Best rhodiola supplement tested
Do rhodiola supplements help with depression and anxiety? And what is the best rhodiola supplement on the market? Quickly check out our Top 5 and all our interesting frequently asked questions.
Do you often feel stressed? Or tired? Exhausted? Are you looking for a boost without relying on strong stimulants?
There's no denying that a shot of caffeine works well, both mentally and physically, but the side effects of chronic stimulant use can be less impressive for your mental performance.
If you're looking for something to get your cognitive gears moving, we might have something very interesting for you.
The medicinal and health-promoting effects of rhodiola rosea come from its root and it has been used for centuries in the treatment of various ailments, ranging from stress and anxiety to chronic fatigue and depression.
We delve into the intricacies of this powerful adaptogen, show you how to elevate your mental performance to new heights, and what the 5 very best rhodiola supplements currently available are.
What is rhodiola?
Rhodiola rosea is a herb that grows in the mountains of Europe and Asia. Its roots are often used as a dietary supplement, usually in powder form or encapsulated. Rhodiola rosea is often called an adaptogen, a term for compounds that help prevent physical and chemical effects of stress.
While more research is needed to truly confirm the effectiveness of rhodiola rosea, some studies have shown that it can help the body adapt and cope with symptoms related to stress.
Additionally, rhodiola rosea can help counteract fatigue, especially with a low daily dose over a longer period. Rhodiola rosea is an ancient ingredient from traditional Chinese medicine, but today it is easily available as a supplement on Vitamines.com.
Which rhodiola is the best?
To determine which rhodiola is the best, we looked at the active ingredients, whether (unnecessary) excipients were used, the amount of rhodiola in milligrams, and of course the price. Based on this, the brand Vitals emerged as the best rhodiola rosea supplement in our test.
| Best brand | Best rhodiola | Best price | Amount (mg) |
| 1. Vitals | Rhodiola Rosea | € 0.67 | 250 mg |
| 2. Akopharma | Rhodiola Root | € 0.27 | 576 mg |
| 3. Vitakruid | Rhodiola Extract | € 0.46 | 500 mg |
| 4. Mattisson | Rhodiola Vegan | € 0.42 | 250 mg |
| 5. New Care | Rhodiola for Stress | € 0.40 | 150 mg |
1. Vitals Rhodiola LF Capsules
When we look at the world of rhodiola supplements, Vitals Rhodiola-LF Capsules stand head and shoulders above the rest, making it undoubtedly our number 1 choice.
But why is this supplement the best? The answer lies in the powerful combination of high-quality ingredients, scientific backing, and dedicated attention to purity and quality.
The first thing that stands out with Vitals Rhodiola-LF Capsules is the use of Rhodiolife®. This is not a standard rhodiola extract, but a carefully formulated extract that excels with a high concentration of the most active compounds of rhodiola: 5% rosavins and 1.8% salidroside.
These percentages are significantly higher than those of many other brands on the market, resulting in a more potent and effective supplement. These powerful substances offer exceptional adaptogenic benefits, meaning they help your body adapt and resist various types of stress.
The power of this supplement is not only supported by impressive ingredients but also by solid scientific research. Vitals Rhodiola-LF Capsules have been thoroughly investigated, with studies supporting claims that they can improve the ability to cope with stress, as well as increase physical performance and endurance.
Moreover, Vitals makes their capsules with a clear commitment to purity. They contain no gluten, lactose, soy, GMO, preservatives, or synthetic fragrances, colors, and flavors. The vegan and vegetarian-friendly nature of this product ensures it is an accessible option for a wide range of consumers.
In short, Vitals Rhodiola LF Capsules are the undisputed number 1 choice due to their superior formula, scientific backing, and commitment to purity and quality. Whether you want to manage your stress levels or improve your physical performance, this supplement is ready to support you.
Advantages and disadvantages of Vitals
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Highly concentrated Rhodiola extract | High-quality ingredients are more expensive |
| Delivers 5% rosavins, 1.8% salidroside | |
| Scientifically supported | |
| Proven effect on stress and performance | |
| No unwanted additives or allergens | |
| Vegan and vegetarian friendly |
2. Akopharma Rhodiola Root
Arkopharma Rhodiola impresses with its targeted approach to stress management, earning it second place in our top five rhodiola supplements.
This supplement is designed to help you cope with short-term stress, and it does so by providing a high-dose Rhodiola root extract, with a powerful 576 mg per dose. This level of concentration can increase your mind's resilience and endurance while also improving physical performance.
Arkopharma Rhodiola goes beyond simply providing high-quality Rhodiola. They also demonstrate a thoughtful commitment to purity and inclusivity. The capsules are coated with plant-based material, making the supplement a suitable choice for vegans and vegetarians.
Furthermore, the capsules are free from potential allergens such as sugar, yeast, preservatives, colorings, and flavorings, and they are gluten-free. This makes them accessible to a wide range of users, regardless of their dietary restrictions or allergies.
So, we can conclude that, despite the low price, Arkopharma Rhodiola is a reliable and effective choice for combating short-term stress.
Advantages and disadvantages of Arkopharma
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High dosage (576 mg per capsule) | Only for short-term stress |
| Focus on stress management | |
| Plant-based capsules (vegan) | |
| No allergens |
3. Vitakruid Rhodiola Extract
Vitakruid Rhodiola Extract 500mg scores third place on our list thanks to its excellent combination of powerful action and diverse health benefits.
This supplement elevates the term 'adaptogen' to a higher level, supporting the body in dealing with stressful circumstances and in combating both physical and mental fatigue.
With a highly standardized extract of 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside, Vitakruid offers a potent rhodiola supplement. This ensures the efficacy of the supplement and makes it a reliable choice for those looking to optimize their health.
But what truly distinguishes Vitakruid is the extensive list of benefits that Rhodiola offers. From improving blood circulation and heart health, positively influencing sleep function and endurance, to acting as an antioxidant and supporting normal bowel function – this supplement is a true multitasker.
Moreover, Rhodiola contributes to maintaining normal mental performance and memory, and it offers resistance to stress and proper functioning of the nervous system.
In short, whether you are looking for help with stress management, performance enhancement, or general health support, this supplement is an excellent choice to consider.
Advantages and disadvantages of Vitakruid
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High dosage (500 mg rhodiola) | No allergen information known |
| Contains 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside | |
| Extensive health benefits | |
| Protects cells against damage |
4. Mattisson Rhodiola Vegan
The Mattisson Rhodiola rosea extract supplement ranks at number 4 in our shortlist of the best rhodiola supplements. This supplement is simple in its composition but great in its effect, making it an excellent choice.
Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, is a powerful adaptogen that helps create and maintain mental and physical balance, especially during stressful times. It also has a positive influence on sleep function, making it an ideal choice for those looking to promote a healthier sleep cycle.
Moreover, Rhodiola contributes to maintaining a clear mind and good blood circulation, making it a powerful tool for both cognitive functions and heart health. Although some specific health claims are still under investigation, the already known benefits of Rhodiola are sufficient to make this supplement a valuable addition to any health regimen.
With a vegetarian capsule formula, this Rhodiola rosea extract supplement is also a friendly choice for vegetarians and vegans. It is a simple but effective supplement that deserves to be recognized with a place on our list.
Advantages and disadvantages of Mattisson
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Simple ingredients list | No info on allergens |
| No unnecessary excipients | |
| Vegan and vegetarian |
5. New Care for Stress
New Care for Stress is actually more than just a Rhodiola supplement. It is a balanced formula with adaptogenic herbs such as Rhodiola, schisandra, and Siberian ginseng, supported by a rich selection of B vitamins and amino acids.
What makes this supplement unique is the versatility of its ingredients. In addition to the adaptogens, which help you cope with changing circumstances, it also contains green tea extract and theanine for a calming effect.
Additionally, B vitamins and amino acids like L-tyrosine provide extra support for your nervous system health and mental well-being.
The supplement contains no sugar, gluten, yeast, lactose, flavorings, or preservatives, making it suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions. It is also vegetarian and vegan-friendly, which makes it accessible to a wide audience.
Furthermore, the dosages of the various ingredients are clearly indicated, so you know exactly what you are consuming. The supplement is designed to be taken three times a day, allowing for a gradual release of the ingredients throughout the day.
New Care for Stress absolutely deserves a spot in our top 5. It is a very versatile and carefully designed supplement that is ready to support you during stressful times.
Advantages and disadvantages of New Care
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Contains adaptogenic herbs | Three times daily dosage |
| Increases adaptability | Slightly higher chance of side effects |
| Rich in B vitamins | |
| Supports nervous system | |
| Contains amino acid L-tyrosine | |
| No unwanted additives | |
| Vegetarian and vegan |
What is rhodiola good for?
Herbal adaptogens like rhodiola exhibit various powerful health-promoting properties and are good for neuroprotection, anti-fatigue, antidepressant, anxiolytic, nootropic, and CNS-stimulating activity, along with a powerful anti-fatigue effect, especially concerning tolerance to mental exhaustion and attention.
The significant stress-protective activity of adaptogens is linked to their ability to regulate homeostasis through various mechanisms connected to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and regulating key mediators involved in the stress response.
Why is rhodiola interesting for your body?
The genus Rhodiola (Crassulacea) includes about 200 plant species, of which about 20 have been used for decades in the traditional medicines of Russia, Scandinavia, and Asian countries for their various health benefits 2.
Of the approximately 200 plants, Rhodiola rosea is the most well-known in Europe and North America and is widely sold as a popular natural health supplement.
Traditionally, the herb was used for treating headaches, hysteria, hernias, and discharge, but more recently, it is promoted for its adaptogenic properties and benefits for increasing attention and endurance during fatigue.
However, rhodiola is also used to increase stress resistance and prevent or reduce diseases associated with abnormalities in the neuroendocrine and immune systems. As if that weren't enough, it is also reported to improve cognitive function, promote memory and learning, and support brain health.
Rhodiola is also used for stress resistance.
It exerts all these powerful benefits by increasing the levels of 5-HT (serotonin) and noradrenaline in the cerebral, prefrontal, and frontal cortex, while increasing dopamine and acetylcholine (ACh) in the pathways of the limbic system – the primary pathway responsible for emotional calming.
These powerful health benefits are attributed to several biologically active compounds in rhodiola, including organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic glycosides 7. But the adaptogenic properties are mainly attributed to the glycoside salidroside.
7 potential Rhodiola benefits
These are the seven biggest (potential) benefits of Rhodiola:
- Stress reduction: Rhodiola can help lower cortisol levels, a hormone released in response to stress. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and improve mood.
- Cognitive function: Rhodiola has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span. It can also enhance mental clarity and focus.
- Improve physical endurance: Rhodiola can enhance physical endurance by increasing the body's ability to produce ATP, a molecule that provides energy to cells.
- Aids in weight loss: Rhodiola may assist with weight loss by reducing levels of the hormone ghrelin, which can increase appetite.
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels: Rhodiola can help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Rhodiola contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Improve sleep: Rhodiola can improve sleep quality by lowering cortisol levels and increasing levels of the hormone melatonin, which is important for regulating sleep.
What does research say about rhodiola?
Much research has been conducted on the precise effects of rhodiola, making it interesting to cite this research.
1. Improves resistance to stress
We all experience stress, whether it's related to family, relationships, work, finances, or something similar. When stress strikes, there are characteristic changes in various hormones and parameters related to the central nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).
Some of these include an increase in cortisol secretion, reduced HPA sensitivity to feedback down-regulation, and a significant depletion of catecholamines such as norepinephrine and dopamine.
Acute periods of stress are beneficial for the body and strengthen immune responses, but chronic stress can be detrimental at various levels. To combat stress, the body must adapt – and that's where adaptogens come in.
The adaptogenic properties of rhodiola are primarily attributed to its ability to influence the level and activity of monoamines and opioid peptides such as beta-endorphin.
It is also suggested that rhodiola prevents the release of catecholamine and the resulting increase in cAMP levels, and reduces the depletion of catecholamines from the adrenal glands caused by acute stress.
Furthermore, rhodiola supplementation can also improve symptoms of burnout, which can occur alongside chronic stress.
A 2017 study of 118 people experiencing stress-related burnout who supplemented with 400 mg of rhodiola daily for 12 weeks showed clear improvements in symptoms such as stress and depression, both common in burnout 8.
2. Fights fatigue
Stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition are just some factors that can cause fatigue, leading to both physical and mental feelings of exhaustion. While changing your lifestyle habits can be a great benefit in combating fatigue, supplementing with rhodiola can also help.
In a 2017 study of 100 subjects with symptoms of prolonged or chronic fatigue who took 400 mg of rhodiola extract for eight weeks, a significant decrease in symptoms was observed at the end of the study, with the largest change noted after the first week of treatment.
They saw improvements in:
- Symptoms of stress
- Fatigue
- Quality of life
- Mood
- Concentration
Moreover, rhodiola was first introduced in the USSR after it was discovered to effectively restore mental and physical work capacity during and after prolonged periods of intense mental and physical work.
The positive effects of rhodiola on cognitive function were observed in a study of 128 people between 17 and 55 years old with pronounced fatigue, whose symptoms significantly improved or disappeared after rhodiola supplementation.
Another study showed that rhodiola improved exhaustion, as well as mental and physical work capacity after post-flu fatigue.
3. Improves brain health and cognitive performance
Healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and sufficient sleep are important factors for keeping your brain healthy and functioning optimally, but certain supplements – especially nootropics – can also boost brain function and performance.
Several studies have shown that rhodiola has beneficial effects on cognition, mental stress, and reducing the effects of mental fatigue.
While the exact mechanism behind how it does this is not clear, it is thought to intervene in HPA axis function to influence various molecular pathways and modulate various cognitive markers, including glutathione, NADH/NADPH, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, NO/NOS, acetylcholine, caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor κB, and many more.
Additionally, rhodiola has also shown beneficial effects in the treatment of certain age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cerebrovascular diseases, which may be a result of its antioxidant properties.
4. Improves memory and learning
Want a sharper memory? Want to learn as fast as a child? It turns out rhodiola can help you with that! A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis examined the current evidence for rhodiola's effect on learning and memory function using a total of 36 animal studies.
The results show that compared to control groups, rhodiola supplementation demonstrates significant improvements in a range of learning and memory tests, which may be mediated by several of rhodiola's health-promoting properties, including:
- Antioxidant activity
- Cholinergic regulation
- Anti-apoptosis activities
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improved coronary blood flow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best form?
Rhodiola Rosea supplements are available in liquid extracts, powders, and capsules, and you should choose the form that is most convenient for you to take daily. My team and I also agreed that the liquid extract is the most absorbable, and taking it in this form is the best way to achieve quick results.
How much rhodiola per day?
The dosage of Rhodiola Rosea ranges from 170 mg to 680 mg, but some studies suggest that taking 300 to 500 mg could be ideal for improving symptoms of stress and fatigue.
It is also important to know that one dose of Rhodiola Rosea contains 3 percent of the active ingredients rosavin and 1 percent salidroside.
How did we calculate the costs?
To find out which product will save you the most money, look at the recommended serving size on the label to see how much dosage each brand provides per serving, then divide the total cost by the number of servings to get the price per serving.
What should you look for when buying?
Although independent third-party testing is not generally available for most rhodiola supplements, it is still important to review the label and know what is in each bottle. In general, it is wise to avoid brands that enrich their supplements with many artificial ingredients and preservatives.
Does rhodiola help with weight loss?
Rhodiola itself is not intended as a weight loss supplement. However, its ability to limit the body's response to stress and fatigue, combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can have positive effects on weight management for some.
How quickly does rhodiola work?
Most studies on the effect of rhodiola have been conducted over a period of several weeks. While it is unclear exactly how long it takes to start working, it is probably wise to use it regularly for at least a month before making firm claims about its effectiveness, or lack thereof.
Conclusion
There are many powerful adaptogenic compounds and nootropics that can elevate your mental performance to a whole new level. But not as well as rhodiola can.
Rhodiola has been shown to stimulate and maintain neurotransmitters crucial for cognitive function, enhance resistance to mental stress, and support brain energy by promoting transparent and calm thinking under demanding conditions.
In short, are you looking for strong support for your memory, learning, attention span, mood, and work capacity?
Then you should buy rhodiola from Vitals.
Sources
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332219329671
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254616300345
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13651501.2017.1417442
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.6778
About this article
As the best administration form for Rhodiola, our experts (who are not from the Consumers' Association) recommend the Tibetan flower tincture. This standardized, user-friendly nutritional supplement, available at your pharmacy and drugstore, functions as a powerful nootropic, supports energy balance, improves sleep, and promotes gut health. It also contains essential nutrients such as folic acid (vitamin B11) and choline. Always consult a doctor before using rhodiola.