Salidroside is a bioactive compound found in Rhodiola rosea, a plant traditionally used in adaptogenic medicine. There is a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that salidroside may help modulate the body's stress response, specifically through effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol regulation. Preclinical studies in animals have shown that salidroside can attenuate stress-induced elevations in cortisol and reduce markers of physiological stress. For example, studies have demonstrated that salidroside administration in rodents exposed to chronic stress can result in lower plasma corticosterone (the rodent equivalent of cortisol) and improved behavioral outcomes.

Human clinical data are more limited but promising. Some small clinical trials with Rhodiola rosea extracts (which contain salidroside and other compounds) indicate reduced fatigue and improved mental performance during periods of stress, with some studies reporting normalization of cortisol levels. However, it is important to note that these effects have not always been isolated to salidroside itself, as most studies use whole-plant extracts. Overall, while the mechanistic rationale and early evidence support the use of salidroside for modulating cortisol and supporting the body's stress response, larger and more rigorous clinical trials are needed.