Form Comparison

Rhodiola Root Powder vs Standardized Rhodiola Extract

How rhodiola root powder and standardized rhodiola extract differ in potency, absorption, tolerance, and cost.

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Quick verdict. Choose the standardized extract. Rosavins on the label confirm the product is R. rosea and fix the marker dose, while root powder is unstandardized and has failed authenticity testing. If you can find SHR-5, it beats both on evidence.

Side by Side

Rhodiola Root Powder Rhodiola Extract (3% Rosavins, 1% Salidroside)
Absorption Low Variable
How it is absorbed Unstandardized dried root; marker content per gram is unknown. Generic extract standardized to the roughly 3:1 rosavin to salidroside ratio of R. rosea root.
Typical dose Per product 200-600 mg daily
Common uses traditional use fatigue, stress
Side effects Dizziness, dry mouth. Dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia.
Cost Low Low
Also called golden root powder rosavin-standardized rhodiola

When to Choose Rhodiola Root Powder

There is rarely a reason to choose rhodiola root powder: choose a standardized extract. Authenticity testing has found products without the R. rosea markers.

Rhodiola Root Powder

There is rarely a reason to choose rhodiola root powder: choose a standardized extract.

What to look for: Rhodiola Root Powder named on the Supplement Facts panel, with the amount per serving stated.

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When to Choose Rhodiola Extract (3% Rosavins, 1% Salidroside)

Choose standardized rhodiola extract when SHR-5 is unavailable. Rosavins identify R. rosea; salidroside alone can come from other Rhodiola species or synthesis.

Rhodiola Extract (3% Rosavins, 1% Salidroside)

A sound substitute when standardized to both markers.

What to look for: R. rosea root extract with 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside stated.

Find on iHerb Affiliate link

Products on Titrate

1,554 of the 214,745 labels in the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database list rhodiola as an active ingredient (844 on market). 370 are sold as rhodiola products by name.

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Rhodiola does not have its own search category yet. Each product above links to its full label in the NIH database.

Related

References

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Rhodiola.

Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue: a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(5):365-371.

Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(2-3):95-105.

Olsson EM, von Schéele B, Panossian AG. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract SHR-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Med. 2009;75(2):105-112.

Ishaque S, Shamseer L, Bukutu C, Vohra S. Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:70.

Mao JJ, Xie SX, Zee J, et al. Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2015;22(4):394-399.

Booker A, Jalil B, Frommenwiler D, et al. The authenticity and quality of Rhodiola rosea products. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(7):754-762.