Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Eastern Europe and Asia for enhancing physical and mental performance, particularly during periods of stress. Scientific research in the past two decades has begun to explore its effects on the nervous system, particularly the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response. Several clinical and preclinical studies suggest that rhodiola can modulate stress responses by influencing neurotransmitter levels and reducing physiological markers of stress, such as cortisol. These effects are believed to occur through its active compounds, such as salidroside and rosavin, which may interact with monoamine (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) systems and help balance sympathetic nervous activity.

A number of randomized controlled trials and animal studies have found that rhodiola supplementation can reduce fatigue, improve mental performance under stress, and mitigate some of the negative effects of acute stress on the body. However, while these findings are promising, most studies to date have been small, of short duration, or of variable quality. Systematic reviews generally conclude that there is moderate evidence supporting rhodiola’s adaptogenic effects, with plausible mechanisms involving modulation of the SNS, but further high-quality research is needed to confirm these effects and elucidate precise mechanisms.