Rosarin is a phenylpropanoid glycoside compound found in the plant Rhodiola rosea, commonly known as golden root or Arctic root. Rhodiola rosea has a long history of traditional use as an adaptogen to help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors, but the specific support for the mitochondrial body system emerges from more recent scientific inquiry. Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that extracts of Rhodiola rosea—containing rosarin and related compounds—can influence mitochondrial function, primarily by enhancing mitochondrial energy metabolism, improving ATP synthesis, and protecting mitochondria from oxidative stress. These effects are believed to be mediated via activation of key cellular pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and by modulating the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.

However, it is important to note that direct human clinical trials using isolated rosarin for mitochondrial support are limited. Most available evidence comes from studies using whole-plant extracts, not the isolated compound. The precise contribution of rosarin, compared to other active constituents like salidroside and rosavin, remains unclear. Thus, while there is promising scientific evidence from preclinical research that suggests a potential role for rosarin-containing extracts in supporting mitochondrial health, the strength of direct evidence for rosarin itself is moderate at best.