RHODIOLA ROSEA

Multiple clinical trials demonstrate that Rhodiola rosea extract (particularly SHR-5) reduces fatigue, burnout, and stress-related symptoms in healthy subjects and patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Evidence for mild-to-moderate depression and generalized anxiety is encouraging but limited by small sample sizes and lack of placebo controls in some studies. Exercise performance studies show mixed results: acute dosing (~200 mg) may prolong time-to-exhaustion, while higher chronic doses (1500-2400 mg/day) show ergogenic effects in some but not all trials. Anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects are well-documented in preclinical models but lack robust human clinical confirmation. Overall, the evidence base is strongest for stress and fatigue, weaker for cognition and exercise performance.