Rhodiola for burnout and fatigue

Posted on Mon, 23 Oct 17

Two new clinical studies indicate that the herb Rhodiola rosea can help people suffering from symptoms of stress-related burnout or chronic fatigue. 

Stress-related burnout and persistent or chronic fatigue are common problems yet have no well-defined treatments. Stress management, relaxation, and physical exercise can help prevent burnout [1], and multi-component integrative treatment can help with chronic fatigue [2]. 

A potential complement to treatments for burnout and chronic fatigue are herbal 'adaptogens,' which help build resilience to stress and improve mental and physical function. Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen that has attracted research interest for symptoms of burnout, fatigue, depression, and anxiety [3]. And two new clinical studies show promising benefits. 

The first study, in the Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment journal, reported the results of a 12-week clinical trial of Rhodiola extract (400 mg/ day)  suffering from burnout symptoms [4]. There were marked improvements in symptoms within 1-week of starting herbal treatment and by the end of the clinical trial there was clear improvements in most the study participants symptoms including emotional exhaustion, fatigue, stress symptoms, and mood. 

The second study, in Complementary Medicine Research, also assessed the effects of Rhodiola extract (400 mg/ day), but this time over 8-weeks and in subjects with symptoms of prolonged and chronic fatigue [5]. Similarly, a significant benefit was noticed within 1-week of taking Rhodiola, with a significant reduction in symptoms of fatigue by the end of the study period. 

In both studies the herb was well tolerated with no important side-effects.  

Rhodiola has a long history of use for improving mental and physical health in people with stress-related fatigue. These new studies add to a growing body of scientific evidence that supports its efficacy and safety. 

References:  

1. Stier-Jarmer M, Frisch D, Oberhauser C, Berberich G, Schuh A. The Effectiveness of a Stress Reduction and Burnout Prevention Program. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016 Nov 18;113(46):781-788.
2. Brown BI. Chronic fatigue syndrome: a personalized integrative medicine approach. Altern Ther Health Med. 2014 Jan-Feb;20(1):29-40
3. Panossian A, Wikman G, Sarris J. Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use,  chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. Phytomedicine. 2010 Jun;17(7):481-93.
4. Kasper S, Dienel A. Multicenter, open-label, exploratory clinical trial with Rhodiola rosea extract in patients suffering from burnout symptoms. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017 Mar 22;13:889-898.
5. Lekomtseva Y, Zhukova I, Wacker A. Rhodiola rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial. Complement  Med Res. 2017;24(1):46-52.