Evidence supporting the use of: Rhodiola
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue

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Synopsis

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

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Eastern European and Asian medicine to combat fatigue and enhance resilience to stress. Its use for "adrenal fatigue" is primarily based on its adaptogenic properties, which are thought to help the body normalize physiological responses to stress. While "adrenal fatigue" is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by mainstream endocrinology, the symptoms described—such as chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and stress intolerance—overlap with conditions like burnout and chronic stress, for which rhodiola has been studied.

Several small randomized controlled trials and reviews suggest that rhodiola may reduce symptoms of fatigue, improve mental performance, and modulate stress response in individuals experiencing burnout or chronic stress. Mechanistically, rhodiola is believed to influence stress hormones (such as cortisol) and neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine), though evidence in humans is limited and sometimes inconsistent. The quality of studies varies, with short durations, small sample sizes, and often lack of rigorous controls.

In summary, while there is scientific interest in rhodiola for stress-related fatigue and some positive preliminary findings, robust evidence specifically for "adrenal fatigue" is lacking due to the controversial nature of the diagnosis. Overall, the evidence supports a modest effect of rhodiola for stress and fatigue, but more high-quality research is needed to confirm its efficacy and clarify its mechanism in humans.

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