What is it used for?
(Used in Herbal Medicine to) help(s) (to) temporarily relieve symptoms of stress (such as mental fatigue and sensation of weakness) [Source note 2].
Used in Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress over time (e.g. in case of mental and physical fatigue related to stress) [Source note 3].
(Used in Herbal Medicine) (to) help(s) support cognitive function (such as mental focus and mental stamina) [Source note 4].
Source of antioxidants/Provides antioxidants [Source note 5].
Source of antioxidants/Provides antioxidants that help fight/protect (cell) against/reduce (the oxidative effect of/the oxidative damage caused by/cell damage caused by) free radicals [Source note 6].
Note: The above uses can be combined on the product label if from the same system of medicine (e.g., Used in Herbal Medicine to help support cognitive function and as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress over time).
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older [Source note 7]
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Antioxidants
Methods of preparation: Standardized extracts (Dry extract)
Not to exceed 680 milligrams of extract, per day and 200 milligrams, per single dose [Source note 8]
and:
0.8 - 3% salidroside [Source note 9];
and/or:
1 - 6% rosavins [Source note 10].
Methods of preparation: Non-Standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract)
Not to exceed 400 milligrams of extract and a quantity crude equivalent (QCE) of 2 grams of dried root/root and rhizome, per day; Not to exceed 200 milligrams of extract and a QCE of 1 gram of dried root/root and rhizome, per single dose [Source note 11].
Method of preparation: Tincture
Not to exceed 1.8 grams of dried root/root and rhizome, per day [Source note 12].
Symptoms of Stress, Adaptogen and Cognitive Function
Methods of preparation: Standardized extracts (Dry extract)
144 - 680 milligrams of extract, per day; Not to exceed 200 milligrams per single dose [Source note 13]
and:
0.8 - 3% salidroside [Source note 14];
and/or
1 - 6% rosavins [Source note 15].
Method of preparation: Tincture
1.2 - 1.8 grams of dried root/root and rhizome, per day [Source note 16].
Symptoms of Stress and Adaptogen
Methods of preparation: Non-Standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract)
144 - 400 milligrams of extract and a QCE of 216 - 2,000 milligrams of dried root/root and rhizome, per day; Not to exceed 200 milligrams of extract and a QCE of 1 gram of dried root/root and rhizome, per single dose [Source note 17].
How is it used?
Avoid taking before bedtime [Source note 18].
How long is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Warnings and precautions
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding [Source note 19].
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are taking antidepressant medication, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control medication [Source note 20].
When should it be avoided?
Do not use if you have bipolar disorder or bipolar spectrum disorder [Source note 21].
Possible side effects
Stop use if you experience irritability or insomnia [Source note 22].
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodiola rosea |
| Rhodiola rosea |
| Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2025; Gardner and McGuffin 2013; Common names: USDA 2025; Gardner and McGuffin 2013; Source information: EMA 2024; Winston and Maimes 2007.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- October 31, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.