Evidence supporting the use of: Rhodiola
For the health condition: Attention Deficit Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root or Arctic root, is a traditional adaptogenic herb widely used in Eastern European and Asian folk medicine to combat fatigue, improve mental performance, and manage stress. While rhodiola has a long history of traditional use for enhancing cognitive function and resilience to stress, its application specifically for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is not prominent in historical records. However, some herbal practitioners and alternative medicine sources suggest rhodiola may help with symptoms such as inattention, mental fatigue, and poor concentration due to its general cognitive-enhancing and adaptogenic properties.

Scientific research directly evaluating rhodiola for ADD/ADHD is minimal. A few small studies have examined rhodiola's impact on cognitive performance, attention, and fatigue in healthy subjects and those with mild mental impairment, showing modest improvements in attention and mental clarity. However, these studies do not specifically target ADD/ADHD populations or use standardized diagnostic criteria for these disorders. No robust, large-scale randomized controlled trials exist that specifically assess rhodiola in children or adults diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.

In summary, while rhodiola is traditionally used for mental fatigue and cognitive support, its use in ADD is based on extrapolation from these effects rather than direct evidence. The scientific evidence supporting its use for ADD is weak and indirect, so its use for this purpose should be considered speculative and not evidence-based.

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