Rhodiola rosea

Also known as: Golden root, Arctic root

An adaptogenic herb traditionally used for fatigue and stress.

Common forms: Standardized extract capsules (e.g. SHR-5)

Draft summary, not yet reviewed by a qualified health professional · Last updated 2026-11-03

Talk to a healthcare professional first

This information is for education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Supplements can interact with medications and health conditions. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA; supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What the evidence says

Energy & fatigue

CLimited evidence

Systematic reviews found some trials showing reduced mental fatigue, but most studies were small and had methodological weaknesses.

Dose used in studies: 200–600 mg/day standardized extract
Time to effect: 1–4 weeks

Studies (2)

Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review — BMC Complement Altern Med, 2012 · Systematic review · PMID 22643043
The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials — Phytomedicine, 2011 · Systematic review · PMID 21036578

Stress & anxious feelings

CLimited evidence

Limited trial evidence suggests possible benefit for stress-related fatigue; the overall evidence is inconclusive.

Dose used in studies: 200–600 mg/day
Time to effect: 1–4 weeks

Studies (1)

The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials — Phytomedicine, 2011 · Systematic review · PMID 21036578

Safety

Common side effects

Dizziness
Dry mouth
Insomnia if taken late

Avoid or ask your doctor first if

You have bipolar disorder (may trigger agitation)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Not enough safety data — avoid unless your provider recommends it.

Medication interactions

moderateMAO inhibitors: Has shown MAO-inhibiting activity in lab studies; combination not studied.
minorDiabetes medications: May lower blood sugar.

This list covers common medication classes only and is not exhaustive.

Buying tips

Look for third-party testing seals (USP Verified, NSF Certified, or Informed Choice) and match the form and dose used in studies.

Where to buy (affiliate)