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2. Rhodiola Rosea Director, Depression Clinical and Research Program
David Mischoulon, MD, PhD
Director, Depression Clinical and Research Program
Massachusetts General Hospital
Professor of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School

3. Grows at high altitudes in mountainous regions of Europe and Asia
Rhodiola Rosea
Grows at high altitudes in mountainous regions of Europe and Asia

4. Functions as an Adaptogen
Increases the body’s resistance to chemical, biological, and physical stressors
Stimulates the nervous system
Alleviating fatigue, stress, depression, and sexual dysfunction
Iovieno, N. et al. (2011). Second-tier natural antidepressants: review and critique. Journal of Affective Disorders, 130(3), 343–357.

5. Studies on Rhodiola 4 controlled clinical trials Support efficacy for:
Depression
Anxiety
Cognition
Dose: mg / day
Hung, S. K. et al. (2011). The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, 18(4), 235–244.

6. Active Ingredients The adaptogenic chemicals Rosavin Tyrosol
Antioxidants e.g. flavonoids
Monoamine modulation activity
Antidepressant and antianxiety benefits
MAO A and B inhibition
Opioid-like effects
Rosavin picture
Tyrosol
Hung, S. K. et al. (2011). The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, 18(4), 235–244.

7. Safety Safe and well tolerated Side effects: uncommon and mild
Allergic reactions
No safety data in
Irritability
Pregnancy
Insomnia
Caution
Cycling in bipolar
Fatigue (high doses)
Vivid dreams
Iovieno, N. et al. (2011). Second-tier natural antidepressants: review and critique. Journal of Affective Disorders, 130(3), 343–357.
Maniscalco, I. (2015). [The interaction of Rhodiola rosea and antidepressants. A case report]. Neuropsychiatrie: Klinik, Diagnostik, Therapie Und Rehabilitation: Organ Der Gesellschaft Osterreichischer Nervenarzte Und Psychiater, 29(1), 36–38.

8. Taken on empty stomach
30 minutes before meals
Early in the day

9. Interactions
RHODIOLA
TCA side effects
TCAs
One case: mild serotonin syndrome when combined with paroxetine
Be careful with this combination
-Iovieno, N. et al. (2011). Second-tier natural antidepressants: review and critique. Journal of Affective Disorders, 130(3), 343–357.
- Maniscalco, I. (2015). [The interaction of Rhodiola rosea and antidepressants. A case report]. Neuropsychiatrie: Klinik, Diagnostik, Therapie Und Rehabilitation: Organ Der Gesellschaft Osterreichischer Nervenarzte Und Psychiater, 29(1), 36–38.

10. Key Points
Rhodiola functions as an adaptogen that stimulates the body’s healing mechanisms.
Rhodiola is best suited for mood disorders characterized by fatigue, stress and sexual dysfunction.
Risk of adverse reactions occurring when combined with serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

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