Meta Information
ID:rhodiola-rosea
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/class/maois
Target name:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Rhodiola has mild MAO-inhibiting properties which can add to the effects of MAOI drugs, potentially causing a hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome.
Actionable advice:
Rhodiola should be strictly avoided with MAOI medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The present investigation demonstrates that Rhodiola rosea L. roots have potent anti-depressant activity by inhibiting MAO A and may also find application in the control of senile dementia by their inhibition of MAO B.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2009)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The symptoms of the patient can be interpreted as a serotonergic syndrome. Because of its different effects, the plant is widely used.
Label source:
PubMed: Neuropsychiatrie : Klinik, Diagnostik, Therapie und Rehabilitation : Organ der Gesellschaft Osterreichischer Nervenarzte und Psychiater (2015)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) suggested that MCAO-induced reduction in monoamine oxidase (MAO) was inhibited by salidroside.
Label source:
PubMed: Frontiers in pharmacology (2019)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/bipolar-disorder
Target name:
Bipolar Disorder
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The stimulating and mood-elevating effects of Rhodiola can potentially trigger manic or hypomanic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Actionable advice:
Rhodiola should be avoided completely with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Validation status:
validated_via_expert_review
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
expert_review_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Because rhodiola has monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity, it may enhance the serotonergic side effects of antidepressant drugs, increase the hypotensive activity of antihypertensive agents, and exacerbate side effects associated with central nervous system stimulants
Label source:
Expert review: Rhodiola rosea has stimulating, monoamine-enhancing (MAO-inhibiting) and mood-elevating properties; clinical guidance (doctronic.ai/drugs/rhodiola) specifically notes that mood changes, especially in those with history of bipolar disorder, warrant immediate medical evaluation; it is an established concern in integrative psychiatry
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
There is insufficient safety data to establish the safety of Rhodiola rosea during pregnancy.
Actionable advice:
Rhodiola should not be used during pregnancy.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Little is known about whether it’s safe to use rhodiola during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Label source:
Anecdotal: NIH NCCIH
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is unknown if the active compounds in Rhodiola are excreted in breast milk or what their effects on a nursing infant might be.
Actionable advice:
Rhodiola should not be used while breastfeeding.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
It is not known if rhodiola passes into breast milk.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/serotonergic-agents
Target name:
Serotonergic Medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, Triptans)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Rhodiola's mild MAO-inhibiting effect can increase serotonin levels, which may heighten the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution and under medical supervision when combined with any antidepressant or serotonergic medication.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The methanol and water extracts exhibited respectively inhibitions of 92.5% and 84.3% on MAO A and 81.8% and 88.9% on MAO B, at a concentration of 100 microg/ml
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19168123/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Rhodiola may lower blood glucose levels, potentially enhancing the effect of diabetes medications and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Blood glucose is best monitored closely, and it is important to consult a doctor before using Rhodiola with diabetes medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose.
Label source:
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Rhodiola may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, which could be additive with antihypertensive drugs, potentially causing hypotension (low blood pressure).
Actionable advice:
Blood pressure should be monitored regularly if Rhodiola is combined with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Rhodiola-water extract decreased SBP in SHRs in a dose-dependent manner, and this action was more significant than that in normal group named Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats.
Label source:
PubMed: Phytotherapy research : PTR (2013)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
We showed that administration of 100 mg/kg/day SAL for 4 weeks not only lowered blood glucose, but also reduced blood pressure and alleviated cerebrovascular contractile activity in diabetic GK rats, which suggested that SAL treatment may provide a combinational therapy for lowering blood glucose and reducing blood pressure in diabetes at the same time.
Label source:
PubMed: BMC pharmacology & toxicology (2017)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Intravenous injection of the WtF (10, 25, 35, 50 or 75 mg/kg) exhibited dose-dependent hypotension and increases in heart rate and cardiac contractility.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2008)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
CYP3A4 Substrates
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Rhodiola can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which may slow the metabolism of many common medications, potentially increasing their concentration and risk of side effects.
Actionable advice:
It is a good idea to consult a pharmacist or doctor to check for interactions when taking any prescription medications metabolized by CYP3A4.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
However, strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir)
may increase the plasma concentrations of amlodipine to a greater extent.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Rhodiola may inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme, potentially increasing levels of drugs like warfarin, phenytoin, and some NSAIDs, which raises the risk of adverse effects.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with extreme caution and medical guidance when taking medications metabolized by CYP2C9, especially warfarin.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
• Inhibitors of CYP2C9, 1A2, and/or 3A4 have the potential to increase the effect (increase INR) of warfarin by increasing the exposure of warfarin.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/stimulants
Target name:
Stimulant Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Combining the stimulating effects of Rhodiola with prescription stimulants (e.g., for ADHD) can lead to overstimulation, anxiety, jitteriness, or insomnia.
Actionable advice:
This is best avoided or used with extreme caution under medical supervision when taking with other stimulant medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_expert_review
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
expert_review_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Rhodiola has mild stimulant properties. Combined use with stimulants (caffeine pills, prescription stimulants for ADHD) may cause overstimulation, jitteriness, or increased heart rate.
Label source:
Expert review: Rhodiola rosea has mild stimulant properties via dopamine/norepinephrine enhancement; combination with prescription stimulants is additive for CNS stimulation
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/intervention/caffeine
Target name:
Caffeine
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The stimulating properties of Rhodiola can have an additive effect with caffeine, potentially causing increased heart rate, anxiety, or jitteriness.
Actionable advice:
Caffeine intake is best reduced or eliminated when starting Rhodiola to assess tolerance.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Rhodiola and Sideritis developed similar frequency patterns comparable to a psychostimulant drug (methylphenidate) as well to an antidepressive drug (paroxetine).
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2013)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In both the rat model and human subjects, the RHO+CAF group demonstrated significantly greater effects compared to the use of RHO or CAF supplements individually.
Label source:
PubMed: Frontiers in nutrition (2024)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Some studies show the superior efficacy of BHP compared to mono-drugs. At the same time, some a priori-designed combinations can fail, presumably due to antagonistic interactions and crosstalk between molecular targets within the molecular networks involved in the cellular and overall response of organisms to the intervention.
Label source:
PubMed: Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) (2024)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/immunosuppressants
Target name:
Immunosuppressant Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
As an immune-modulating adaptogen, Rhodiola could theoretically interfere with or counteract the effects of immunosuppressant drugs.
Actionable advice:
Rhodiola is best avoided when taking immunosuppressant drugs for an autoimmune condition or organ transplant.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Herein, we demonstrated that Rho, an active ingredient isolated from the plant Rhodiola rosea with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, could efficiently alleviate acute rejection and significantly prolong murine heart allograft survival when used with a low dose of MMF.
Label source:
PubMed: Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity (2022)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
R. rosea also modulated the T cell response by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 cells, restoring Treg cells, combining with regulated Th17/Th1, Th17/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios in the spleen, inguinal lymph nodes, brain and spinal cord of EAE mice.
Label source:
PubMed: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2020)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
It seems that the prevalent effect is adaptogenic rather than ergogenic, with a better tolerance of the exercise induced stress, related to enhancement of the whole immune system and decrease of the oxidative damage.
Label source:
PubMed: International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology (2012)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
8
Hours after target:
null
Description:
The stimulating properties of Rhodiola, particularly at lower doses, can interfere with sleep onset and quality if taken too close to bedtime.
Actionable advice:
Rhodiola is best taken in the morning or early afternoon, at least 8 hours before the planned bedtime.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Rhodiola rosea is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asian with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness.
Label source:
PubMed: Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic (2001)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The scope of this narrative review is to summarize the available evidence on the potential benefits of selected nutraceuticals in the context of circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances, namely melatonin, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, tart cherry juice, kiwifruit, apigenin, valerian root, L-theanine, glycine, ashwagandha, myoinositol, Rhodiola rosea, and phosphatidylserine.
Label source:
PubMed: Nutrition reviews (2026)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In the present study, we studied the effect of valerian extract preparation (BIM) containing valerian extract, golden root (Rhodiola rosea L.) extract and L-theanine (gamma-glutamylethylamide) on the sleep-wake cycle using sleep-disturbed model rats in comparison with that of valerian extract.
Label source:
PubMed: Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin (2007)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/circadian/wake
Target name:
Waking Up
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
1
Description:
Taking Rhodiola in the morning aligns its energizing and cortisol-modulating effects with the body's natural circadian rhythm, enhancing focus and resilience to stress.
Actionable advice:
A daily dose of Rhodiola is best taken within an hour of waking up for optimal effect.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
HRE administration induced brain structure-dependent changes in expression of several stress-responsive genes implicated in neuronal structure, HPA axis activation, and circadian rhythm.
Label source:
PubMed: Food science & nutrition (2019)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Rhodiola rosea extract (RRE) fulfils important requirements. It is the main adaptogen approved by the HMPC/EMA for the indication 'stress' and influences the release of stress hormones while boosting energy metabolism as revealed in animal literature.
Label source:
PubMed: International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice (2018)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Adaptogens are known to increase the availability of energy during the day, reduce stressed feelings, increase endurance, and increase mental alertness.
Label source:
PubMed: Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety (2005)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
There is a theoretical risk that Rhodiola may have mild antiplatelet effects, which could slightly increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood-thinning medications.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution, and it is worth letting a healthcare provider know when taking any blood-thinning medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Some botanicals may cause bleeding events when taken alone (e.g., garlic and Ginkgo biloba) and may have anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and/or fibrinolytic properties.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/glucose-lowering-supplements
Target name:
Glucose-Lowering Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Combining Rhodiola with other supplements that lower blood sugar, such as berberine or cinnamon, can have an additive effect and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actionable advice:
Caution and watching for symptoms of low blood sugar may help when combining with other glucose-lowering supplements.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Ethanol R.rosea (IC50, 44.7 microg total phenolic/ml), water extract of R.rosea (IC50, 52.3 microg total phenolic/ml), water extract of R.crenulata (IC50, 60.3 microg total phenolic /ml) and ethanol extract of R.crenulata (IC50, 60.2 microg total phenolic/ml) also showed significant alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
Label source:
PubMed: Evaluation of Rhodiola crenulata and Rhodiola rosea for management of type II diabetes and hypertension. (PMID 16837437)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/tyramine-rich-foods
Target name:
Tyramine-Rich Foods
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Due to its weak MAO-inhibiting properties, there is a theoretical risk that Rhodiola could reduce the breakdown of tyramine from aged foods, potentially affecting blood pressure. [class-derived from: class_pharmacology]
Actionable advice:
High-tyramine foods like aged cheeses and cured meats are worth keeping in mind, though a significant interaction is unlikely.
Validation status:
validated_via_expert_review
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
expert_review_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The present investigation demonstrates that Rhodiola rosea L. roots have potent anti-depressant activity by inhibiting MAO A and may also find application in the control of senile dementia by their inhibition of MAO B
Label source:
Class inference: Rhodiola inhibits MAO-A (van Diermen et al. 2009, J Ethnopharmacol); MAO-A inhibitors reduce tyramine breakdown, and this drug-food interaction class is well established for MAOI drugs (Mayo Clinic, GoodRx clinical guidance)
Action type:
informational_none