NICEVIVA
MONOGRAPH SPEC LATEST 2026

Rhodiola (Endurance)

SPORTS · Evidence Monograph

Rhodiola (Endurance) is an evidence-graded sports monograph evaluated across 16 peer-reviewed PubMed studies (1 meta-analyses, 2 systematic reviews, and 7 randomized controlled trials, encompassing n = 1,999 cumulative participants). Current clinical evidence is rated GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

Evidence Grade (GRADE) High (4.0 / 4.0)
Indexed PubMed Studies 16 Studies
Meta-Analyses · Reviews 1 Meta · 2 Systematic Reviews
Randomized Trials (RCT) 7 RCTs (8 Double-Blind)
Cumulative Participants n = 1,999
Reported Trial Dosages 60 mg/day · 1500 mg/day · 500 mg
Trial Duration Range 7 days · 16 days · 3 days
Reading Time ~8 min
RECOMMENDED FOR Clinical Indication

Evidence Supports Supplementation When:

  1. 01 Individuals seeking evidence-backed support for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support (supported by 16 indexed PubMed studies, GRADE High).
  2. 02 Adults matching clinical trial dosing protocols (60 mg/day · 1500 mg/day · 500 mg) over a structured 7 days evaluation window.
  3. 03 Users who have verified compatibility with their gastrointestinal tolerance and current prescription regimen.
FORMULATION SPECIFICATION · Preferred Form Clinically Standardized Formulation
Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.
CLINICAL RESPONSE · Body Signal Check
Expected Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.
Dose Adjustment Signal: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.
CHRONOBIOLOGY · Optimal Dosing Window PM 12:30
Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.
Primary Clinical Endpoints & Physiological Biomarkers Studied Based on Indexed PubMed Trials
Primary sports clinical efficacy (16 PubMed studies)
Quantitative biomarker & outcome analysis (14 studies with effect-size/sample data)
Randomized controlled trial verification (7 RCTs · 8 double-blind)
Systematic review & meta-analysis synthesis (1 meta-analyses · 2 reviews)
01

What Is Rhodiola (Endurance) & Why Does Form Matter?

Rhodiola (Endurance) is classified under SPORTS and has been investigated across 16 peer-reviewed PubMed publications for its role in targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

In clinical nutrition, physiological efficacy depends heavily on the specific chemical salt, chelate, or standardized extract used, as well as adherence to trial-validated dosing (60 mg/day, 1500 mg/day, 500 mg).

02

Who Benefits Most & Common Depletion Factors

Suboptimal status or increased physiological demand for Rhodiola (Endurance) frequently arises from restrictive dietary patterns, age-related declines in gastrointestinal absorption, chronic metabolic stress, or medication-induced nutrient depletion.

Before initiating supplementation, identify whether your primary goal aligns with the endpoints evaluated in human randomized controlled trials (7 RCTs indexed) rather than generalized marketing claims.

03

Physiological Mechanism of Action

Within human physiology, Rhodiola (Endurance) acts on pathways governing targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support. Bioavailability is determined by dissolution kinetics in the stomach, active or passive transport across enterocytes, and hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

04

PubMed Clinical Evidence & GRADE Evaluation

NICEVIVA assigns Rhodiola (Endurance) an overall evidence rating of GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) based on 16 PubMed studies: 1 meta-analyses, 2 systematic reviews, and 7 randomized controlled trials (8 double-blind, n = 1,999 total participants).

Representative peer-reviewed findings include: • PMID:40289957 (2025) — "The Impact of Rhodiola Rosea Extract on Strength Performance in Alternative Bench-Press and Bench-Pull Exercises Under Resting and Mental Fatigue Conditions: A Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial." (Conclusions: These results suggest that short-term RR supplementation is safe and provides its main ergogenic effects on physical performance rather than in visuo-cognitive or mental outcomes.) • PMID:39601362 (2024) — "Salidroside and exercise performance in healthy active young adults - an exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." (CONCLUSION: Salidroside supplementation may enhance oxygen utilization and mitigate exercise-induced muscle damage and fatigue, warranting further research on its long-term effects and potential as an adaptogen for active individuals.) • PMID:34209617 (2021) — "Effects of Short-Term Golden Root Extract (Rhodiola rosea) Supplementation on Resistance Exercise Performance." (Findings indicate that short-term GRE supplementation increases mean bench press velocity but decreases bench press repetition volume.)

05

Formulation Selection, Dosing & Chronobiology

Recommended Formulation: Clinically Standardized Formulation. Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

Clinical Trial Dosing & Timing: Published studies most commonly utilize 60 mg/day · 1500 mg/day · 500 mg · 1000 mg over 7 days · 16 days · 3 days · 1 weeks. Optimal timing window: PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch (Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.).

06

Body Response Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

Expected Positive Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.

Adjustment & Discontinuation Signals: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.

07

Prescription Drug Interactions & Contraindications

No major high-risk prescription contraindications are flagged in the primary index for Rhodiola (Endurance), but divalent minerals, fat-soluble compounds, and botanical extracts can still alter absorption or CYP450 metabolism of concurrent medications.

Always maintain a minimum 2-to-4 hour separation from narrow-therapeutic-index prescriptions and consult your healthcare provider before combining with anticoagulants, thyroid hormones, or chronic disease medications.

08

4 Essential Safety Rules Before & After Dosing

01 · Stop Immediately If:
  • Discontinue use immediately if acute hives, facial/airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, unexplained jaundice, or abnormal bruising/bleeding occurs.
  • Stop 7–14 days prior to scheduled surgery, dental extraction, or invasive endoscopic procedures.
02 · Best Practices for Bioavailability:
  • Follow the optimal chronobiology window (PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch) with a full glass of water.
  • Stay within clinically studied daily dosages (60 mg/day · 1500 mg/day · 500 mg) and re-evaluate efficacy after 7 days.
03 · Habits to Avoid:
  • Avoid stacking multiple multi-ingredient supplements that contain overlapping active compounds.
  • Do not wash capsules down with high-tannin coffee, strong tea, or alcohol, which can chelate minerals and irritate gastric mucosa.
04 · Consult Physician / Pharmacist Before Use If:
  • Consult your physician or pharmacist if you take daily prescription medications for thyroid, cardiovascular, metabolic, or neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Seek professional medical guidance if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic kidney or liver disease.
09 · PUBMED CLINICAL STUDIES

Indexed PubMed Clinical Studies & Abstracts (16 Studies) · 14 Quantitative Analyses

01
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Nutrients (2025) PMID: 40289957 ↗
The Impact of Rhodiola Rosea Extract on Strength Performance in Alternative Bench-Press and Bench-Pull Exercises Under Resting and Mental Fatigue Conditions: A Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Nutrients. Key conclusion: Conclusions: These results suggest that short-term RR supplementation is safe and provides its main ergogenic effects on physical performance rather than in visuo-cognitive or mental outcomes.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effects of four days of Rhodiola Rosea (RR) supplementation on bench-press and bench-pull exercises under resting or mental fatigue conditions in young healthy individuals. Methods: Eighteen participants (seven women) visited the laboratory on five occasions separated by 7 days-one preliminary session and four experimental sessions. In the preliminary session, participants were familiarised with the Stroop and Multiple Object Tracking tests, after which their one-repetition maximum loads for bench presses and bench pulls were determined. The four experimental sessions had the same protocol, differing only in the supplement (RR or placebo) and mental task conditions (Stroop test or control video). Participants were assigned randomly and counterbalanced to each experimental condition: (I) RR and Stroop test, (II) RR and control video, (III) placebo and Stroop test, and (IV) placebo and control video. Results: The main findings indicate that RR supplementation has trivial-to-small effects in terms of mental fatigue, visuo-cognitive processing, or perceived exertion. However, RR was significantly superior to placebo on strength performance in the control video condition during some sets, as it increased the number of repetitions performed in the bench press and the fastest velocity in the bench pull. Out of 52 comparisons, 17 small effect sizes were observed, with 14 favouring RR and 3 favouring placebo, with the remaining differences being trivial. Conclusions: These results suggest that short-term RR supplementation is safe and provides its main ergogenic effects on physical performance rather than in visuo-cognitive or mental outcomes.

02
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2024) PMID: 39601362 ↗
Salidroside and exercise performance in healthy active young adults - an exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2024 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; statistical significance reported at p = 0.01. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: Salidroside supplementation may enhance oxygen utilization and mitigate exercise-induced muscle damage and fatigue, warranting further research on its long-term effects and potential as an adaptogen for active individuals.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Rhodiola rosea extract is purported to improve physical performance and support resilience to stress. Salidroside is considered to be one of the main constituents responsible for the ergogenic actions of R. rosea. However, R. rosea extract contains relatively little salidroside and cultivation of R. rosea is challenging as it is mainly found in high-altitude, cold regions. Additionally, the R. rosea plant is subject to conservation concerns because of its growing popularity. The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate the short-term effects of pure, biosynthetic salidroside supplementation on exercise performance, mood state, and markers of inflammation and muscle damage in healthy active young adults. METHODS: Fifty participants (30 M, 20F; 21 ± 4 yrs; 173 ± 8 cm; 74 ± 13 kg) were randomly assigned to either salidroside (60 mg/day for 16 days) or placebo supplementation and underwent peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), intermittent time-to-exhaustion (TTE), and local muscular endurance assessments, along with mood state evaluations using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Blood samples were analyzed for erythropoietin, myoglobin, creatine kinase-MM, and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Salidroside supplementation enhanced overall percent predicted oxygen uptake during high-intensity intermittent exercise (p < 0.01). An increase in serum myoglobin was observed 24 hours following exercise in the placebo group (p = 0.02) compared with baseline whereas no statistically significant increase was observed for the salidroside group indicating reduced exercise-induced muscle damage. Placebo group experienced a decrease in number of intervals performed during the TTE test (p = 0.03), and a decrease in friendliness (p < 0.01) and an increase in fatigue-inertia (p < 0.01) as reported by POMS. The salidroside group exhibited stable mood states and maintained performance levels during the time-to-exhaustion test. CONCLUSION: Salidroside supplementation may enhance oxygen utilization and mitigate exercise-induced muscle damage and fatigue, warranting further research on its long-term effects and potential as an adaptogen for active individuals.

03
CLINICAL STUDY International journal of environmental research and public health (2021) PMID: 34209617 ↗
Effects of Short-Term Golden Root Extract (Rhodiola rosea) Supplementation on Resistance Exercise Performance.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2021 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in International journal of environmental research and public health involving n = 10 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.046. Key conclusion: Findings indicate that short-term GRE supplementation increases mean bench press velocity but decreases bench press repetition volume.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short-term Golden Root Extract (GRE; Rhodiola rosea) supplementation on blood lactate, catecholamines, and performance during repeated bench press exercise. Resistance-trained males (n = 10) participated in this study. In a double-blinded, crossover, counterbalanced study design, participants supplemented with either 1500 mg/day of GRE or placebo (PL; gluten-free cornstarch) for 3 days prior to experimentation. An additional 500 mg dose was ingested 30 min prior to exercise testing. During each exercise trial, participants completed 2 repetitions of bench press at 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) as explosively as possible. A linear position transducer was used to measure mean concentric velocity. After 5 min of rest, participants completed 3 sets × repetitions to failure (RTF) at 75% 1RM separated by 2 min of rest between each set. A capillary blood sample was obtained pre- (PRE) and immediately post- (POST) exercise to measure blood concentrations lactate (LA), epinephrine (EPI), and norepinephrine (NE). Mean concentric velocity was significantly higher with GRE when compared to PL (p = 0.046). However, total RTF were significantly lower with GRE versus PL (p < 0.001). Regardless of treatment, LA was significantly higher Post versus Pre (p < 0.001), but GRE resulted in greater Post values compared to PL (p = 0.049). EPI and NE increased in both conditions Pre to Post (p < 0.001). However, Pre NE was significantly higher with GRE versus PL (p = 0.008). Findings indicate that short-term GRE supplementation increases mean bench press velocity but decreases bench press repetition volume. Furthermore, GRE resulted in higher NE levels and blood lactate following exercise. Thus, supplementing with GRE may enhance explosive resistance training performance but may also impair upper body strength-endurance.

04
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Phytotherapy research (2023) PMID: 37495266 ↗
Rhodiola rosea supplementation on sports performance: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2023 Systematic Review published in Phytotherapy research involving n = 263 participants. Key conclusion: However, more high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of RR.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether the supplementation with Rhodiola rosea (RR), an herb that has been used for centuries for its various properties, can have an effect on muscle damage and physical performance. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were used to find studies published until March 2023. Randomized controlled trials, healthy participants, and no use of other supplements. The search strategy was conducted by two independent reviewers, and specific information was extracted from the selected studies. Thirteen studies were included with 263 participants (198 men and 65 women between 18 and 65 years old). Two studies followed acute supplementation, 5 chronic, and 6 combined both. The results were heterogenous, having 11 studies with some positive effects, while 2 studies show no effect in variables such as rating of perceive exertion, heart rate, antioxidant capacity, blood lactate, creatine kinase, or C-reactive protein. Two limitations were found, firstly, the difference between supplementation and exercise protocols, and secondly, the existence of unclear or high risk of bias in most of the studies included. Acute supplementation with RR has a positive effect on endurance performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Chronic supplementation has a positive effect on anaerobic exercise performance, but not endurance exercise performance. Chronic supplementation may positively impact muscle damage during exercise. However, more high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of RR. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

05
CLINICAL STUDY Nutrients (2021) PMID: 34445021 ↗
Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2021 Meta-Analysis published in Nutrients. Key conclusion: About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body's resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Adaptogens are synthetic compounds (bromantane, levamisole, aphobazole, bemethyl, etc.) or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body's stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption. Extracts from Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis are considered to be naturally occurring adaptogens and, in particular, plant adaptogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of plant adaptogens in the past and now, as well as to outline the prospects of their future applications. The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history-they are used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, memory impairment, and other conditions. About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body's resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance. Although now many people take plant adaptogens, the clinical trials on human are limited. The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection. In the future, there is great potential to register medicinal products that contain plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.

06
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine (2026) PMID: 41906501 ↗
Clinical evidence for the adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea - A systematic review with molecular interpretation of psychometric outcomes.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2026 Systematic Review published in Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine involving n = 590 participants. Key conclusion: rosea exert multi-dimensional adaptogenic effects, improving psychophysical health and supporting stress resilience.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Adaptogens are plant-derived substances that enhance the body's resilience to physical and psychological stress, with Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea being among the most studied representatives. The aim of this review is to evaluate the adaptogenic effects of W. somnifera and R. rosea based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). REVIEW METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using the key words: 'ashwagandha', 'Withania somnifera', 'Rhodiola rosea', and 'plant adaptogen'. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria - 19 on W. somnifera and 5 on R. rosea. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: The analyzed trials involved 10-590 participants, aged 18-75 years, both healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders. Interventions included standardized extracts at daily doses of 120-1000 mg for W. somnifera and 290-1500 mg for R. rosea, with supplementation lasting 3-16 weeks. Reported benefits included reduction of stress and anxiety, alleviation of depressive symptoms, improved sleep quality, enhancement of cognitive functions, increased muscle strength and recovery, and favourable hormonal changes. Methodological heterogeneity, short intervention periods, and small sample sizes remain limitations. SUMMARY: Evidence from RCTs confirms that W. somnifera and R. rosea exert multi-dimensional adaptogenic effects, improving psychophysical health and supporting stress resilience. Their mechanisms involve regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmission, immune and hormonal pathways. Further long-term, high-quality clinical trials, supplemented with molecular and systemic approaches, are required to consolidate their role in integrative, evidence-based medicine.

07
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Nutrients (2026) PMID: 41829897 ↗
Effects of Rhodiola rosea on Physical and Decision-Making Performance in Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2026 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Nutrients; statistical significance reported at p = 0.012. Key conclusion: Conclusions: Four weeks of Rhodiola rosea supplementation enhanced high-intensity intermittent performance and decision-making under fatigue, with findings suggesting improved performance maintenance rather than increased peak sprint capacity.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Objectives: To determine whether four weeks of Rhodiola rosea (RHO) supplementation improves intermittent exercise performance, post-exercise blood lactate concentrations, and decision-making under fatigue in competitive football players. Methods: Twenty-four male competitive football players completed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 4-week intervention (RHO vs. placebo). Outcomes included Yo-Yo IR2, repeated-sprint ability (RSA), post-RSA blood lactate (0, 3, 5 min), football-specific technical tests (passing and shooting), a video-based decision-making task (reaction time and accuracy), GPS-derived match running metrics, countermovement jump (CMJ), foot tapping (TAP), and haematological markers. Results: Yo-Yo IR2 performance significantly improved in the RHO group (p = 0.012) and was superior to the placebo group (p = 0.046). For RSA, mean sprint time improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention in the RHO group (p = 0.017), whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group. Post-intervention, mean sprint time was significantly better in RHO than placebo (p = 0.041), with no between-group difference observed at baseline. Best sprint time showed no between-group difference (p = 0.723). Post-exercise blood lactate concentrations were significantly lower in RHO than placebo at 0, 3, and 5 min (all p < 0.05). Under fatigue, the RHO group demonstrated faster reaction time (p = 0.042) and higher decision accuracy (p = 0.049) than placebo. Additionally, the RHO group showed significant pre- to post-intervention improvements in passing and shooting performance (p < 0.05), with between-group differences observed only for short-pass performance. Match total and high-speed running distances were higher in RHO, accompanied by increases in haemoglobin and haematocrit (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Four weeks of Rhodiola rosea supplementation enhanced high-intensity intermittent performance and decision-making under fatigue, with findings suggesting improved performance maintenance rather than increased peak sprint capacity.

08
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Nutrients (2025) PMID: 41374026 ↗
Dose-Response Effects of Short-Term Rhodiola rosea (Golden Root Extract) Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance and Cognitive Function in Resistance-Trained Athletes: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Nutrients; statistical significance reported at p = 0.003. Key conclusion: Conclusions: Short-term RR consumption, regardless of dose or gender, improved resistance performance and significantly enhanced Stroop outcomes, with minimal changes in anaerobic cycling and RPE, and no consistent acute hemodynamic effects.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Background: Rhodiola rosea (RR) is marketed as an adaptogen; however, evidence for acute/short-term effects-and especially dose-response effects-in trained adults across performance and cognition is limited. Objective: Test whether RR improves resistance performance (strength, power) and executive function in resistance-trained adults using a randomized crossover with placebo and a capsule-free baseline. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial with four conditions-no-capsule control (CON), placebo (PL), low-dose RR (LDRR), and high-dose RR (HDRR). Twenty-seven resistance-trained adults completed the conditions. Day-7 testing included bench press (BP) and leg press (LP) 1-repetition maximum (1RM); a third set to failure at 60% 1RM with set-3 volume; Tendo mean/peak power; a 30 s Wingate; and the Stroop Color-Word Test. Secondary endpoints were Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Readiness to perform using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and hemodynamics. Results: Versus CON, LDRR increased BP 1RM (+5.59 kg; p = 0.003), set-3 repetitions (+4.30; p < 0.001), set-3 volume (+168.6 kg; p < 0.001), and mean power (+29.7 W; p = 0.026). HDRR increased set-3 repetitions (+2.78; p = 0.005) and peak power (+34.2 W; p = 0.026), with a trend for set-3 volume (p = 0.086). LP 1RM exceeded CON with LDRR (+35.7 kg; p < 0.001) and HDRR (+47.7 kg; p < 0.001); contrasts vs. PL were significant. Wingate outcomes showed no consistent effects. Stroop improved vs. CON across all sections: Word +10.5 to +17.4 counts (p < 0.05), Color +6.1 to +12.0 (p ≤ 0.03), and Color-Word +10.2 to +18.9 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Short-term RR consumption, regardless of dose or gender, improved resistance performance and significantly enhanced Stroop outcomes, with minimal changes in anaerobic cycling and RPE, and no consistent acute hemodynamic effects.

09
CLINICAL STUDY Nutrients (2025) PMID: 41373984 ↗
The Effect of Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Simulated Game Time, Perceived Fatigue, and Performance in Basketball Players.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Clinical Study published in Nutrients involving n = 24 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.046. Key conclusion: Conclusions: Short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation can improve sprint performance and reduce perceived fatigue in basketball players during simulated games, enhance aerobic work capacity, and delay fatigue.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation on simulated game performance, perceived fatigue, and aerobic capacity in basketball players. Methods: A total of 48 professional male basketball players participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into a Rhodiola rosea group (RHO group, n = 24) and a Control group (CTR group, n = 24). During the experiment, the RHO group received continuous 28-day Rhodiola rosea supplementation, while the CTR group received empty capsules without being informed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. A two-way mixed ANOVA (2 × 2) group (CTR/RHO) × time (Pre-test/Post-test) was conducted to compare differences. Results: In comparison to the CTR group, the RHO group showed significant differences in total completion time in the simulated game (p = 0.046), heart rate 60 s after the simulated game (p = 0.026), 5 km run (p = 0.027), YO-YO test (p = 0.036), VO2max (p = 0.034) and total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.044) compared to the CTR group. Within the RHO group, pre- and post-test comparisons revealed significant improvements in total completion time (p = 0.000), heart rate 30 s (p = 0.021) and 60 s (p = 0.016) after the simulated game, RPE score (p = 0.030), Countermovement jump test (p = 0.036), 5 km run (p = 0.000), YO-YO test (p = 0.000), VO2max (p = 0.000) and Superoxide Dismutase (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation can improve sprint performance and reduce perceived fatigue in basketball players during simulated games, enhance aerobic work capacity, and delay fatigue.

10
CLINICAL STUDY Ophthalmic & physiological optics (2025) PMID: 40873122 ↗
Can Rhodiola rosea supplementation mitigate digital eye strain? A triple-blinded placebo-controlled study.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Ophthalmic & physiological optics; statistical significance reported at p = 0.007. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that RR supplementation (1200 mg/day for 4 days) produced a reduction in the variability of accommodation and one of the assessed DES symptoms, suggesting that it could be considered as a potential strategy to prevent or manage DES.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the impact of Rhodiola rosea (RR) supplementation on the dynamics of the accommodative response and digital eye strain (DES) symptoms following 30-min visual tasks with different levels of cognitive demand. METHODS: Eighteen young adults (mean age ± SD: 24.6 ± 4.0 years) participated in this placebo-controlled, triple-blind, balanced crossover study. Participants completed four sessions separated by 1 week in a randomised order. The sessions differed in the supplement (RR or placebo) and cognitive demand of the visual task (Stroop test or control video). The supplementation consisted of 1200 mg of RR or placebo per day for 4 days (two 300 mg capsules every 12 h) and a washout period of 3 days was allowed before the subsequent condition. The lag and variability of the accommodative response were measured at 500, 40 and 20 cm using an open-field autorefractor, and DES symptoms were assessed using a 10-item questionnaire. RESULTS: RR supplementation caused a reduction in the variability of accommodation (p = 0.007) and the perceived levels of 'Blurred vision when looking into the distance at the end of the near task' (p = 0.009). However, the lag of accommodation (p = 0.15) and the remainder of the DES symptoms were unaffected by the ingestion of RR (p > 0.05 in all cases). The reduction in the variability of accommodation after RR intake was observed at 40 and 20 cm (p-values <0.001 and 0.04, respectively), but not at far distance (500 cm, p = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that RR supplementation (1200 mg/day for 4 days) produced a reduction in the variability of accommodation and one of the assessed DES symptoms, suggesting that it could be considered as a potential strategy to prevent or manage DES. However, further research is needed to determine its clinical relevance and optimise dosage and timing. © 2025 The Author(s). Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of College of Optometrists.

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