Rhodiola rosea
CLimited / mixedAn adaptogen with modest evidence for reducing stress-related fatigue — not a focus stimulant.
Grade C — Limited / mixed
What it does
Rhodiola appears to blunt fatigue and burnout symptoms under chronic stress. Evidence is limited and trials are small, but the anti-fatigue signal is reasonably consistent.
How to take it
200–400 mg/day of a standardized extract (≈3% rosavins, 1% salidroside), mornings.
Caveats & safety
Quality varies hugely between brands. Evidence is thinner than the marketing implies; can be activating, so avoid late in the day.
The evidence
Olsson EM, et al. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of an extract of Rhodiola rosea in subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Med.
2009 · RCT, 60 adults with stress-related fatigue
Reduced fatigue and improved attention/cortisol response over 28 days vs placebo.
Effect: Significant reduction in fatigue scores; modest overall.
Read on PubMed →Should this be in your routine?
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