Thorne Rhodiola Review
A stress-relieving botanical to support neurotransmitters that enhance mood, sleep, and mental focus. Rhodiola is a brain adaptogen that helps balance serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine without causing fatigue or drowsiness. It may also boost exercise performance. Thorne's Rhodiola harnesses the adaptogenic benefits of Rhodiola rosea, a hardy succulent that thrives in harsh, high-altitude growing conditions in northern latitudes, to support a healthy stress response in the body and brain. The plant has been studied extensively in Russia and Scandinavian countries for its ability to help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors. The product is a single-ingredient adaptogenic formula with an easy-to-take 1-capsule serving size. Each capsule provides 100 mg of Rhodiola extract (root). The suggested use is 1 capsule two to three times daily, and the container holds 60 servings. Listed benefits include helping to balance neurotransmitter levels in the brain, influencing brain chemicals including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and beta-endorphins, supporting the central nervous system without causing fatigue or drowsiness, improving mental performance, enhancing focus, sleep, and well-being, and benefiting mood stability and reduced fatigue. The page says the product is designed for people who are under constant stress, individuals who feel tired or have low energy, students preparing for exams, and physicians and other professionals working night shifts. The page also says it is free from gluten, dairy, and soy. It has been third-party tested and certified to verify that what is in the package matches the label and to confirm it contains no unsafe levels of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms. Warnings on the page state that the product is contraindicated in an individual with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients, that pregnant people should consult a health-care practitioner before using it, and that there are no known adverse interactions or contraindications at publication date. The page notes HSA/FSA eligibility and offers a subscription discount of 10 percent, with 20 percent off for three or more different products. Free shipping is available within the contiguous United States.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only18 human studies · 13 improved
Rhodiola is the only ingredient here, at 100 mg per capsule. That is below the 400 mg a day that worked in studies, even at the two servings a day members are told to take. In a large trial of 543 soldiers back from high altitude, 15 days of Rhodiola reduced fatigue, drowsiness, palpitations and memory and attention problems compared with placebo [1]. In 60 people with stress-related fatigue, 576 mg a day for 4 weeks lowered burnout, improved attention and reduced the morning rise in the stress hormone cortisol [2]. A recent review of five Rhodiola trials reported less stress and anxiety, better sleep and favourable hormone changes, though the studies were small [3]. An open study of 101 adults taking 400 mg a day for 4 weeks found fewer life-stress symptoms. Effects on stress hormones are mixed. A review of 52 plant trials found cortisol effects unclear for most plants, including Rhodiola [4]. Small trials in young men found no change in cortisol [5][6]. Overall, Rhodiola reliably eases stress-related fatigue, but its effect on the adrenal stress hormone itself is uncertain. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 18 studies →Hide the studies
- A review of 52 randomized human trials of plants and plant nutrients, including Rhodiola rosea, found the effects on stress hormones such as cortisol unclear for most, with only ashwagandha showing a consistent morning cortisol-lowering effect.Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by plants and phytonutrients: a systematic review of human t…
- A review of 24 randomized trials (5 on Rhodiola rosea, doses 290-1500 mg a day for 3-16 weeks) reported less stress and anxiety, better sleep and cognition, and favourable hormonal changes, though the studies were small and varied.Clinical evidence for the adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea - A systematic review with molecu…
- In 543 soldiers with symptoms after returning from high altitude, 15 days of Rhodiola capsules reduced fatigue, drowsiness, chest tightness, palpitations, vertigo, and memory and attention problems compared with placebo.[Three preparations of compound Chinese herbal medicines for de-adaptation to high altitude: a randomized, placebo-contr…
- In 100 moderately stressed adults, a single dose of a combination of magnesium, B vitamins, green tea and rhodiola increased relaxed brain activity and reduced subjective stress, anxiety and mood disturbance after a stress test compared with placebo.A combination of green tea, rhodiola, magnesium and B vitamins modulates brain activity and protects against the effects…
- In 70 healthy young men, 7 weeks of a Rhodiola and Ginkgo combination raised maximal oxygen uptake and kept cortisol and the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio steady, while both worsened on placebo.Dietary supplement with a combination of Rhodiola crenulata and Ginkgo biloba enhances the endurance performance in heal…
- In 60 people with stress-related fatigue, 576 mg a day of Rhodiola extract for 4 weeks reduced burnout scores, improved attention and lowered the cortisol response on waking compared with placebo.A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of R…
- In 26 healthy young men, 600 mg a day of Rhodiola for 4 weeks sped up reaction times but did not change cortisol, other hormones or endurance capacity.Effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on mental performance, physical capacity, and oxidative stress biomarkers in h…
- In 24 male football players, four weeks of Rhodiola improved repeated high-intensity running, lowered blood lactate after sprints and improved decision-making speed and accuracy under fatigue compared with placebo.Effects of Rhodiola rosea on Physical and Decision-Making Performance in Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial…
- In 24 female taekwondo athletes with premenstrual syndrome, 500 mg a day of Rhodiola for 10 days reduced several premenstrual symptoms, sped reaction time and lowered perceived exertion versus placebo, but did not change time to exhaustion or estimated aerobic capacity.Short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation improves premenstrual symptoms, reaction time, and perceived exertion in femal…
- In 21 active young men doing combined training for 14 weeks, a Rhodiola and Cordyceps blend did not change body composition, overall performance or cortisol compared with placebo, although cortisol fell in both groups.Effects of Concurrent Training and a Multi-Ingredient Performance Supplement Containing Rhodiola rosea and Cordyceps sin…
- In a double-blind crossover trial of 18 people, a single 3 mg/kg dose of Rhodiola rosea taken 1 hour before exercise lowered heart rate and perceived exertion and shortened a 6-mile cycling time trial compared with a carbohydrate placebo.The effects of an acute dose of Rhodiola rosea on endurance exercise performance.
- In 10 trained male soccer players, a single dose of 3 mg per kg of Rhodiola rosea, alone or with caffeine, gave mixed results on sprint performance and saliva stress markers, with the combination raising cortisol compared with placebo and the Rhodiola alone raising immunoglobulin A compared with placebo.Effects of Rhodiola rosea and caffeine, alone and in combination, on Wingate performance and physiological stress respon…
- In 30 active young women, 150 mg a day of salidroside for 4 weeks with eccentric training gave better late-stage jump performance and lower muscle damage marker after cycling than controls, but did not change peak oxygen uptake.Combined Rhodiola rosea and eccentric training boost endurance performance and lower-limb reactive strength in recreatio…
- In 20 young healthy men during 8 days of heat acclimation, 432 mg a day of Rhodiola gave no extra benefit over placebo for endurance, stress hormones, or perceived effort.Influence of Rhodiola rosea on the heat acclimation process in young healthy men.
- In a seven-hour bicycle test, Rhodiola rosea cryopowder compared with control helped the body use energy more efficiently, improved heart and breathing efficiency, and delayed fatigue.[Effect of cryopowder Rhodiola rosae L. on cardiorespiratory parameters and physical performance of humans].
- During a 45-day head-down bed rest that mimics spaceflight, Rhodiola rosea further reduced a key immune signal (interferon gamma) and slowed the rise of inflammatory cytokines.Changes of cytokines during a spaceflight analog--a 45-day head-down bed rest.
- In an open-label study without a placebo group, 101 adults taking 200 mg of Rhodiola rosea extract twice daily for 4 weeks reported clinically relevant improvements in life-stress symptoms, with no serious adverse events.Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS® 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms--results of an o…
- In a comparative study of foreign students during an academic term, rhodaxon, a Rhodiola rosea extract preparation, increased physical work capacity and reduced psychic fatigue and situational anxiety.[The effect of the preparation rodakson on the psychophysiological and physical adaptation of students to an academic lo…
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only2,778 reviews · 91% positive
Buyers of Thorne Rhodiola capsules are largely happy: across the stores it carries about 1753 ratings, and nearly all the written feedback is positive, with a few dissenting notes. Only the capsules are covered here; no other forms appeared in the material. **What buyers say it did for them:** Stress relief, calm, focus and steady energy come up most. One buyer says "I feel more calm and at ease when I take it," and another reports "Energy without jitters." One says it "allows me to get things done instead of taking a nap," especially on long run days. Another describes noticing "calmness/sharpness/focus in 20-40 min after taking." Mood is mentioned too: "My irrational thoughts have been less and less anxious feelings." A buyer on a doctor's advice says it keeps them focused and helps them sleep better. Store summaries add reduced fatigue on busy days, workout endurance, and a first noticeable effect after about a week and a half for someone who felt drained. **What they complain about:** Complaints are few. One buyer returned it because of a medicine they were taking, though they noted it "has great reviews." One reviewer on a store page preferred other rhodiolas, finding some calming and this one not so much. The store pages show no complaints about capsule size, aftertaste, side effects or shipping. **Taste, smell, pill size and form:** Little is said. One store summary mentions a reviewer who found the taste nice, and another says the 100 mg capsules are easy to fit into a daily routine. Another notes a 60-capsule bottle lasts two months at one capsule a day. One buyer takes four tablets a day, so dosing clearly varies from person to person. **Value for money:** No one comments on price. The closest thing is a buyer who liked the product enough to order two more months' supply. One store summary says reviewers praise a simple formula with a standardized extract and no unnecessary fillers, and describes Thorne as a brand delivering clean, well-made supplements. One buyer says "Thorne is a quality brand," and another calls it "definitely legit." **Who it seems to suit and who it did not:** It seems to suit people who want help with workplace stress, focus, or daytime energy without jitters or crashes, including active people. Several buyers say a doctor prescribed or recommended it, and one says "It is a lifesaver for me." It suited less well the buyer whose medication meant returning it, and the reviewer who wanted a more calming rhodiola. Ordering was described as easy, with order and shipment notifications. Store averages are about 4.6 stars, and most ratings carry no written text, so the written detail is thin and mostly brief.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only9 of 10 recommend it
Nine of the ten panelists spoke about rhodiola, and most of them recommend it or take it, mainly as an adaptogen for stress, with several also citing cortisol balance, mood, focus, and sleep. Others use it for exercise: one panelist takes about 150mg in the morning for muscle endurance and less fatigue, another takes 300mg before focus work, and one takes it before workouts. Some pair it with other adaptogens or with L-theanine for sleep, and one recommends it the day after ketamine to restore norepinephrine reserves. A few are neutral or cautious: one says it will not ease fatigue when you are truly exhausted and that evidence for lowering stress and anxiety is thin, another says it boosts stamina but does not reduce stress or anxiety, and one compares it with a better-supported option. No one said they stopped taking it.
See all 9 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Dr. Mark Hyman · Rhodiola · recommends
- Lists rhodiola rosea as an herb that can help lower anxiety or depression symptoms.
- Recommends adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, particularly at night, rhodiola, lemon balm, and catclaw for stress relief.
- Recommends rhodiola as an herbal supplement for deep sleep and relaxation, especially for those who are tired, wired, and stressed.
- Suggests adaptogens like rhodiola, ashwagandha, ginseng, and Siberian ginseng can be helpful for actively managing stress.
- Recommends stimulating supplements like Rhodiola for spontaneous brain types to improve happiness.
- Recommends adaptogens like Rhodiola if one has a lot of stress.
- Suggests adaptogens like rhodiola can help reduce chronic stress and improve thyroid function.
- Discusses Rhodiola Rosea, a Scandinavian herb, as potentially beneficial in reducing mental fatigue and improving cognitive function, noting its use by Russian cosmonauts.
- Specifically recommends rhodiola for mitochondrial support, noting it can quickly transform brain fog, anxiety, and ability to sleep, and is also helpful for depression and anxiety.
- Recommends adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola to help manage and modulate the stress response.
Dave Asprey · Rhodiola · neutral
- Dave discusses options like a med and Rhodiola rosea that support norepinephrine and dopamine, and how they compare.
- Uses Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogenic herb, to help keep norepinephrine at optimal levels in the prefrontal cortex, reduce cortisol, and improve mental performance under stress, noting it has somewhat similar but not as strong effects as a med.
- Suggests that rhodiola can provide more drive because it helps with the production of both cortisol and dopamine.
- Recommends Rhodiola rosea to balance cortisol, support mood and focus, and help with norepinephrine, noting that the combination with a med is powerful.
- Recommends Rhodiola the day after doing ketamine to restore norepinephrine reserves.
- Discusses how to stack nicotine with rhodiola for maximum energy and motivation, and for sharper thinking and sustained focus.
- Recommends Rhodiola, 100 to 200 milligrams, as part of the Motivation 101 supplement from Subgrade Labs, to provide stress resilience under heavy workload, stacking well with nicotine and Danger Coffee.
- Dave Asprey notes that adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola have a major effect on norepinephrine, which is important for alertness and motivation.
- Takes rhodiola before bed.
- Notes that Rhodiola has the highest amount of osmotin they could find, but there is no dosing information available for it.
Thomas DeLauer · Rhodiola · neutral
- Describes rhodiola as a great adaptogen primarily for pure stress mitigation, distinguishing it from salidrosides which also have mitochondrial effects.
- Mentions Rhodiola Rosea as an adaptogen that increases oxygenation in the blood because it adapts to low oxygen conditions.
- Recommends Rhodiola for inhibiting MAO/COMT, thereby keeping serotonin and dopamine active.
- Recommends Rhodiola, Ginseng, and Ashwagandha as adaptogens to help the body adapt to stress, bring cortisol levels back to homeostasis, and support heat shock proteins and stress chaperoning pathways, especially when in a caloric deficit.
- Recommends rhodiola as an adaptogen with a profound effect on cortisol.
- Highlights Rhodiola as culturally the most known Nordic ginseng, noting that the European Union allows health claims for its cognitive benefits due to extensive research. He states that it helps with getting focused and is considered adaptogenic.
- Takes Rhodiola Rosea, sometimes with Beta-Alanine, as an adaptogen that helps with performance, noting he has used pre-workouts containing both.
- Has had good, okay, and interesting experiences with Rhodiola, which he uses in his pre-workouts for performance and mood, and to smooth out the response to caffeine.
- Recommends Rhodiola Rosea as an adaptogenic compound that can help the body adapt to stressors during a fast, potentially making it easier to maintain fasting effectiveness without adapting to metabolic effects.
- Recommends rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen.
Siim Land · Rhodiola · recommends
- States that Rhodiola rosea is not going to reduce fatigue if one is mentally or overall exhausted, and that there is not enough evidence yet to support claims of lowering stress and anxiety or increasing VO2 max.
- Places Rhodiola Rosea in the 'good' tier, acknowledging it as an adaptogen with mixed evidence for V2 max and hormones, but some evidence suggests it helps with hormones, stress, and exercise performance.
- Recommends Rhodiola Rosea for stress.
- Describes Rhodiola Rosea as an adaptogen with mixed evidence for VO2 max and hormones. He places it in the 'good tier' due to some evidence supporting its benefits for hormones, stress, and exercise performance.
- Suggests rhodiola rosea could be beneficial for someone in their 20s who is stressed or anxious, such as a college student finishing exams.
- Recommends Rhodiola Rosea for improving stress and potentially sleep quality.
- Notes that Rhodiola Rosea has been seen to reduce fatigue and increase endurance in humans at doses above 300 mg per day, and while there's limited evidence for increasing VO2 Max, it can support endurance and stamina.
- Has been testing Rhodiola Rosea for VO2 Max, similar to taurine, noting it's an adaptogen that helps with stress, exercise performance, and endurance.
- Warns that Rhodiola Rosea can inhibit the COMT or MAO genes, effectively 'plugging the drain' for adrenaline and leading to overstimulation.
- Mentions Rhodiola Rosea as an adaptogen for stress reduction that Bryan Johnson takes.
Ben Greenfield · Rhodiola · uses
- Was already taking rhodiola, which they noted was an ingredient in the Novos product.
- Recommends Rhodiola to help retrain the brain to be less excitable, as part of a strategy to dampen the stress response and improve sleep.
- Has found that adaptogens like rhodiola, taken about half an hour before using the Shift Wave, seem to enhance its effects on tuning up the nervous system.
- Ben Greenfield notes that IM8 contains rhodiola, an adaptogen, to help manage stress and support the immune system.
- Julie noted that rhodiola was one of the ingredients she was already reading about and taking, which is also included in the NOVOS product.
- Recommends Rhodiola for adrenal strengthening, noting its durability from growing in harsh conditions and applying that to the adrenal gland.
- Mentions rhodiola as a compound that works well for altitude, used by Sherpas.
- Recommends Rhodiola as a really good adaptogen that can help with autoimmune flare-ups.
- Recommends rhodiola as an adaptogenic herb for modulating cortisol.
- Ben Greenfield mentions that Four Sigmatic blends their Lion's Mane elixir with other things like Rhodiola.
Bryan Johnson · Rhodiola · uses
- Drinks his Blueprint longevity mix with additional morning supplements, including rhodiola.
- States that Blueprint Rhodiola can be used to stabilize mood.
- Recommends Rhodiola Rosea during the luteal phase to help reduce stress, balance hormones, reduce PMS related fatigue, and combat water retention and bloating, and also for stress and mood management in perimenopausal and menopausal women.
- Suggests rhodiola as an optional supplement to support calmness and resilience during stress, and to support the body's healthy response to stress.
- During menopause, Bryan Johnson recommends adding rhodiola based on individual needs.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Rhodiola · recommends
- Rhodiola rosea reliably boosts muscle endurance and reduces fatigue during intense exercise. Most benefits are seen around 150mg/day, with some studies testing doses as high as 800mg.
- Asks if one should supplement with Rhodiola rosea.
- Mentions rhodiola in comparison to beetroot juice, noting that the science for beetroot juice is more robust.
- Has been using Rhodiola Rosea for over a decade and notes that it shows benefits for muscle endurance and mitigates the stress response without compromising performance, recommending a starting dose of 150 milligrams in the morning.
- Discusses Rhodiola rosea as a potential fatigue fighter or placebo.
- Really likes Rhodiola Rosea as a cognitive enhancer and adaptogen, noting it improves time to fatigue, perception of fatigue, and mental fatigue. He suggests a dose between 100 to 600 milligrams.
- Discusses Rhodiola rosea.
Dr. Eric Berg · Rhodiola · neutral
- Rhodiola is good for stamina and is a natural energy booster, but it doesn’t reduce stress or anxiety.
- Discusses rhodiola as an adaptogen that may help with exercise endurance by increasing efficiency in the body, rather than just reducing perceived effort.
- Highlights fascinating data showing Rhodiola is a prominent anti-altitude sickness remedy, helping people adapt to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes by decreasing oxygen consumption and increasing oxygen transportation.
- Recommends the herb rhodiola as a good adaptogen for problems related to stress.
- Lists Rhodiola as one of the four adaptogens they like the best.
- Recommends Rhodiola as an herb to help decrease stress.
Andrew Huberman · Rhodiola · recommends
- Suggests using Rhodiola stacked with L-theanine to help with sleep, particularly for women experiencing insomnia due to hot flashes and menopausal symptoms.
- Has used Rhodiola Rosea for many years and has started taking it before workouts, finding that he could push much harder and longer through weight training sessions with minimal fatigue.
- States that Rhodiola rosea is very effective and has been shown in multiple randomized trials to lower cortisol, and she personally takes it later in the day, finding it improves her late-day cognition.
- Mentions Rhodiola Rosea as a supplement.
- He takes 300 mg of Rhodiola Rosea before focus work.
- Mentions Rhodiola Rosea as a science-supported tool to accelerate fitness goals.
- Layne Norton likes Rhodiola rosea, noting that research suggests it reduces physical fatigue and the perception of fatigue, may enhance memory and cognition, and in his anecdotal experience, smooths out the effects of caffeine.
- Dr. Galpin has been using rhodiola for six or more years with individuals he works with, describing it as a cortisol modulator that helps keep levels within a normative range.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 2 for Adrenal Support
Most human trials, including a 543-person placebo-controlled trial and a 60-person stress-fatigue trial, show less fatigue and stress with Rhodiola [1][2]. With 91% of 2788 reviews positive, this meets the rule for tier 2.
Take 2 servings a day (2 capsules) to match the dose that worked in the studies.
Where the evidence disagrees: 3 of the 18 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Nervous system, Endocrine system
Combine with: Rhodiola rosea standardized for rosavins and salidroside is a well-studied adaptogen that supports the body's stress response, helping with stress-related fatigue and HPA-axis balance, which fits adrenal support. To broaden the effect, consider pairing it with ashwagandha (KSM-66 or Sensoril) to help moderate cortisol, and holy basil for calm resilience. Vitamin C and a B-complex, especially pantothenic acid (B5), B6 and B12, support adrenal hormone production and energy metabolism. Magnesium glycinate helps with stress tolerance and sleep quality. Phosphatidylserine may help blunt elevated evening cortisol. L-theanine can offset the mildly stimulating effect of rhodiola. Take rhodiola in the morning or early afternoon, since it can be activating, and use caution if you have bipolar disorder, take meds or stimulants, or are pregnant. Consult a healthcare provider before combining.
Possible side effects: No major side effects reported. One buyer returned it because of a medicine they were taking.
Supplement Facts
Rhodiola extract 100 mg
| Rhodiola extract | 100 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide.
Directions: Suggested use: Take 1 capsule two to three times daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.
Barcode (UPC) 693749755029 · Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
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Graded November 6, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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