Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea ) grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe, Asia and the high altitudes of the Arctic. There was a time, people in northern regions used rhodiola to treat anxiety, stress, fatigue, anemia, sexual impotence, infections, headaches and depression. It is also used to increase physical endurance, work performance, longevity and improve resistance to altitude sickness.
Today, Rhodiola is mostly used as a dietary supplement to increase energy, stamina and strength. The plant would also have nootropic properties:it would improve attention and memory as well as stress management. How is it consumed? Rhodiola root extracts are usually available in capsule or tablet form.
Only a few studies have been done on rhodiola in humans, and the quality of these is often limited, so it is sometimes impossible to draw clear conclusions about efficacy and benefits.
Two review articles published in 2011 and 2012 looked at 15 studies that tested rhodiola on the physical and mental performance of 575 people. Both studies showed that the herb can improve physical performance and relieve mental fatigue, but they pointed out that the limited amount and quality of available evidence did not allow firm conclusions to be drawn.
Related topic:Are so-called "natural" dietary supplements safe?
In 2015, a small study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (NCCIH) tested the effectiveness of rhodiola versus sertraline (and a placebo), in people with mild to moderate depressive disorder.
The results showed that rhodiola was as effective as sertraline in reducing depressive symptoms, but patients who took rhodiola had fewer side effects than those treated with sertraline. However, the effectiveness and safety of rhodiola for treating depression needs to be tested in larger studies before the results can be confirmed.
From a scientific point of view, it will therefore be necessary to wait for the arrival of other studies, which will undoubtedly be complementary or at least larger and more reliable. In the meantime, you can go without further ado to specialized sites to learn more about rhodiola and its benefits.
And above all, don't forget: Tell your doctor about any complementary or integrative treatment approaches you intend to use. If you wish to follow such a treatment, do not hesitate to keep him informed of the details (supplements used, quantities, doses) so that he can best help you. This will ensure coordinated and safe care.
