Salidroside is a primary active compound found in Rhodiola rosea, a plant traditionally used in Russian and Scandinavian herbal medicine for increasing endurance and reducing fatigue, particularly under stressful conditions. Modern scientific interest in salidroside has focused on its adaptogenic properties, with several preclinical studies suggesting beneficial effects on the nervous system. In animal models, salidroside has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, reduction of stress-induced behavioral changes, and anti-fatigue actions, likely through modulation of neurotransmitters, reduction of oxidative stress, and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Human clinical evidence is more limited. Some small randomized controlled trials and open-label studies using Rhodiola rosea extracts (which contain salidroside along with other compounds) have reported improvements in symptoms of fatigue, stress, and mild depressive symptoms. However, these studies often have methodological limitations, including short duration, small sample sizes, and use of whole plant extracts rather than isolated salidroside. As such, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and some supportive data for the use of salidroside-containing extracts in nervous exhaustion, the direct evidence for isolated salidroside and robust clinical validation remain limited. Overall, the evidence base is suggestive but not strong, justifying a moderate rating.