The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms

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The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms

Cropley et al., 2015 | Phytother Res | Rct

Citation

Cropley Mark, Banks Adrian P, Boyle Julia. The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms. Phytother Res. 2015-Dec;29(12):1934-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.5486

Abstract

This trial evaluated the impact of a Rhodiola rosea L. extract on self-reported anxiety, stress, cognition, and other mood symptoms. Eighty mildly anxious participants were randomized into two different groups of either Rhodiola rosea L (2 × 200 mg dose Vitano®, 1 tablet taken before breakfast and 1tablet before lunch) or a control condition (no treatment). Self-report measures and cognitive tests were completed at four testing sessions over a period of 14 days. Relative to the controls, the experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in self-reported, anxiety, stress, anger, confusion and depression at 14 days and a significant improvements in total mood. No relevant differences in cognitive performance between the groups were observed. Rhodiola rosea L (Vitano®) presented a favourable safety tolerability profile. Although this was a non-placebo controlled trial, it is unlikely that the findings were the result of placebo effects as changes appeared gradual and were specific to certain psychological measures. However, we cannot determine a causal relationship; further investigations are recommended to support the effects of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on stress related symptoms.

Key Findings

extract on stress related symptoms.

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Anxiety
  • Cognition
  • Depression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts
  • Rhodiola
  • Stress, Psychological

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: rhodiola-fatigue

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09