What are Rhodiola rosea’s main benefits?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Rhodiola rosea offers benefits such as reduced stress and fatigue, enhanced mental performance, and potential antiaging and anticancer effects, which are supported by its long history of medicinal use. Additionally, it may help improve symptoms of ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease when combined with standard medical treatments.

    The main benefits of rhodiola are associated with its adaptogenic properties and include reduced stress and fatigue, as well as increased mental performance, particularly under stressful conditions. Rhodiola has an extensive track record for efficacy, with medicinal use dating back centuries, when it was used to promote healing, stress relief, and increased sense of wellbeing.[1] In preclinical studies involving model organisms such as fruit flies,[2] worms,[3] and yeast,[4] rhodiola has been shown to have anti-aging and longevity-promoting properties, as well as anti-cancer effects.[5][6] More research is needed to determine whether there are similar effects in humans. Finally, Rhodiola may be beneficial in improving the symptoms of ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease when used in conjunction with routine medical treatments.[7][8]