Rhodiola is a plant used in traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia to enhance physical and mental performance, stimulate the nervous system, and reduce depressive symptoms. Although Rhodiola rosea extract and its key constituent salidroside have been researched, data in humans are limited.

In vitro studies suggest that salidroside may have neuroprotective ^(8) (9) and anticancer effects ⁽¹⁰⁾. Animal data suggest benefits with rhodiola on cognitive function, but most studies were determined to have a high risk of bias ⁽²⁴⁾.

In humans, preliminary data suggest rhodiola supplementation may improve physical endurance ⁽¹⁾ and mental performance ^(2) (3), and reduce fatigue ^(4) (5) and stress ^(19) (20). Other small studies suggest it may improve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder ⁽⁶⁾ and mild to moderate depression ⁽⁷⁾. In one study, it was better tolerated and had fewer side effects than sertraline, although it was also less effective ⁽²²⁾. A systematic review evaluating rhodiola trials determined that higher reporting quality and better methodological quality are needed ⁽²⁵⁾.

In patients with breast cancer receiving epirubicin, a small study suggests that salidroside may have cardioprotective effects ⁽¹¹⁾, but larger confirmatory studies are needed.