Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea grows in cold, high-altitude climates (Siberia, Scandinavia, the Pyrenees).
200–400 mg a day.
What it is
It has been used for centuries in Russian and Scandinavian traditional medicine to withstand cold, fatigue and stress. It is one of the most studied adaptogens. It is thought to act on the stress axis (cortisol).
What it is used for
The quiz suggests it when your answers justify it. It usually appears with these goals:
What the evidence says
Trials in people that point the same way, but still few, small or funded by the manufacturer.
Trials in adults with stress and fatigue show moderate improvements in feelings of exhaustion. Studies of variable quality.
| Year | What was studied | What was found | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Stress, fatigue and attention: the cleanest RCT | Phase III trial in people with fatigue: the SHR-5 extract outperformed placebo on fatigue, attention and the cortisol awakening response. | Olsson et al.Planta Medica |
| 2000 | Mental performance under fatigue: the classic | RCT in doctors on night duty: it improved mental performance and reduced fatigue during the shift compared with placebo. | Darbinyan et al.Phytomedicine |
| 2015 | Anxiety, stress and mood | Trial in 80 people with mild anxiety: 400 mg a day for 14 days reduced anxiety, stress, anger, confusion and low mood compared with an untreated group. There was no placebo, so the effect may be overestimated. | Cropley et al.Phytotherapy Research |
What to look for on the label
- Standardised to 3% rosavins / 1% salidroside (such as SHR-5).
Precautions
- If you have bipolar disorder or take antidepressants, do not take it without asking first.
- Take it in the morning.
Where to find it
Products whose label meets what this profile asks for: form, dose per serving and nothing that contradicts it. Three at most: quality of the active comes first and, among the best, we look for one option in each price range. We choose by composition, not by who pays. The shops are European or ship to Europe.
-
NaturitasShips from Spain€€€High endSolgar
Rhodiola Root
350 mg of Rhodiolife® per capsule, 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at Naturitas (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
-
Life ExtensionShips from the Netherlands€€Mid rangeLife Extension
Rhodiola Extract
250 mg per capsule, 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at Life Extension (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
-
VegaveroShips from Germany€BudgetVegavero
Rhodiola rosea extract
200 mg of Rhodiolife® per capsule, 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside
For the reference dose1–2 capsulesView at Vegavero (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
We link to the shop; we do not sell anything. Today we earn no commission on any link. If we ever do, the link will say so and the selection will not change: the label decides. Labels checked on 2 November 2026; check the one on the pack before you buy. All these shops deliver to the EU; some of their pages open in Spanish. How we are funded.
Nearby in the library
Is it for you?
The quiz decides from your answers, not from a profile.
Profile reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sources: EFSA, Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and published studies.
General information based on published scientific evidence and EU law. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Do not exceed the daily dose stated on each product. If you take medication, have a medical condition or have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.