Rhodiola and Mood: What Studies Reveal About Anxiety and Depression

Why rhodiola is not a quick fix for mood or mental health

“Herbal” does not automatically mean harmless, and it certainly does not mean proven treatment for anxiety or depression. For people interested in longevity, biomarkers and supplements, it is worth staying open-minded – but also realistic.

Rhodiola shows some early signals for mood and stress, but the data are limited and mixed. It is authorised in Europe for stress-related tiredness, not for diagnosed mood or anxiety disorders.

Rhodiola basics: what it is and how it is authorised in Europe

Rhodiola rosea, commonly called roseroot, is the root of an arctic–alpine plant in the stonecrop family. Its main bioactive constituents are thought to be rosavins (e.g. rosavin, rosin) and salidroside.

In the EU (and effectively in the UK, via similar frameworks), the EMA classifies rhodiola as a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of stress symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. It is:

• Not authorised for treating anxiety disorders or depression
• Intended for adults only
• A medicine that should be reviewed by a doctor if symptoms persist for more than two weeks

Typical daily doses in authorised preparations are 144–400 mg/day in 1–2 divided doses. Details are in the EMA monograph.

Rhodiola is often described as an adaptogen – a term used for substances that may help the body adjust to stress, potentially by influencing the HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) axis and cellular “stress chaperones” such as Hsp70. This is an interesting biological concept, but it does not prove that rhodiola has meaningful clinical effects on mood in real life. For a scientific overview, see this review of adaptogens.

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Evidence snapshot: what current studies suggest

• Depression: In a 12‑week randomised, placebo-controlled trial (n=57) in adults with major depression, sertraline produced the largest improvement in depression scores. Rhodiola was not superior to placebo overall, but it was better tolerated than sertraline. Mao 2015.
• Anxiety: A 14‑day randomised study in people with mild anxiety symptoms (2×200 mg/day) reported improvements in stress and anxiety scores – but there was no placebo group. An open-label pilot in generalised anxiety disorder (GAD, n=10) found reductions in anxiety scores, again without a control group. Cropley 2015, Bystritsky 2008.
• Stress and fatigue: Results are mixed. Some studies suggest possible anti-fatigue effects; however, a well-designed randomised controlled trial in nursing students found that after 42 days, placebo performed better than rhodiola for fatigue. RCT in nursing students.
• Systematic reviews: Reviews discuss possible improvements in mild depression or anxiety, but emphasise that sample sizes are small and the risk of bias is high. Better-quality trials are needed. Systematic review (2020).

4Rhodiola and depression: what the main RCT really showed

The 2015 Phytomedicine trial is often cited in discussions about rhodiola and depression. It compared:

• Standardised rhodiola extract
• Sertraline (an SSRI antidepressant)
• Placebo

Over 12 weeks, adults with mild to moderate major depressive disorder were randomised to one of these three groups. Main outcomes included standard depression scales (HAM‑D, BDI, CGI).

Results:

• All three groups improved over time.
• There were no statistically significant differences between groups.
• Numerically, the mean change in HAM‑D was:
  • Sertraline: −8.2
  • Rhodiola: −5.1
  • Placebo: −4.6
• Side effects were more common with sertraline (63%) than with rhodiola (30%) or placebo (17%).

How to interpret this:

• Rhodiola showed at best modest signals and no clear advantage over placebo.
• Sertraline showed the largest improvement but also more side effects.
• The study was small, so it cannot rule out smaller effects – but it does not support rhodiola as a robust antidepressant treatment.

In practical terms, rhodiola should not be used as a first‑line option for depression. Where it is considered at all, this should be:

• Only in milder symptoms
• With medical supervision
• Alongside, not instead of, evidence-based care (psychotherapy and/or antidepressant medication where appropriate)

Details of the RCT.

Rhodiola and anxiety: how strong is the evidence?

Two small studies are often discussed in relation to anxiety:

1. Mild anxiety and stress (Cropley 2015)

• Adults with mild anxiety symptoms took 2×200 mg/day rhodiola for 14 days.
• The study compared rhodiola with no treatment, not with placebo.
• Participants in the rhodiola group reported improvements in subjective stress and anxiety.
• Because there was no placebo and the study was short, it is hard to separate the effect of rhodiola from expectations and natural symptom changes.

2. Generalised anxiety disorder (Bystritsky 2008)

• Open-label pilot study in people with GAD (n=10).
• Participants took about 340 mg/day rhodiola for 10 weeks.
• Anxiety scores (HARS) reduced, and tolerability was acceptable.
• Without a control group, the findings remain very tentative.

Randomised study without placebo; Open GAD pilot.

Bottom line for anxiety:

• The evidence is too weak and early to support rhodiola as a treatment for anxiety disorders.
• Established options – such as psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy or other talking therapies, and medication when appropriate – should be prioritised.
• If considered at all, rhodiola should be viewed as a short-term adjunct for stress, not a standalone solution for clinically significant anxiety.

Possible mechanisms – and why they are not proof

Researchers have proposed several ways rhodiola might influence stress and mood:

• Stress system modulation: Potential effects on the HPA axis (the body’s central stress-response system).
• Cellular stress chaperones: Increased expression of proteins such as Hsp70, which help cells respond to stress.
• Signalling pathways: Effects on pathways such as JNK/FOXO in laboratory models.

These mechanisms have mainly been described in preclinical studies (cell and animal models). Their relevance for real-world mood outcomes in humans is uncertain. Mechanistic overviews.

In test-tube experiments, some rhodiola components (for example rosiridin) appear to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO‑A and MAO‑B), an enzyme involved in breaking down mood-related neurotransmitters. However:

• It is unclear whether typical human doses achieve similar effects.
• In vitro MAO inhibition alone does not prove that rhodiola works as an antidepressant in people.

MAO inhibition in vitro.

Safety, side effects and interactions

According to the EMA, rhodiola is generally well tolerated when used as directed in adults.

Possible side effects include:

• Headache
• Gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g. nausea, stomach upset)
• Skin reactions

Rhodiola is intended for adult use only. Because of limited data, it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The EMA herbal monograph notes that “no clinically relevant interactions have been observed” to date – but it also highlights that robust human data are limited. EMA monograph. For a more detailed overview, see: Rhodiola: long-term safety.

Potential interaction with antidepressants

A case report describes serotonergic symptoms in a person taking paroxetine (an SSRI) together with rhodiola. A single case does not prove cause and effect, but it does suggest that extra care is needed when combining rhodiola with serotonergic medicines (e.g. SSRI, SNRI). Any such combination should be discussed with a GP, psychiatrist or pharmacist. Case report on paroxetine + rhodiola.

EU/UK rules on health claims

Health-related marketing statements are tightly controlled in the EU and UK. In 2012, EFSA did not approve a proposed claim that a specific rhodiola extract helps reduce “mental fatigue”. This regulatory framework exists to protect consumers from over-optimistic marketing and to keep expectations realistic. EFSA opinion.

Responsible use: if you’re considering a trial of rhodiola

For health-conscious adults, especially those in their 30s–60s interested in long-term wellbeing, it can be tempting to try every new supplement. With rhodiola, a measured, time-limited approach makes sense.

• Who it may suit: Adults with stress-related tiredness looking for short-term support, as part of a broader lifestyle and mental health strategy. It is not intended for self-managing an anxiety disorder or depression.
• Dosage and timing: Based on EMA guidance, a cautious approach is to start at the lower end of the range:
  • About 144–200 mg in the morning
  • Optionally a second dose at lunchtime
  • Later evening doses are often avoided to reduce the chance of sleep disturbance
  Posology according to EMA.
• Trial window and self-monitoring:
  • Keep a 14‑day log of energy, sleep, perceived stress and mood.
  • If there is no noticeable improvement after two weeks, it is reasonable to stop.
  • If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, become more severe or interfere with work, relationships or daily life, seek medical advice.
  EMA page on rhodiola.
• When to seek urgent medical help:
  • Marked depressive symptoms (for example, PHQ‑9 score of 10 or more)
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Strong distress, panic attacks, or clear loss of functioning
  • Any concern that you may have an anxiety disorder or major depressive episode

Product quality, sustainability and how to choose wisely

For UK and EU readers, product quality and regulation are particularly important, as rhodiola is available both as a registered traditional herbal medicine and as unregulated food supplements sold online.

Prioritise authorised traditional herbal medicinal products over generic supplements. These should provide:

• Standardisation to defined levels of rosavins and salidroside
• A clear patient information leaflet
• A visible authorisation or registration number, compliant with national rules

The EMA monograph can serve as a benchmark for quality parameters. EMA information on authorised preparations.

Why this matters:

Independent analyses show that unregistered rhodiola supplements bought online or over the counter can vary considerably. In a European survey:

• Many over-the-counter products were underdosed or adulterated (for example, substituted with other Rhodiola species).
• Registered medicinal products showed far better consistency.

Phytomedicine study on authenticity, UCL summary.

Sustainability and CITES

Since 2023, Rhodiola species have been listed in CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade to help protect wild populations (with some exemptions for certain finished products).

When choosing a product, it is reasonable to:

• Ask about CITES-compliant sourcing
• Look for brands that document sustainable harvesting and supply chains

CITES documents on rhodiola; Summary of CITES decisions (COP19).

Shopping checklist for UK/EU buyers:

• Authorised traditional herbal medicinal product (not just a basic supplement)
• Standardised to rosavins and salidroside, with batch and content details
• Transparent origin and clear statement of CITES compliance
• Reputable supplier with:
  • A clear patient leaflet
  • Accessible contact details
  • Evidence of quality control and testing

Where rhodiola might fit in a long-term mood and longevity strategy

For adults focused on long-term health and healthy ageing, the strongest levers for mood and resilience remain:

• A consistent sleep–wake routine (regular bed and wake times)
• Regular physical activity (aerobic and strength work)
• Sufficient daylight exposure, especially in the morning
• A nutrient-dense diet with plenty of whole foods
• Evidence-based psychological support and, where needed, medication for anxiety and depression

Within this broader context, rhodiola can, for some people, be seen as a short-term adjunct for stress-related tiredness – not as a cornerstone of mental health or longevity strategy.

The mixed evidence, including negative trials in fatigue, underlines the need for a cautious, experiment-and-review mindset rather than long-term, unquestioned use. Negative RCT on fatigue; Systematic review.

Note: This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

If you experience ongoing low mood, anxiety or changes in functioning, please speak to your GP. In the UK, your pharmacist can also advise on authorised herbal medicines and potential interactions. If you decide to trial rhodiola, keep a 14‑day log of energy, sleep, stress and mood, review it honestly – and stop if you do not notice a clear benefit.