Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundRhodiola rosea (R. rosea) is grown at high altitudes and northern latitudes. Due to its purported adaptogenic properties, it has been studied for its performance-enhancing capabilities in healthy populations and its therapeutic properties in a number of clinical populations. To systematically review evidence of efficacy and safety of R. rosea for physical and mental fatigue.MethodsSix electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs), evaluating efficacy and safety of R. rosea for physical and mental fatigue. Two reviewers independently screened the identified literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias for included studies.ResultsOf 206 articles identified in the search, 11 met inclusion criteria for this review. Ten were described as RCTs and one as a CCT. Two of six trials examining physical fatigue in healthy populations report R. rosea to be effective as did three of five RCTs evaluating R. rosea for mental fatigue. All of the included studies exhibit either a high risk of bias or have reporting flaws that hinder assessment of their true validity (unclear risk of bias).ConclusionResearch regarding R. rosea efficacy is contradictory. While some evidence suggests that the herb may be helpful for enhancing physical performance and alleviating mental fatigue, methodological flaws limit accurate assessment of efficacy. A rigorously-designed well reported RCT that minimizes bias is needed to determine true efficacy of R. rosea for fatigue.

Synergy and Antagonism of Active Constituents of ADAPT-232 on Transcriptional Level of Metabolic Regulation of Isolated Neuroglial Cells

“…The concept of adaptogens is now generally accepted by the scientific community (EMEA/HMPC/102655/, 2007; Samuelsson and Bohlin, 2009), although it has yet to gain prominence in mainstream pharmacology. In this context recent research progress has taken two main forms: Convincing clinical evidence has been generated on the efficacy of adaptogens, based on clinical trials performed in accordance with the International Conference in Harmonization Regulations (ICH) standards for good clinical practice (Davydov and Krikorian, 2000; Goulet and Dionne, 2005; Sarris, 2007; Bleakney, 2008; Panossian and Wikman, 2009, 2010; Dwyer et al, 2011; Hung et al, 2011; Iovieno et al, 2011; Sarris et al, 2011; Chan, 2012; Ishaque et al, 2012),Some key molecular mechanisms of adaptogen activity were defined (Panossian et al, 2007, 2009, 2012). …”

“…Convincing clinical evidence has been generated on the efficacy of adaptogens, based on clinical trials performed in accordance with the International Conference in Harmonization Regulations (ICH) standards for good clinical practice (Davydov and Krikorian, 2000; Goulet and Dionne, 2005; Sarris, 2007; Bleakney, 2008; Panossian and Wikman, 2009, 2010; Dwyer et al, 2011; Hung et al, 2011; Iovieno et al, 2011; Sarris et al, 2011; Chan, 2012; Ishaque et al, 2012),…”

<b><i>Rhodiola rosea</i></b> in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial

“…Other than most of the preceding studies which examined a specified range of fatigue patients such as night-shift workers or examinees, in this trial a narrow subject definition was abandoned in order to find results applicable to a wide range of fatigue patients. Also, the duration of the trial was comparatively longer than in most studies on R. rosea in fatigue patients performed to date [28]. …”

The Effects of Adaptogens on the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Chronic Stress

“…No placebo was used in the study, which may indicate selection bias. While some evidence suggests the herb may be helpful for enhancing physical performance and alleviating mental fatigue, methodological flaws limit accurate assessment of efficacy (Ishaque, Shamseer, Bukutu, & Vohra, 2012).…”