<it>Rhodiola rosea</it> for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review

• Main Authors: Ishaque Sana, Shamseer Larissa, Bukutu Cecilia, Vohra Sunita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-05-01
• Series: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/12/70

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Rhodiola rosea</it> (<it>R. rosea</it>) 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 <it>R. rosea</it> for physical and mental fatigue.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Six electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs), evaluating efficacy and safety of <it>R. rosea</it> for physical and mental fatigue. Two reviewers independently screened the identified literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias for included studies.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 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 <it>R. rosea</it> to be effective as did three of five RCTs evaluating <it>R. rosea</it> 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).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Research regarding <it>R. rosea</it> 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 <it>R. rosea</it> for fatigue<it>.</it></p>