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No side effects were reported.
A recent article by Iovieno, et al. (2011) describes rhodiola as part of the “next wave of
natural antidepressants,” based on the 2007 Darbinyan study cited above.
Weil concurs that: “If you experience mental fog and fatigue along with mild to
moderate depression, you might consider a trial of rhodiola.”^11
- DISSENT: Although the Natural Standard acknowledges the use of rhodiola as an
“adaptogen” for “mental performance,” it rates the use as “C,” “unclear scientific evidence
for this use.” It states: “Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that rhodiola may benefit
learning, memory and mental performance,” but it deems the data “insufficient” to make a
recommendation. The Natural Standard does not even mention use of rhodiola for stress or
depression.
- SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: ANXIETY, ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADHD),
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME: As described above, recent
evidence, suggests that rhodiola may be a promising treatment for anxiety. Brown et al.
also state that rhodiola can be helpful in the treatment of attention deficit disorder
(ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome, since it activates cognition
and tends to improve accuracy, alertness, attention, and energy, but clinical study is needed
to validate these clinical observations. Given the relatively small risk, people may
reasonably decide to give rhodiola a try in the absence of conflicting information.
- SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: BIPOLAR DISORDER: Russian researchers warned
against rhodiola use in persons with bipolar disorder (“manic-depressive illness”). Rhodiola
has not been studied in bipolar depression, and Iovieno et al advise caution in patients
with bipolar spectrum disorders because of its activating effect, which could increase the
risk of “cycling.” However, Brown et al. believe, based on their clinical experience, that
“[rhodiola] can be quite helpful in [persons with bipolar disorder] on mood stabilizers
whose mood swings are primarily depressive with only occasional mild hypomanic
