Rhodiola In the Future

In this concluding section of the Rhodiola Rosea Phytomedicinal Overview, Dr. Patricia Gerbarg, Dr. Richard Brown, and Dr. Zakir Ramazanov implore the science and health research community to execute more controlled clinical trials of Rhodiola or its rosavins to determine its specific and verifiable applications for a number of potential treatments.

While there are a number of promising rhodiola benefits, we need double-blind placebo-based trials conducted by experienced and reputable universities and published in peer-reviewed journals. There are so few rhodiola side effects paired with a variety of benefits that we feel more comprehensive study of this safe and natural herb is warranted.


Rhodiola in the Future

More scientific research is needed to confirm the preventive and curative benefits of R. rosea. Controlled studies are warranted to explore its use in antidepressant augmentation [Editor’s Note: See Rhodiola Rosea for Depression], disorders of memory and cognition, attention deficit disorder, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, protection against arrhythmias, sports performance, aviation and space medicine (enhancing physical and mental performance while reducing stress reactions), endocrine disorders (infertility, premenstrual disorder, menopause), sexual dysfunction, disorders of the stress response system (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and post traumatic stress disorder), and enhancement of chemotherapy/radiation with amelioration of toxicity.

Rhodiola Rosea Root, Cultivated

Rhodiola Rosea Root, Cultivated

In the course of evolution, R. rosea has adapted to the harsh conditions of high altitude (extreme cold, low oxygen, little rainfall, and intense irradiation from the sun) by producing a group of powerful protective compounds that have diverse beneficial effects in animals and humans. One is struck by the versatility of R. rosea, from its description in Greek medicine, 2000 years ago to its use by 20th century cosmonauts. It is time for modern research, using controlled clinical trials, to develop the potential medical applications of this unique phyto-adaptogen.


This concludes our re-organization and re-publishing of Dr. Patricia Gerbarg, Dr. Richard Brown, and Dr. Zakir Ramazanov’s seminal article, Rhodiola Rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview.

Look below for supplemental articles on this site, as well as links to the Table of Contents and Credits for this Phytomedicinal Overview.


Previous Section: Rhodiola Rosea Toxicity, Side Effects, and Contraindications
Next Section: References, Credits and Acknowledgments
Table of Contents: Rhodiola Rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview


Supplemental Reading: