Rhodiola crenulata is traditionally used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine as an adaptogen to help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors. In modern research, the related species Rhodiola rosea has been more extensively studied, but several studies have examined R. crenulata as well. The primary active compounds, such as salidroside and tyrosol, are thought to influence stress response systems, including modulation of cortisol levels and enhancement of neurotransmitter activity.

A number of small clinical trials and animal studies have suggested that Rhodiola crenulata extracts may reduce symptoms of fatigue and improve mental performance during periods of stress. For example, a 2013 randomized controlled trial published in Phytomedicine reported that R. crenulata supplementation led to improvements in fatigue and stress-related symptoms in medical students during exam periods. However, many studies have methodological limitations (e.g., small sample sizes, short duration), and most research does not distinguish clearly between R. crenulata and R. rosea.

Overall, while there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of Rhodiola crenulata for stress, it is moderate in quality and quantity. More rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.