Niu, C. and Yao, J.Y (2019) 'Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of chemical constituents in the extract of Trifolium repens L', Journal of Food Biochemistry, 43(9), pp. e12981. doi:10.1111/jfbc.12981 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.12981 - Habibi Zadeh, S.K., Farahpour, M.R. and Kar, H.H (2020) 'The effect of topical administration of an ointment prepared from Trifolium repens hydroethanolic extract on the acceleration of excisional cutaneous wound healing', Wounds, 32(9), pp. 253-261. doi:10.25270/wnds/2020.253261 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.25270/wnds/2020.253261 - Kicel, A. and Wolbis, M (2012) 'Study on the phenolic constituents of the flowers and leaves of Trifolium repens L', Natural Product Research, 26(21), pp. 2050-2054. doi:10.1080/14786419.2011.637217 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2011.637217 - Ahmad, S. and Zeb, A (2019) 'Effects of phenolic compounds from aqueous extract of Trifolium repens against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice', Journal of Food Biochemistry, 43(9), pp. e12963. doi:10.1111/jfbc.12963 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.12963 - Borczak, B. and Szewczyk, A. and Domagała, D. and Kapusta-Duch, J. and Leszczyńska, T. and Kotuła, M. and Grulova, D (2024) 'Potential Antidiabetic, Antioxidative and Antiproliferative Properties of Functional Wheat Flour Muffins Enriched with White Clover Flowers (Trifolium repens L.)', Int J Mol Sci, 25(18). doi:10.3390/ijms25189909 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189909 - Rawat, P. and Kumar, B. and Misra, A. and Singh, S.P. and Singh, S.P. and Srivastava, S (2025) 'Effect of hydrolysed Trifolium repens L. extract on menopause-induced obesity and depressive symptoms: an in vitro and in vivo approach', Nat Prod Res, pp. 1-8. doi:10.1080/14786419.2025.2560636 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2025.2560636 - Parić, A. and Mesic, A. and Mahmutović-Dizdarević, I. and Jerković-Mujkić, A. and Žujo, B. and Bašić, N. and Pustahija, F (2024) 'Bioactive potential of Trifolium repens L. essential oil', J Environ Sci Health B, 59(9), pp. 584-594. doi:10.1080/03601234.2024.2396730 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/03601234.2024.2396730 - Renda, G. and Yalçın, F.N. and Nemutlu, E. and Akkol, E.K. and Süntar, I. and Keleş, H. and Ina, H. and Çalış, I. and Ersöz, T (2013) 'Comparative assessment of dermal wound healing potentials of various Trifolium L. extracts and determination of their isoflavone contents as potential active ingredients', J Ethnopharmacol, 148(2), pp. 423-32. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.04.031 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.04.031 - Ahmed, I.A.M. and Matthäus, B. and Özcan, M.M. and Juhaimi, F.A. and Ghafoor, K. and Babiker, E.E. and Osman, M.A. and Alqah, H.A.S (2020) 'Determination of Bioactive Lipid and Antioxidant Activity of Onobrychis, Pimpinella, Trifolium, and Phleum spp. Seed and Oils', J Oleo Sci, 69(11), pp. 1367-1371. doi:10.5650/jos.ess20153 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.ess20153 - Harlow, B.E. and Flythe, M.D. and Goodman, J.P. and Ji, H. and Aiken, G.E (2022) 'Isoflavone Containing Legumes Mitigate Ergot Alkaloid-Induced Vasoconstriction in Goats (Capra hircus)', Animals (Basel), 12(6). doi:10.3390/ani12060750 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12060750 - Shang, H. and Li, R. and Wu, H. and Sun, Z (2019) 'Polysaccharides from Trifolium repens L. extracted by different methods and extraction condition optimization', Sci Rep, 9(1), pp. 6353. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-42877-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42877-5 - Prati, S. and Baravelli, V. and Fabbri, D. and Schwarzinger, C. and Brandolini, V. and Maietti, A. and Tedeschi, P. and Benvenuti, S. and Macchia, M. and Marotti, I. and Bonetti, A. and Catizone, P. and Dinelli, G (2007) 'Composition and content of seed flavonoids in forage and grain legume crops', J Sep Sci, 30(4), pp. 491-501. doi:10.1002/jssc.200600383 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/jssc.200600383 - Woolsey, I.D. and Zeller, W.E. and Blomstrand, B.M. and Øines, Ø. and Enemark, H.L (2022) 'Effects of selected condensed tannins on Cryptosporidium parvum growth and proliferation in HCT-8 cell cultures', Exp Parasitol, 241, pp. 108353. doi:10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108353 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108353 - Hou, K. and Xue, Q. and Shi, L. and Liu, S. and Zhong, X. and Liu, Y. and Wang, C (2026) 'Identification of Trifolium repens as a New Source of Glycyrrhetinic Acid: Pathway Elucidation and Heterologous Reconstruction in Yeast', J Agric Food Chem, 74(19), pp. 15182-15194. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.6c02001 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.6c02001 - Tundis, R. and Marrelli, M. and Conforti, F. and Tenuta, M.C. and Bonesi, M. and Menichini, F. and Loizzo, M.R (2015) 'Trifolium pratense and T. repens (Leguminosae): Edible Flower Extracts as Functional Ingredients', Foods, 4(3), pp. 338-348. doi:10.3390/foods4030338 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods4030338 - Başar, Y. and Yıldız, İ. and HOSAFLIOĞLU, İ. and Azeroual, A. and Erenler, R (2026) 'The Phytochemical Content and DPPH Activity of Trifolium repens L. Methanol Extract, and In Silico Studies', Adıyaman üniversitesi fen bilimleri dergisi, 16(1), pp. 61-76. doi:10.37094/adyujsci.1813336 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.37094/adyujsci.1813336 - Ayoubi, S.A. and Abdelwahab, I. and Ela, M.A. and Lakany, A.E. and Raafat, K (2026) 'Advanced Hybrid-Green Ultrasound–Infrared–Microwave Trifolium repens Essential oil Isolation with Multi-Target Ethnomedicine Bioactivity against Neuropathy, Inflammation and Multidrug-Resistant Infection', Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 34(2). doi:10.38212/2224-6614.3595 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.38212/2224-6614.3595 - Ahmad, S. and Zeb, A. and Ayaz, M. and Murkovic, M (2019) 'Characterization of phenolic compounds using UPLC–HRMS and HPLC–DAD and anti-cholinesterase and anti-oxidant activities of Trifolium repens L. leaves', European Food Research and Technology, 246(3), pp. 485-496. doi:10.1007/s00217-019-03416-8 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-019-03416-8 - Petrović, M. and Stanković, M. and Anđelković, B. and Babić, S. and Zornić, V. and Vasiljević, S. and Stevanović, Z.D (2016) 'Quality Parameters and Antioxidant Activity of Three Clover Species in Relation to the Livestock Diet', Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 44(1), pp. 201-208. doi:10.15835/nbha44110144 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha44110144 - Jakubczyk, K. and Łukomska, A. and Gutowska, I. and Kochman, J. and Janił, J. and Janda, K (2021) 'Edible Flowers Extracts as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Properties—In Vitro Studies', Applied Sciences, 11(5), pp. 2120-2120. doi:10.3390/app11052120 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052120 - Ngangom, L. and Venugopal, D. and Pandey, N. and Kumar, N (2022) 'In-silico screening and identification of potential bioactive compounds of Trifolium repens against pathogenic bacterial target proteins', Materials Today Proceedings, 73, pp. 142-150. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2022.09.501 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.09.501 - Amer, B. and Juul, L. and Møller, A.H. and Møller, H.S. and Dalsgaard, T.K (2020) 'Improved solubility of proteins from white and red clover – inhibition of redox enzymes', International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 56(1), pp. 302-311. doi:10.1111/ijfs.14632 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.14632 - Pap, N. and Granato, D. and Järvenpää, E. and Tienaho, J. and Marnila, P. and Hellström, J. and Pihlava, J. and Franco, M. and Stefański, T. and Rinne, M (2024) 'Biorefining of legume and grass biomasses: Technological properties and bioactivities of the green juice', Future Foods, 9, pp. 100331-100331. doi:10.1016/j.fufo.2024.100331 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2024.100331 - Ahn, C. and Lee, J. and Park, M.J. and Kim, J. and Yang, J. and Yoo, Y. and Jeung, E (2020) 'Cytostatic effects of plant essential oils on human skin and lung cells', Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 19(3), pp. 2008-2018. doi:10.3892/etm.2020.8460 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.8460 - Bhattacharya, S. et al (2013) 'Review of the botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of white clover (Trifolium repens L.)', 7(7), pp. 583--588. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Review%20of%20the%20botanical%2C%20phytochemical%2C%20pharmacological%20and%20toxicological%20properties%20of%20white%20clover%20%28Trifolium%20repens%20L.%29 - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Klaiber, I. et al (2002) 'Health benefits of isoflavones from clover species', 16(1), pp. 1--8. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Health%20benefits%20of%20isoflavones%20from%20clover%20species - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.