Gerbarg PL, Brown RP. Pause menopause with Rhodiola rosea, a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(7):763-769. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.11.013
Publication Date: "15 June 2016"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "review"
Methodology: Review of literature, in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical case example, and discussion of molecular mechanisms and health risks related to estrogen decline and Rhodiola rosea.
Sample Size: Not applicable (review study)
Controls Used: Not applicable (review study)
Dose Used: Not applicable (review study)
Statistical Significance Declared: "Not applicable (review study)"
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: In one study, "Adverse events (44 mild and 10 moderate) were predominantly consistent with patients’ underlying conditions."
Conflict of Interest: "We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome."

Pkhaladze L, Davidova N, Khomasuridze A, Shengelia R, Panossian AG. Actaea racemosa L. Is More Effective in Combination with Rhodiola rosea L. for Relief of Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13(5):102. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13050102
Publication Date: "21 May 2020"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm parallel group study"
Methodology: Patients were randomly assigned to receive BC, BC500, Menopause Relief EP®, or placebo. Treatments were administered once per day for 12 weeks. Efficacy measured using KMI, MRS, and UQOL scores. Safety assessed via AE monitoring and laboratory tests.
Sample Size: "A total of 220 women"
Controls Used: "placebo"
Dose Used: "a daily dose of 144–400 mg"
Statistical Significance Declared: "significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than the placebo group," "p < 0.05," "p < 0.001"
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "none of the AEs were related to the IPs"
Conflict of Interest: "Author A.G.P. has Independent Contractor Agreement with Europharma USA; A.G.P. is head of Research and Development company Phytomed AB. All other authors declare no competing interests."

Vicariotto F, Porchetti A, Murina F. A Dietary Supplement of Vitamin B6 with Four Herbal Extracts Improves Sleep Disturbances and Anxiety Associated with the Menstrual Cycle and Menopause Transition: Results from an Exploratory Study. Integrative and Complementary Therapies. 2022;28(6):265-269. doi:10.1089/ict.2022.29051.fvi
Publication Date: "DECEMBER 2022"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "exploratory, monocentric, prospective study"
Methodology: Women aged 18–70 with PMS or MT symptoms. Recruited between February 2020 and June 2020 at Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy. Excluded if active neurologic/psychiatric disease, current treatment for neurologic/psychiatric diseases, sleep disturbances, or inclusion in another clinical study. Received one tablet twice daily for 20 days. Assessed sleep disturbances and anxiety at baseline and end using ISI and HADS.
Sample Size: "Thirty-two women were enrolled and completed the study (PMS, n 5 18; MT, n 5 14)."
Controls Used: None mentioned.
Dose Used: "Each tablet contains 0.7 mg of vitamin B6 (equal to 50% of the Nutritional Reference Values), 40 mg of G. simplicifolia (dry extract from seeds, titrated to 99% in 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan), 10 mg of M. officinalis (dry extract from leaves, titrated to 4% in rosmarinic acid), 40 mg of V. officinalis (dry extract from roots, titrated to 0.8% in valerenic acid), and 10 mg of R. rosea (dry extract from roots, titrated to 3% in rosavine and 1% in salidroside)."
Statistical Significance Declared: "46.6% improvement in ISI score"
"23.2% improvement in the HADS anxiety score"
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "The combination of vitamin B6, G. simplicifolia, M. officinalis, V. officinalis, and R. rosea was well tolerated; no adverse events were reported."
Conflict of Interest: "F.M. and F.V. have no conflicts of interest to declare. Anna Porchetti was an employee of Montefarmaco. Medical writing assistance was funded by Montefarmaco."

Echeverria V, Echeverria F, Barreto GE, Echeverría J, Mendoza C. Estrogenic Plants: to Prevent Neurodegeneration and Memory Loss and Other Symptoms in Women After Menopause. Front Pharmacol. 2021 May 20;12:644103. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.644103.
Publication Date: "20 May 2021"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial"
Methodology: Herb extracts and placebo were administered to participants, and at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatments, symptoms of menopause, endocrine profile, and blood chemistry were assessed.
Sample Size: "Post-menopausal women of 45–60 years old were randomly assigned to either treatment (n = 50) or placebo group (n = 51)."
Controls Used: "placebo group"
Dose Used: "The typical dose recommended is 5–40 drops 2–3 times a day, 15–30 min before eating for 10–60 days."
Statistical Significance Declared: No specific p-values or confidence intervals were reported.
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "No adverse effects were reported during the trial."
Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest."

Khanum F, Bawa AS, Singh B. Rhodiola rosea: A Versatile Adaptogen. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2005;4(3):55-62. doi:10.1111/j.1541-4337.2005.tb00073.x
Publication Date: "2005"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study"
Methodology: Oral administration of Rhodiola rosea extract; evaluation of its effects on various physiological and psychological parameters in both animal and human studies.
Sample Size: "412 patients with neurosis and asthenic syndromes" and "128 patients aged 17 to 55"
Controls Used: "Placebo"
Dose Used: "100 mg extract orally twice a day for 2 weeks" and "10 drops, 2 to 3 times/d, 15 to 30 min before eating for a period of 10 to 20 days"
Statistical Significance Declared: "RRRE increased the antimetastatic effect of cyclophosphamide by 36% (P < 0.05)"
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "Overall, R. rosea has very few side effects. Most users find that it improves their mood, energy level, and mental clarity. Some individuals, particularly those who tend to be anxious, may feel overly activated, jittery, or agitated. If this occurs, then a smaller dose with very gradual increases may be needed. R. rosea should be taken early in the day because it can interfere with sleep or cause vivid dreams (not nightmares) during the first few weeks. It is contraindicated in excited states. Because R. rosea has an activating antidepressant effect, it should not be used in individuals with bipolar disorder, who are vulnerable to becoming manic when given antidepressants or stimulants."
Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Ivanova Stojcheva E, Quintela JC. The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions—Encouraging Clinical Evidence. Molecules. 2022; 27(12):3902. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123902
Publication Date: "17 June 2022"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study"
Methodology: Chronic administration of 170 mg Rhodiola rosea extract for 14 days in healthy physicians, evaluation of mental performance and fatigue through Fatigue Index, single-arm, multicenter study on 200 mg twice-daily Rhodiola rosea root extract for 4 weeks in life-stress subjects.
Sample Size: "56 healthy male and female physicians"; "101 adult subjects"; "60 students"; "161 cadets"; "330 patients"; "60 participants"; "118 burnout patients"; "26 physical-education students"; "10 resistance-trained males"; "18 subjects"; "10 young males"; "11 females"; "220 women"; "35 men"
Controls Used: "Placebo-controlled"
Dose Used: "170 mg of standardized R. rosea rhizome extract"; "200 mg, twice-daily"; "50 mg of standardized R. rosea extract"; "660 mg/day"; "370 mg or 555 mg of standardized R. rosea extract"; "144 mg of R. rosea extract"; "576 mg extract/day"; "200 mg of R. rosea extract"; "400 mg of R. rosea extract"; "1500 mg/day of R. rosea extract"; "3mg⋅kg−1 body mass of R. rosea"; "100 mg of dried R. rosea extract"; "150–200 mg/day of R. rosea extract"
Statistical Significance Declared: "Statistically significant improvement in the Fatigue Index"; "p < 0.05"; "Statistically significant reductions in mental fatigue"; "Statistically significant improvement at week 8"; "Significant improvements in stress symptoms"; "Statistically significant improvement in depression symptoms"
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: No major adverse events directly linked to Rhodiola Rosea supplementation reported.
Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Mattioli L, Funari C, Perfumi M. Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on behavioural and physiological alterations induced by chronic mild stress in female rats. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2009;23(2):130-142. doi:10.1177/0269881108089872.
Publication Date: "Mar 2009"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "randomized controlled trial"
Methodology: Rats were exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) for several weeks, followed by chronic administration of Rhodiola rosea extract or fluoxetine. Behavioural and physiological changes were measured, including sucrose intake, body weight, locomotor activity, rearing behaviour, and oestrous cycle length.
Sample Size: "non-stressed (CTRL; n = 31) and stressed (CMS; n = 36) female rats"
Controls Used: "vehicle-treated controls"
Dose Used: "RHO: 10, 15, 20 mg/kg", "fluoxetine (FLU): 10 mg/kg"
Statistical Significance Declared:
"P < 0.001" for sucrose intake changes
"P < 0.01" for body weight changes
"P < 0.05" for rearing behaviour changes
"P < 0.01" for oestrous cycle length changes
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: None stated.
Conflict of Interest: "The authors wish to thank Dr Francesco Nicotra and Dr Raffaella Gatti from EPO S.r.l., Milan, Italy, for their generous gift of Rhodiola rosea extract and for the provision of HPLC data."

Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Polzella M, Fabrizi C, Fornai F. Potential Antidepressant Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus and Rhodiola rosea. Antioxidants. 2020; 9(3):234. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9030234
Publication Date: "12 March 2020"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "manuscript"
Methodology: Experimental and clinical studies reviewed on the effects of Rhodiola rosea, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Hericium erinaceus.
Sample Size: Not applicable.
Controls Used: Not applicable.
Dose Used: Not applicable.
Statistical Significance Declared: Not applicable.
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: In a pilot study, "Adverse events were generally mild or moderate in severity, the most common being dizziness and dry mouth."
Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Olsson EMG, von Schéele B, Panossian AG. A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Standardised Extract SHR-5 of the Roots of Rhodiola rosea in the Treatment of Subjects with Stress-Related Fatigue. Planta Med. 2009;75(02):105-112. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1088346.
Publication Date: "Published online November 18, 2008"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study"
Methodology: Randomly assigned 60 individuals to either receive SHR-5 extract or placebo. Used subjective pre- and post-treatment evaluations, CPT II, and saliva cortisol samples. Four tablets daily of either SHR-5 extract (576 mg extract/day) or placebo for 28 days.
Sample Size: "60 individuals"
Controls Used: "Placebo tablets"
Dose Used: "Four tablets daily of SHR-5 extract (576 mg extract/day)"
Statistical Significance Declared: "P < 0.05", "P < 0.1" for tendencies.
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "No adverse events occurred during the period of study, and no major side effects that could be clearly linked to the study medication were reported by any of the subjects."
Conflict of Interest: "The investigation was funded by project grants from the Research and Development Division of the Swedish Herbal Institute, a company that researches and commercialises Rhodiola-derived functional products. However, the funding sponsor played no role in any practical aspect of the study, including the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of data and the review and approval of the manuscript."

Mao JJ, Li QS, Soeller I, Xie SX, Amsterdam JD. Rhodiola rosea therapy for major depressive disorder: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial. J Clin Trials. 2014;4:170. doi:10.4172/2167-0870.1000170
Publication Date: "2014 Jun 20"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study."
Methodology: Subjects with MDD not receiving antidepressant therapy were randomized to R. rosea extract 340–1,360 mg daily; sertraline 50–200 mg daily, or placebo for 12 weeks, with primary outcome measure being change in 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating score and secondary measures including safety and quality of life ratings.
Sample Size: "Total of 58 subjects in order to reach a proposed sample size of 48 subjects (or 16 subjects per treatment condition)."
Controls Used: "Placebo"
Dose Used: "R. rosea extract 340–1,360 mg daily; sertraline 50–200 mg daily."
Statistical Significance Declared: "Primary outcome measure will be change over time in the mean 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating score. Statistical procedures will include mixed-effects models to assess efficacy for primary and secondary outcomes."
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "Possible AEs might include weight gain/loss, insomnia/hypersomnia, sedation, sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal complaints, and anxiety."
Conflict of Interest: "All the authors had no conflict of interest to declare."

Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue — A double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(5):365-371. doi:10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80055-0
Publication Date: "2000"
Peer Reviewed: Yes.
Study Design: "The clinical investigation was carried out as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study with a wash-out period."
Methodology: Double-blind cross-over trial, participants tested during three periods (RRE/placebo tablet daily, washout period, placebo/RRE tablet daily), cognitive functions tested with 5 different tests before and after night duty.
Sample Size: "56 young, healthy physicians."
Controls Used: "Placebo-controlled."
Dose Used: "Extr. sicc. Rhodiola rosea SHRl5 170 mg (containing approximately 4.5 mg salidroside)."
Statistical Significance Declared: "The only significant change is seen in the verum group between period I and period II with a change in performance of approximately 20 % (p < 0.01)."
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "No adverse effects or events were observed."
Conflict of Interest: None stated.

Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(2):85-89. doi:10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80078-1
Publication Date: “2000"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled"
Methodology: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with low repeated dose regime. Physical and mental performance assessed before and after the period using objective and subjective evaluations. Statistical analysis performed using the Student's t-test, two-sided, assuming normal distribution.
Sample Size: "2 x 20 subjects"
Controls Used: "placebo group"
Dose Used: "50 mg, twice a day for 20 consecutive days"
Statistical Significance Declared: "p < 0.01" for physical fitness, mental fatigue, and neuro-motoric tests; "p < 0.05" for self-assessment of general well-being.
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "No adverse effects were observed."
Conflict of Interest: No specific conflicts of interest declared.

Mao JJ, Xie SX, Zee J, Soeller I, Li QS, Rockwell K, Amsterdam JD. Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2015;22(3):394-399. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.01.010
Publication Date:
"Available online 23 February 2015."
Peer Reviewed:
Yes
Study Design:
"Phase II randomized placebo controlled clinical trial."
Methodology:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week study. Participants were referred from clinics and advertisements. Minimum baseline HAM-D score ≥ 10 and CGI/S rating of 3 or 4. Participants were randomized to R. rosea, sertraline, or placebo. Dosage was initiated at one capsule daily and increased up to four capsules daily based on response.
Sample Size:
"57 subjects were randomized."
Controls Used:
"Placebo"
Dose Used:
"R. rosea SHR-5 powdered extract 340 mg...sertraline 50 mg HCl."
Statistical Significance Declared:
"No statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.79, p = 0.28, and p = 0.17, respectively)."
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation:
"No treatment-related serious adverse events. More patients reported study-related adverse events using sertraline (63.2%) versus R. rosea (30.0%) or placebo (16.7%) (p = 0.012)."
Conflict of Interest:
"None of the authors are a member of any pharmaceutical or industry-sponsored advisory board or speaker's bureau, and none of the authors have any financial interest in any pharmaceutical or herbaceutical company."

Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmström C, Panossian A. Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. 2007;61(5):343-348. doi:10.1080/08039480701643290
Publication Date: "October 1, 2007"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study with parallel groups"
Methodology: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group study over 6 weeks with BDI and HAMD questionnaires used for assessment at days 0 and 42.
Sample Size: "A total of 91 patients, 31 in group A and 30 each in groups B and C, formed the initial baseline set."
Controls Used: "placebo"
Dose Used: "group A: 31 patients received two tablets daily of SHR-5 (340 mg/day), group B: 29 patients received two tablets twice per day of SHR-5 (680 mg/day), and group C: 29 patients received two placebo tablets daily."
Statistical Significance Declared: "The mean total HAMD scores for groups A and B at the end of the study were statistically significantly different (PB0.0001) from that of group C." "The primary efficacy variable was represented by the change in total BDI and HAMD scores over the study period." "PB0.0001"
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "No serious side-effects were reported in any of the groups A-C.", "No side-effects resulting from treatment with SHR-5 could be detected in any group of the groups."

Conflict of Interest: "This study was funded with project grants from the Swedish Herbal Institute. The funding sponsor, however, had no role in any practical aspect of the study including collection, management, analysis and interpretation of the data, or review and approval of the manuscript."

Lekomtseva Y, Zhukova I, Wacker A. Rhodiola rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial. Complement Med Res. 2017;24(1):46-52. doi:10.1159/000457918.
Publication Date: "2017"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "open-label, single-arm, multicenter study"
Methodology: Dry ethanolic extract of R. rosea (WS® 1375) administered to 100 subjects with prolonged or chronic fatigue symptoms over 8 weeks; 2 × 200 mg WS® 1375 daily; outcome measures included fatigue-related scales and tests; safety and tolerability monitored through physical exams, laboratory data, and adverse event screening.
Sample Size: "100 subjects"
Controls Used: None mentioned (open-label study).
Dose Used: "2 × 200 mg WS® 1375"
Statistical Significance Declared: "The greatest change was found for the subscale ‘general fatigue’ with a difference to baseline of 8.2 ± 4.1 points at week 8." "The PSQ-R score decreased in the course of the treatment and was reduced by 0.2 ± 0.2 points at week 8 (p < 0.0001)." "The mean total score of the BDI-II improved from a screening score of 10.8 ± 5.0 to 5.6 ± 4.5 and 4.0 ± 4.3 at week 4 and week 8, respectively (p < 0.0001 each)."
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "Most of the AEs were assessed as ‘not related’ to the study drug." "For 12/44 AEs (27.3%) a causal relationship with the study drug could not be excluded but was assessed as ‘unlikely’ in all cases." "One serious AE (SAE) occurred with a patient being hospitalized due to community-acquired pneumonia, which was assessed as not related to the study drug."
Conflict of Interest: "A.W. is employee of Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, the sponsor of the trial. Y.L. officiated as an investigator in this trial and received remuneration accordingly. I.Z. received honoraria from Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG."

Konstantinos Fanaras, Reinhard Heun. The effects of Rhodiola Rosea supplementation on depression, anxiety and mood – A Systematic Review. Global Psychiatry. 2020;3(1):72-82. doi:10.2478/gp-2019-0022
Publication Date: "May 21, 2020"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "systematic review of randomized clinical trials"
Methodology: Literature searches in PubMed, randomized controlled trials, inclusion and exclusion criteria applied, bias assessed with Cochrane tool, performed according to PRISMA criteria.
Sample Size: "a total of 5 papers (n = 327 participants)"
Controls Used: "placebo"
Dose Used: "2×200mg of Vitano® (herb-extract ratio of 1.5–5:1, corresponding to 300–1000 mg of the Rhodiola r. root)" "Capsules of 170mg of Rhodiola extract SHR-5" "R. rosea SHR-5 powdered extract 340 mg"
Statistical Significance Declared: "p < 0.001" (anxiety, total negative mood, anger, and confusion) "p < 0.0001" (HAM-D, BDI) "p < 0.05" (general well-being)
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "adverse effects are rare and mild"
Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest in conducting this review."

Kasper S, Dienel A. Multicenter, open-label, exploratory clinical trial with Rhodiola rosea extract in patients suffering from burnout symptoms. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2017;13:889-898. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120113.
Publication Date: "22 March 2017"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "open-label, single-arm, multicenter study"
Methodology: A daily dose of 400 mg R. rosea extract administered over 12 weeks, outcome measures assessed using various scales, including Maslach Burnout Inventory, Burnout Screening Scales, Sheehan Disability Scale, Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Number Connection Test, Multidimensional Mood State Questionnaire, Numerical Analogue Scales, Patient Sexual Function Questionnaire, and Clinical Global Impression Scales.
Sample Size: "A total of 118 outpatients were enrolled."
Controls Used: None (open-label, single-arm study)
Dose Used: "400 mg R. rosea extract (WS® 1375, Rosalin)"
Statistical Significance Declared: "P<0.001" for multiple outcome measures including "the SDS score, NASs for subjective stress symptoms, and CGI scores."
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "A causal relationship with the study drug was rated 'possible' in 5/46 (10.9%) subjects who reported head pressure, light-headedness, nausea, feeling irritated, and eye swelling." The serious adverse event was "assessed as 'not related' to the investigational product."
Conflict of Interest: "Siegfried Kasper has received grant/research support, consulting fees, and/or honoraria within the last 3 years from Angelini, AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Janssen, KRKA-Pharma, Lundbeck, Neuraxpharm, Pfizer, Pierre Fabre, Schwabe, and Servier. Dr. Dienel is an employee of Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG."

Cropley M, Banks AP, Boyle J. The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms. Phytother Res. 2015;29(12):1934-1939. doi:10.1002/ptr.5486
Publication Date: "27 October 2015"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "open-label, randomized (Rhodiola rosea L vs. control) repeated measures design"
Methodology: Randomized participants into Rhodiola rosea L group (2 × 200 mg Vitano®, 1 tablet before breakfast and 1 before lunch) or control (no treatment). Self-report measures and cognitive tests completed at baseline, 4 hours later, 7 days, and 14 days.
Sample Size: "treatment = 40; control = 41"
Controls Used: "control condition (no treatment)"
Dose Used: "2 × 200 mg dose Vitano®, 1 tablet taken before breakfast and 1 tablet before lunch"
Statistical Significance Declared: "significant reduction in anxiety at T4, (p < 0.01)", "reduction in anxiety that approached significance at time T3 (p = 0.08)", "reported significantly less stress at T4 (p < 0.01)", "significant interaction effects for ratings of Anger, Confusion, and Total Negative Mood" with respective p-values.
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: "None of the AEs were seen to be clearly related to intake of the treatment"
Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Amsterdam JD, Panossian AG. Rhodiola rosea L. as a putative botanical antidepressant. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(7):770-783. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2016.02.009
Publication Date: "Available online 24 February 2016"
Peer Reviewed: Yes
Study Design: "randomized double-blind, 12-week, proof-of-concept trial"
Methodology: Identically appearing capsules containing either pharmaceutical grade R. rosea (SHR-5) powdered extract 340 mg (standardized to a content of rosavin 3.07% / rhodioloside 1.95%), sertraline 50 mg HCl, or placebo were dispensed. Outcome measurements were obtained at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment.
Sample Size: "Subjects received either R. rosea extract 340 mg daily (n = 31), R. rosea extract 680 mg daily (n = 29), or placebo (n = 29) for 6 weeks."
Controls Used: "placebo (i.e., lactose monohydrate NF)"
Dose Used: "340 mg daily (n = 31), R. rosea extract 680 mg daily (n = 29)"
Statistical Significance Declared: "There was no statistically significant difference in change over time for HRSD scores among treatment groups (p = 0.79), and the decline in HRSD scores by week 12 was slightly greater for sertraline (–8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI], –12.7 to –3.6) versus R. rosea (–5.1, 95% CI: –8.8 to –1.3) and placebo (–4.6, 95% CI: –8. to –0.6)."
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: The study does not mention any adverse events directly linked to Rhodiola Rosea supplementation. "No subject prematurely discontinued R. rosea or placebo."
Conflict of Interest: "Dr. Amsterdam is not a member of any industry-sponsored advisory board or speaker's bureau, and has no financial interest in any pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or medical device company. Dr. Panossian is not a member of any industry-sponsored advisory board or speaker's bureau. He is an employee of Swedish Herbal Institute, but is not a shareholder in the company."

Panossian A, Wikman G, Sarris J. Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): Traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(7):481-493. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.02.002
Publication Date: "Available online 7 April 2010"​​.
Peer Reviewed: Yes.
Study Design: "Review article summarizing randomized controlled clinical trials"​​.
Methodology: Summarized data from various clinical trials and studies on Rhodiola Rosea, including randomized controlled trials, preclinical studies, and in vitro research.
Sample Size: Not applicable (review article).
Controls Used: Not applicable (review article).
Dose Used: Various doses reported in different studies reviewed, including "daily doses of 288 – 680 mg (1-4 tablets)".
Statistical Significance Declared: Various studies reviewed; one reported "significant improvement in physical fitness, mental fatigue and neuromotor tests compared with control (p<0.01)"​.
Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: The study does not mention any adverse events directly linked to Rhodiola Rosea supplementation, however in one study "One subject in placebo group complained of hyper-salivation lasting 40 min after intake"​​.
Conflict of Interest: "J. Sarris declares no conflict of interest. G. Wikman and A. Panossian are associated with the Swedish Herbal Institute, a company that researches and commercializes Rhodiola-derived functional products"​​.

Ma GP, Zheng Q, Xu MB, Zhou XL, Lu L, Li ZX, Zheng GQ. Rhodiola rosea L. Improves Learning and Memory Function: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01415Publication Date: "04 December 2018"Peer Reviewed: YesStudy Design: "systematic review and meta-analysis"Methodology: Six databases were searched from inception to May 2018. 36 studies involving 836 animals were included. The primary outcome measures included the escape latency in Morris water maze, frequency and the length of time spent on the target quadrant, and the number of errors in various tests.Sample Size: "836 animals"Controls Used: "isosteric non-functional liquid (normal saline) or no treatment"Dose Used: "R. rosea L., i.g. 5 g/kg/day for 4 weeks after the model" (example from specific study)Statistical Significance Declared: "escape latency (P < 0.05)"; "frequency and the length of time spent on the target quadrant (P < 0.05)"; "number of errors (P < 0.01)"; "increasing glutathione (P < 0.00001)"; "increasing superoxide dismutase (P < 0.00001)"; "decreasing malondialdehyde (P < 0.05)"; "increasing acetylcholine (P < 0.05)"; "decreasing acetylcholinesterase (P < 0.05)"; "decreasing caspase-3 (P < 0.05)"Adverse Events due to Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation: None reported.Conflict of Interest: None stated.