Evidence supporting the use of: Rhodiola (unspecified)
For the body system: Adrenal Glands

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Rhodiola (commonly Rhodiola rosea) is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Russia, Scandinavia, and parts of Asia to combat fatigue, enhance physical endurance, and support resilience to stress. The concept of "adrenal support" is loosely based on the idea that adaptogens help the body resist stressors, potentially modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol production. Several human clinical trials and animal studies have shown that Rhodiola supplementation can reduce fatigue, improve mental performance under stress, and lower subjective feelings of stress. For example, a 2012 review in Phytomedicine and a 2022 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Pharmacology concluded that Rhodiola exhibits anti-fatigue and anti-stress effects in humans, though study quality and size vary.

However, direct evidence for Rhodiola specifically enhancing or “supporting” adrenal gland function is limited. Most research focuses on stress and fatigue outcomes, not direct measures of adrenal hormone output or adrenal pathology. The term "adrenal support" is not a formally recognized medical indication, and while Rhodiola’s adaptogenic properties are scientifically substantiated to some extent, its mechanistic impact on the adrenal glands themselves remains unclear. Thus, Rhodiola’s use for this purpose is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence, primarily relating to stress adaptation and fatigue reduction, rather than specific adrenal gland health.

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