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Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea

Family CrassulaceaeParts used Rhizome, RootAlso known as Rhodiola, golden root, roseroot, Arctic root

This monograph compiles 6 pharmacological actions, 11 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 13 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[2, 9, 11, 12, 13]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[11, 12, 13]
Antioxidant[11, 12, 13]
Physical performance / ergogenic[4, 11, 12, 13]

Physical performance / strength improvement

Immunomodulator / immune support[11, 12, 13]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[10, 11, 12, 13]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 6/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →
Blood sugar / diabetes support[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 6/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

more plants for blood sugar / diabetes support →detailed sources →
Cognitive function[3, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13]Strong · 9/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

more plants for cognitive function →detailed sources →
Cold & flu[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 6/10

inferred from immunomodulator action

more plants for cold & flu →detailed sources →
Fatigue / low energy[1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13]Strong · 10/10

inferred from ergogenic action

more plants for fatigue / low energy →detailed sources →
Inflammation (general)[2, 9, 11, 12, 13]Strong · 9/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →
Memory[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 6/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

more plants for memory →detailed sources →
Muscle soreness[4, 11, 12, 13]Strong · 9/10

inferred from ergogenic action

more plants for muscle soreness →detailed sources →
Skin irritation[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 6/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[11, 12, 13]Caution

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.

Safety note[11, 12, 13]Info

Duke (2002) does not include a dedicated entry for Rhodiola rosea in the Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition.

References

REF-1526, REF-1527, REF-1528, REF-1529, REF-1530, REF-1531, REF-1532, REF-1533, REF-1534, REF-1535

References & Sources

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
    Find this source
  12. Kelly, G.S (2001) 'Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen', 6(3), pp. 293--302. Traditional / reference
    Find this source
  13. Panossian, A., Wikman, G. and Sarris, J (2010) 'Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy', 17(7), pp. 481--493. Randomized trial
    Find this source

Record last updated 2026-06-20 · Provenance: book+pubmed · Status: verified

This fact sheet is generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and reflects its latest synced data. It is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.

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