Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Photo: Alpsdake · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mental
- 1 condition
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Overview
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a fleshy perennial (up to about 16 in / 40 cm tall) thriving in mountainous and Arctic regions. Rhodiola has a long history of use in Russia, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, where it was traditionally used for work performance, endurance, fatigue, depression and altitude sickness. NCCIH says there isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether rhodiola is useful for any health purpose.
Traditional uses & properties
Stress and Mood (traditional use): Traditionally used for fatigue and depression, and promoted today for reducing stress; NCCIH says there isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether rhodiola is useful for any health purpose. Focus and Memory (traditional use): Promoted for focus and memory under stress; NCCIH says most of the research in people is of low to moderate quality.
Safety & precautions
Irritability & Sleep Disturbance: May occur if taken in large amounts or late in the day. Manic/Bipolar Disorders: Not advisable. General Safety: NCCIH says rhodiola is possibly safe for up to 12 weeks; monitor for overstimulation.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
NCCIH notes reported interactions with losartan. [1]
- Losartan and other blood pressure medicines
- NCCIH says interactions between rhodiola and losartan have been reported. MSK notes MAO-inhibiting activity that could add to blood-pressure-lowering effects. [1, 2]
- Antidepressants
- MSK cites a report of a rapid heart rhythm with concurrent use and notes possible added serotonin-related effects. [2]
- Warfarin and phenytoin
- MSK reports that rhodiola modestly inhibits CYP2C9, which may matter most for narrow-margin drugs like these. [2]
- Stimulants
- MSK notes a possible added rise in blood pressure. [2]
- CYP3A4 and P glycoprotein substrates
- Inhibition was seen in preclinical studies. Relevance is unknown. [2]
How to read this section: each entry is HerbMate's summary of what the cited sources report. Words such as "may", "theoretical" or "in laboratory or animal studies" mean the effect has not been confirmed in people, and "case report" means it was seen in one or a few patients. A medicine that is not listed here has not been shown to be safe with this herb. The numbers in brackets link to the sources at the foot of the page.
Habitat
Indigenous to cold, high-altitude areas of the northern hemisphere (Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, etc.), rhodiola is mostly wild-collected, though it’s now cultivated in parts of Canada, Norway, and Finland.
Sources
The interaction notes and the statements on this page that name a source were written by HerbMate from these references, which were last checked in October 2026. They are summaries, not medical advice; ask a pharmacist about your own medicines.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) as follows: Stress and Mood (traditional use): Traditionally used for fatigue and depression, and promoted today for reducing stress; NCCIH says there isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether rhodiola is useful for any health purpose. Focus and Memory (traditional use): Promoted for focus and memory under stress; NCCIH says most of the research in people is of low to moderate quality.
What safety cautions apply to Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)?
Irritability & Sleep Disturbance: May occur if taken in large amounts or late in the day. Manic/Bipolar Disorders: Not advisable. General Safety: NCCIH says rhodiola is possibly safe for up to 12 weeks; monitor for overstimulation.
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