Rhodiola rosea
Nootropic
Also known as: Rhodiola rosea Extract, Rhodiola, Golden Root, Roseroot, Arctic Root
A
Grade A💊 200-600 mg daily🎯 8 primary uses🔗 2 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upBrain & Focus+50 pts
Overview
Rhodiola rosea is a traditional adaptogenic herb used to support stress resilience, mental fatigue, and mood. Clinical evidence shows modest benefits for stress-related fatigue and cognitive performance, though effects are generally moderate in magnitude.
Primary Uses
Mental fatigueStress resilienceFocusMoodStress resilience and adaptationMental fatigue and cognitive performanceMood supportPhysical endurance and recovery
Frequently Asked About Rhodiola rosea
How much Rhodiola rosea should I take?
The typical effective range is 400-600 mg/day. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Rhodiola rosea?
Morning (can be stimulating). Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Rhodiola rosea with food?
Optional.
Does Rhodiola rosea interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include MAOIs, SSRIs (caution), and Stimulants. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Rhodiola rosea.
What does Rhodiola rosea pair well with?
Rhodiola rosea stacks well with Ashwagandha and L-theanine — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Rhodiola rosea?
Rhodiola rosea should be avoided or used with caution by people with Bipolar (may trigger mania). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Rhodiola rosea?
Most people tolerate Rhodiola rosea well. The most commonly reported side effects are Insomnia if late, Jitteriness, and Dry mouth. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
200-600 mg daily
Timing
Morning (can be stimulating)
With food
Optional
Dose Tiers
Moderate
200-400 mg standardized extract
Optimal
400-600 mg/day
Upper Limit
Avoid with bipolar (activation)
Duration
Cycle: 3 weeks on, 1 week off
Special Populations
High stress, mental fatigue
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for Rhodiola roseayet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Mechanism of Action
- • Inhibits MAO-A and MAO-B
- • Modulates cortisol
- • Increases stress resistance
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade A
Well-studied adaptogen for mental performance
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • None
Contraindications
- • Bipolar (may trigger mania)
Common Side Effects
- • Insomnia if late
- • Jitteriness
- • Dry mouth
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Avoid
Liver & Kidney Notes
Safe
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • MAOIs
- • SSRIs (caution)
- • Stimulants
🧪 Supplements
- • Works with other adaptogens
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • No interactions
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Avoid Combining With
Stimulants late day
Best Goal Synergies
StressMental energy
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Standardized extract
Standardization Markers
3% rosavins, 1% salidroside
Adulteration risk
Moderate
Practical Notes
- • Morning dosing best
- • Cycle to maintain efficacy
Tags
adaptogennootropicstressfatiguestress-supportcognitivetraditional-usestandardized-extract
Top Products with Rhodiola rosea
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Related Guides
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Ashwagandha
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Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). Rhodiola rosea — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/rhodiola-rosea
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.