EFFICACY: STRESS, NEUROPROTECTION, AND MILD TO MODERATE DEPRESSION
DEPRESSION: THE 2007 DARBINYAN ET AL. STUDY
DISSENT
SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: ANXIETY, ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADHD),
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, AND FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME
SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: BIPOLAR DISORDER
SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: ADJUNCTIVE USE FOR DEPRESSION
SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: EXHAUSTION, DECREASED MOTIVATION, DAYTIME
SLEEPINESS, DECREASED LIBIDO, SLEEP DISTURBANCES, AND COGNITIVE COMPLAINTS
SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: ALLEVIATION OF SIDE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTROPIC
MEDICATION
DRUG INTERACTIONS
SIDE EFFECTS
DOSAGE
RESEARCH
Rhodiola rosea (hereinafter “rhodiola”) is widely distributed at high altitudes in the
mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, where it is known as “golden root,” “arctic root,”
“roseroot,” or “Aaron’s rod.” It also is found in North America. The roots of the plant have
been used for centuries in the traditional medicine of Asia, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe
as a health-enhancing supplement stimulating the nervous system, enhancing physical and
mental performance, and alleviating fatigue, psychological stress, and depression.
PREPARATION: Rhodiola extract is mainly used in the form of capsules or tablets,
though tinctures are also available. The capsules and tablets contain 100, 150, or 180 mg of