5 Best Rhodiola Supplements On The Market [AU] [2023 Updated]

Rhodiola rosea is a plant that typically grows in the cold areas of Europe and Asia, whose root has long been used in many aspects of traditional medicine. Although scientific evidence is lacking, people use Rhodiola for fatigue, anxiety, stress, and depression, among other conditions.

With its growing popularity, we’re seeing more Rhodiola extract supplements hit the market. However, with so many Rhodiola brands available, choosing the right product for your needs can be overwhelming. This article will look at five of the best Rhodiola supplements and break down their pros and cons to help you decide if they are appropriate for your wellness or exercise needs.

Traditionally, Rhodiola rosea was used in Scandinavia, Russia, and other parts of Europe to treat fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms to increase endurance, work performance, and tolerance to high altitudes.

Today, the herb promotes increased mental and physical energy, strength, and stamina. Proponents of the supplement also believe it can help improve athletic performance and help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Unfortunately, there has not been adequate research to determine the validity behind those health claims, so it’s essential to exercise caution when implementing a Rhodiola rosea supplement into your routine.

Health Benefits Of Rhodiola Rosea

While there is very little research on the health benefits of Rhodiola rosea extract, it is believed that the adaptogenic herb can help support a few important aspects of physical wellness and mental health. The effects of Rhodiola rosea may:

Help Improve Stress Resilience

A recent 2018 review^[1] found that consuming Rhodiola rosea extract can help your body adapt and handle stressful situations better. According to the review, the extract can help treat stress symptoms and prevent stress-related complications. 

• Additionally, an exploratory clinical trial published in 2017^[2] found that taking Rhodiola rosea can help improve burnout symptoms resulting from chronic stress. Participants who consumed 400 milligrams of Rhodiola rosea extract daily for 12 weeks experienced an improvement in symptoms of stress and depression, expected with burnout. Most participants noticed effects within the first week.

Help With Mental And Physical Fatigue

Due to its adaptogenic properties, Rhodiola rosea is believed to help improve fatigue. In a 2017 study,^[3] 100 participants with chronic fatigue took 400 milligrams of Rhodiola rosea for eight weeks. One week into the study, most participants experienced improvements in mental focus, stress symptoms, mood, and overall quality of life. 

Help Reduce Symptoms Of Depression

Rhodiola extract may help manage moderate depression symptoms. However, it should be noted that the limited research available suggests that those on antidepressant medications should not take the adaptogenic herb. 

A very small randomized placebo-controlled trial^[4] published in 2017 compared the effects of Rhodiola rosea with the commonly prescribed antidepressant, Sertraline. Sertraline was more effective at reducing symptoms of moderate depression, but Rhodiola had fewer side effects and was tolerated better.  

Help Support Healthy Brain Function

Research suggests that Rhodiola rosea may help support mental clarity and improve cognitive function. A review of several animal studies^[5] found that taking Rhodiola rosea can improve learning and enhance memory function. 

Help Manage Diabetes

The salidroside extracted from the Rhodiola rosea plant has known antioxidant properties. Animal research suggests that it may help improve diabetes management.^[6] However, it’s important to discuss how the supplement will affect your blood sugars with your doctor to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.   

Improve Athletic Performance

While research varies, it’s possible that taking Rhodiola rosea may improve endurance, exercise performance, and more. For example, a 2020 study^[7] conducted on rats found that Rhodiola could improve muscle power and strength performance.  

Other studies^[8] found that taking Rhodiola improved exercise performance by decreasing the participant’s perceived exertion level. This may contribute to fat-burning goals. 

Help With Weight Loss

Studies on human cell cultures^[9] demonstrate the fat-burning potential of Rhodiola.    

Furthermore, a small human trial showed a reduction in body weight^[10] and body mass index after six to eight weeks of treatment with two capsules a day of Rhodiola.

5 Best Rhodiola Rosea Supplements In Australia 2023

How To Choose The Best Rhodiola Rosea Supplement

Not all Rhodiola rosea brands are made with the same quality and efficacy standards. It can be challenging to navigate the different amounts of Rhodiola, where to buy it, etc. You’re wise to do your research before committing to one dietary supplement. 

Here are a few topics to consider when the best Rhodiola extract supplement:

Rosavin And Salidroside Content

According to ConsumerLab.com,^[12] when choosing a Rhodiola rosea supplement, you should look for a product with at least 3% rosavin or 1% salidroside in its active ingredients. These are the key compounds responsible for the herb’s effects and activity. 

Lab Testing

Look for Rhodiola products that a third party has tested. The Food and Drug Administration is not responsible for regulating Rhodiola extract supplements, so it’s important to know that the product you choose has been made with safe, high-quality ingredients. It’s even better if you have access to the lab results for the ingredients used or the product batch created.

Budget

When choosing the best Rhodiola supplement, you must consider your budget. Do not sacrifice safety for cost, but many Rhodiola brands offer affordable prices through bulk discounts or subscribe and save options.  

How To Take Rhodiola Rosea Supplements

If you are considering Rhodiola supplementation, consider the product’s recommended dosing and, if possible, choose a lower-dose pill to start with, such as 100 mg. Rhodiola rosea supplements are available in different doses, so pay close attention to the product’s recommendations. However, most brands recommend taking your dose of Rhodiola rosea between meals, preferably on an empty stomach in the morning. 

Potential Side Effects

Most studies have examined the effects of continued Rhodiola use, not the effects of an acute dose. Rhodiola is considered safe for six to twelve weeks when taken by mouth. It may cause excessive saliva, dry mouth, or dizziness. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough reliable scientific research available to know if Rhodiola is safe long-term, even if it’s pure organic Rhodiola. 

It is also best to take Rhodiola within one to two hours of any other stimulants^[13] to avoid overstimulation.

For example, there isn’t enough information to know Rhodiola’s impact on pregnancy and breastfeeding. So, to be safe, it’s best to avoid using Rhodiola supplements when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additionally, since Rhodiola may stimulate the immune system, it may worsen autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and others. Therefore, patients suffering from autoimmune diseases may need to avoid Rhodiola supplements. 

Lastly, Rhodiola may interact with certain medications and affect their impact on your health. These interactions include, but are not limited to, interactions with

• Diabetes medications: Since Rhodiola might lower your blood sugar, it may cause your blood sugar to drop too low when taken with diabetes medications.
• Blood pressure medications: Since Rhodiola might lower blood pressure, it may cause blood pressure to drop too low when taken with certain blood pressure medications. 
• Medications used after an organ transplant: Rhodiola may decrease the effects of medicines taken to suppress the immune system after a completed organ transplant.
• Medications that are processed in the liver: Rhodiola may change how quickly prescriptions are processed or broken down in the liver, ultimately changing their efficacy and safety.

Of course, all bodies respond to supplements differently. Therefore, it’s best to discuss new supplements with your doctor to understand their potential impacts on your health as they relate to your medical history.

Final Thought

Rhodiola extract has been used in traditional medicine for years in Russia and Scandinavia to improve mental clarity and boost energy. While there is not enough scientific research to back up such claims, the adaptogenic herbal supplement may relieve stress or improve cognitive function or mental performance. 

With its growing popularity, we’re beginning to see various Rhodiola extract products hitting the shelves. Customers can choose between Rhodiola rosea capsules, Rhodiola powder, and Rhodiola rosea liquid extract, among others. 

If you are considering taking Rhodiolarosea extract, talk with your doctor to understand its potential impact on your health. Knowing the dosage and possible side effects of the Rhodiola brand you choose is key. And, of course, Rhodiola dietary supplements should not take the place of a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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