Form Comparison

Rhodiola SHR-5 vs Standardized Rhodiola Extract

How rhodiola SHR-5 and standardized rhodiola extract differ in potency, absorption, tolerance, and cost.

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Quick verdict. SHR-5 is the specific extract used in most controlled trials for stress-related fatigue, and those results apply to it, not to rhodiola in general. Generic extracts standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside at least confirm R. rosea, but their composition differs. Choose SHR-5 when you can find it; a 3%/1% extract is the fallback.

Side by Side

SHR-5 Extract Rhodiola Extract (3% Rosavins, 1% Salidroside)
Absorption Variable Variable
How it is absorbed Ethanol-water extract of R. rosea root, standardized by the manufacturer; used in most of the controlled trials. Generic extract standardized to the roughly 3:1 rosavin to salidroside ratio of R. rosea root.
Typical dose 170-680 mg daily 200-600 mg daily
Common uses stress-related fatigue, mental performance under fatigue fatigue, stress
Side effects Dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia. Dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia.
Cost Moderate Low
Also called SHR-5, Swedish Herbal Institute rhodiola extract rosavin-standardized rhodiola
Labels in index 82 223

When to Choose SHR-5 Extract

Choose rhodiola SHR-5 when you want the extract the trials used. Trial results apply to this extract; other extracts differ in composition.

SHR-5 Extract

The extract behind most of the trials. Effects are modest and best documented for fatigue under stress.

What to look for: SHR-5 named on the label, 200-600 mg daily.

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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

In Titrate's index of NIH label data, 82 labels named as rhodiola products list rhodiola SHR-5 and 223 list standardized rhodiola extract.

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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.