Evidence supporting the use of: Rhodiola
For the health condition: Nervousness

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rhodiola rosea has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Russia, Scandinavia, and parts of Asia, as an "adaptogen"—an herb believed to help the body adapt to stress. Its traditional applications include enhancing resilience to physical and mental stress, fatigue, and symptoms related to nervousness such as anxiety and restlessness.

Scientific research into rhodiola’s effects on the nervous system has grown in recent decades. Several small-scale clinical trials suggest that standardized extracts of rhodiola may reduce symptoms of stress, fatigue, and mild anxiety. A 2012 randomized controlled trial found that rhodiola extract significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety compared to placebo. Other studies have observed improvements in stress-related fatigue and cognitive function, which may be secondary to reduced nervousness and improved stress resilience.

Mechanistically, rhodiola appears to influence key neurotransmitters involved in the stress response, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, while these findings are promising, the quality of evidence is moderate at best, largely due to small sample sizes, short durations, and varying formulations of rhodiola extract.

In summary, there is some scientific evidence, supported by a strong tradition of use, that rhodiola may help alleviate nervousness and related symptoms. However, more rigorous and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and establish standardized dosing guidelines.

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