Rhodiola rosea supplementation on sports performance: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

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#adolescent #adult #aged #female #humans

Rhodiola rosea supplementation on sports performance: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Sanz-Barrio et al., 2023 | Phytother Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Sanz-Barrio Patricia M, Noreen Eric E, ... Pareja-Galeano Helios. Rhodiola rosea supplementation on sports performance: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. 2023-Oct;37(10):4414-4428. doi:10.1002/ptr.7950

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether the supplementation with Rhodiola rosea (RR), an herb that has been used for centuries for its various properties, can have an effect on muscle damage and physical performance. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were used to find studies published until March 2023. Randomized controlled trials, healthy participants, and no use of other supplements. The search strategy was conducted by two independent reviewers, and specific information was extracted from the selected studies. Thirteen studies were included with 263 participants (198 men and 65 women between 18 and 65 years old). Two studies followed acute supplementation, 5 chronic, and 6 combined both. The results were heterogenous, having 11 studies with some positive effects, while 2 studies show no effect in variables such as rating of perceive exertion, heart rate, antioxidant capacity, blood lactate, creatine kinase, or C-reactive protein. Two limitations were found, firstly, the difference between supplementation and exercise protocols, and secondly, the existence of unclear or high risk of bias in most of the studies included. Acute supplementation with RR has a positive effect on endurance performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Chronic supplementation has a positive effect on anaerobic exercise performance, but not endurance exercise performance. Chronic supplementation may positively impact muscle damage during exercise. However, more high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of RR.

Key Findings

However, more high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of RR.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 263
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult
  • Antioxidants
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Exercise
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Rhodiola

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

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