Adaptogen
Rhodiola
Also known as: Rosavin
Adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress, supporting HPA axis and adrenal function.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Rhodiola product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Rhodiola | 92 A | $0.40 |
| 2 | BulkSupplements Rhodiola Extract (3% Salidroside) Powder | 91 A | $0.02 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations Rhodiola Rosea | 91 A | $0.24 |
| 4 | Nutricost Rhodiola Rosea Capsules | 91 A | $0.33 |
| 5 | Life Extension Rhodiola Extract | 91 A | $0.26 |
| 6 | NOW Foods Rhodiola | 90 A | $0.32 |
| 7 | New Chapter Rhodiola Force | 90 A | $0.97 |
| 8 | Thorne Emotion Balance Support | 87 A | $1.05 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations CarbCrave Complex | 87 A | $0.94 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations Emotional Wellness | 86 A- | $1.29 |
| 11 | Pure Encapsulations Phyto-ADR | 86 A- | $0.53 |
| 12 | Pure Encapsulations Daily Stress Formula | 86 A- | $1.38 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Rhodiola should I take?
The typical range is 200-600mg standardized extract daily. Cycle: 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
When should I take Rhodiola?
Morning and early afternoon (stimulating). Either way.
Which form of Rhodiola is best?
Capsule — SHR-5 extract studied. Other forms in the catalog: Standardized extract, Capsules.
Is Rhodiola safe?
Commonly reported: Insomnia if taken late, Jitteriness, Dry mouth. Serious warnings: Stimulating - not for anxiety-predominant presentations, May worsen bipolar. Safe
Which Rhodiola supplement scores highest?
Thorne Rhodiola, at 92/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Mild depression
- Fatigue
- Stress resilience
- Stress adaptation
- Adrenal support
- Mental performance
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Rhodiola reached a verdict on: 8 with a benefit, 6 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (8)
“reduction of stress and anxiety” PMID 41906501
“alleviation of depressive symptoms” PMID 41906501 · 2 reviews
“improved sleep quality” PMID 41906501
“increased muscle strength and recovery” PMID 41906501
“Acute supplementation with RR has a positive effect on endurance performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).” PMID 37495266 · 2 reviews
“On the basis of routine treatment, Rhodiola could further improve patients' symptoms.” PMID 25223177
and 2 more.
Not enough to say: cognitive function; exercise-induced muscle damage; hpa axis activity; psychiatric disorder treatment; cognitive performance; physical/sports performance.
How it works
- Modulates HPA axis
- Reduces cortisol spikes
- Supports stress resilience
- Anti-fatigue effects
Dosage
- Typical range
- 200-600mg standardized extract daily
- Timing
- Morning and early afternoon (stimulating)
- With food
- Either way
- Duration
- Cycle: 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
- Special populations
- Stress-related fatigue, burnout, adrenal support
Forms
- Capsule
- Standardized extract
- Capsules
Safety
Common side effects
- Insomnia if taken late
- Jitteriness
- Dry mouth
Contraindications
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety (may worsen some)
Products containing Rhodiola
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Rhodiola on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Strong evidence for stress adaptation and fatigue
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for Rhodiola
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention rhodiola. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
Rhodiola compared head-to-head
Related in Adaptogen
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.