Rhodiola rosea, also called golden root, orpin rose, rose root and rosewort, is a plant that grows at high attitudes in cold regions of Europe and Asia.
People buy Rhodiola supplements for a number of health benefits, including increasing energy, stamina and physical strength. In Russia, Siberian Rhodiola Rosea has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years.
Traditionally, rhodiola was prepared into a tea, but it is now more commonly used in oral capsule form. Dosages per pill can range from 100 mg, 200 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg or rhodiola rosea extract per serving.
When looking to buy rhodiola rosea products online, it is important to find a product that contains a standardized concentration of extract. Supplements are typically standardized to contain a 3% Rosavin to 1% Salidroside extract concentration, though individual manufacturers may provide different strength products.



- Adaptogenic herb for reducing stress
- Boosts energy, focus & mood
- May reduce sleep problems & irritability
Buy Rhodiola Rosea
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You can buy Rhodiola Rosea root extract online through a number of outlets. Many local health food stores and pharmacies will also have Rhodiola for sale in their supplement section.
Popular brands include Now Foods, Supernova Naturals, Gaia Herbs, Nature’s Way, Nutrilite Rhodiola 110, Thorne Research, Jarrow Formulas, Life Extension, Solgar, Swanson and New Chapter Rhodiola Force.
Rhodiola Rosea supplements are available in a number of forms. The most common form is as a capsule containing 500 mg of rhodiola root extract, standardized with 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside.
These are the active chemicals found within the rhodiola plant that are attributed with many of its health benefits. The 3:1 ratio of rosavins to salidrosides is the most well-researched formulation, but other companies are starting to offer different concentration extracts for different uses.
Powder City currently sells a bulk powder Rhodiola product that contains 3% salidrosides. You are also able to buy dried rhodiola roots from a small number of online herb vendors.
Another popular option is to purchase Rhodiola tea in either tea bags or loose tea forms. However, when using non-standardized products, it can be difficult to determine the active concentration of rosavins and salidrosides in each individual dosage.
Rhodiola supplements sold on Amazon have a number of reviews which are largely positive. The most commonly reviewed rhodiola sold on Amazon has 385 reviews, 64% of which are five-star reviews.
Reviewers say that they feel more clear-headed and awake when they take rhodiola. The effect is not jittery like caffeine or other stimulants.
Rhodiola Benefits
Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogenic substances are said to have the following characteristics:
- They must be nontoxic and cause no harmful side effects
- They must benefit the body as a whole instead of targeting a specific system
- They must help the body create a state of balance and normalization
Rhodiola supplements are taken for a number of benefits:
- Uplifting mood
- Increasing mental clarity
- Reducing mental and physical fatigue
- Increasing energy, endurance and stamina
- Reducing stress levels
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
How Does Rhodiola Work?
There are a number of studies that support rhodiola’s positive effects. In in vitro studies, rhodiola has been shown to inhibit the effects of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine after it is released.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are indicated for use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, age-related cognitive dysfunction and memory loss. This could be the source of rhodiola’s energizing effect and pro-cognitive benefits for mental performance.
There is also evidence that rhodiola may serve as a mild antidepressant, since it inhibits monoamine oxidase A and B, which are enzymes that break down the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
MAO inhibitors are frequently used to treat symptoms of depression. By increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, rhodiola supplements may modestly boost the mood. It has also been show in studies on rats and humans to improve depression.
In a double-blind study performed in 2007, two doses of rhodiola rosea were tested, along with a placebo. Both doses were found to reduce depression symptoms in people who had mild to moderate depression.
Additionally, those in the study saw improvements in sexual function, cognitive function and in both mental and physical performance in stressful situations.
Preliminary studies also suggest that rhodiola may increase lifespan, but only in animal subjects so far. Research on non-mammalian subjects indicate that rhodiola may promote longevity by up to 20%.
Research on rats shows that, when rhodiola is consumed, it can reduce stress-induced binge-eating in rats. Other research indicates that rhodiola may protect against toxins.
There is need for more research to confirm benefits on human subjects.
Rhodiola Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Rhodiola supplements are generally well tolerated and are safe for most people to buy. However, you should always consult with a doctor before purchasing a new supplement.
The most common side effects reported with rhodiola are dizziness and dry mouth. In one instance where rhodiola was taken in conjunction with an antidepressant, fast and irregular heartbeat was reported.
Rhodiola may interact with certain medications. It can increase the risk of side effects when taken with Cytochrome P450 3A4, P-glycoprotein substrates, antidepressants, drugs for high blood pressure and drugs that stimulate the central nervous system.
Rhodiola should also not be taken by people who have bipolar disorder. The antidepressant effect may cause individuals diagnosed as bipolar to become manic.
There is little research in the use on rhodiola in children. Because of this, it is not suggested that children take rhodiola.
How to Take Rhodiola
People buy rhodiola tea, capsules and liquid extract for a number of benefits. Dosages depend on the effect that is desired. The following dosages have been recorded, but you should consult with a doctor to find out the best dose for your needs.
As a general tonic, take 100 to 600 mg rhodiola rosea daily. Experts recommend taking it on an empty stomach and taking a break from rhodiola every one to two weeks.
For anxiety, 170 mg rhodiola was given twice daily for 10 weeks. For depression, 100 to 1000 mg rhodiola taken daily in two to three doses can improve mood. In a study on depression, 340 mg and 640 mg, both taken daily, were shown to improve symptoms of moderate to severe depression.
To increase mental performance, 100 to 1000 mg rhodiola were taken each day in two to three doses. This amount was taken on an empty stomach. To battle fatigue, 144 to 576 mg were taken daily for up to 28 days.
As an exercise performance enhancer, 50 mg rhodiola rosea extract was taken twice each day for a period of 20 days. To increase endurance, 3 mg per kg of body weight was taken before exercise.
As a protectant against lung disease after acute injury, 4 grams of rhodiola was taken daily for 10 days before surgery and five to seven days after surgery.
Before you buy rhodiola rosea supplements, check out user reviews online to determine which products are the best to take. Not all supplements are made equally and it is important to seek out high-quality supplement manufacturers.
- Rhodiola - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Rhodiola Rosea to Treat Anxiety and Depression - Health Central
- Rhodiola Rosea – Natural Medicines Database
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment