Rhodiola rosea
Cognitive · Adaptogen
Tier B+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Rhodiola rosea as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Best-studied adaptogen outside of ashwagandha.
Typical use: 200-600 mg/day standardized extract (3% rosavin, 1% salidroside) — OTC.
What this is
Best-studied adaptogen outside of ashwagandha. Effects generally described as subtle — reduced fatigue and stress tolerance rather than acute stimulation. Most notable in fatigue/burnout states.
Mechanism
Arctic adaptogen; rosavins and salidrosides; modulates HPA axis and monoamine metabolism; reduces cortisol response to stress; mitochondrial support
Dose & route
200-600 mg/day standardized extract (3% rosavin, 1% salidroside)
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22228617/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5370380/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10839209/
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Common questions
- Does Rhodiola rosea work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Rhodiola rosea as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Best-studied adaptogen outside of ashwagandha.
- Is Rhodiola rosea safe?
- Rhodiola rosea has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Rhodiola rosea?
- 200-600 mg/day standardized extract (3% rosavin, 1% salidroside)
- How does Rhodiola rosea work?
- Arctic adaptogen; rosavins and salidrosides; modulates HPA axis and monoamine metabolism; reduces cortisol response to stress; mitochondrial support
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.