Rhodiola for Depression: Does It Work?

clinical-trial PMID: 25837277

Quick Summary: Research suggests Rhodiola rosea might help with mild to moderate depression, but it may not be as effective as the antidepressant sertraline. The good news? Rhodiola had fewer side effects.

Rhodiola vs. Sertraline for Depression: What The Research Found

This study looked at how well Rhodiola rosea (a plant used in traditional medicine) worked for depression compared to the common antidepressant sertraline (Zoloft). The results showed:

Rhodiola helped, but not as much as sertraline. People taking Rhodiola showed some improvement in their depression symptoms, but sertraline seemed to work better.

Fewer side effects with Rhodiola. People taking Rhodiola reported fewer unwanted side effects compared to those taking sertraline.

Study Details

Who was studied: 57 adults with mild to moderate depression.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Participants were randomly assigned to take either:

Rhodiola rosea extract
Sertraline (an antidepressant)
A placebo (a sugar pill)

What This Means For You

Rhodiola might be an option if you're looking for something with fewer side effects. If you're struggling with depression and worried about the side effects of traditional antidepressants, Rhodiola could be worth discussing with your doctor.

Don't expect miracles. Rhodiola might not be as effective as other treatments.

Talk to your doctor first. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or changing your medication. They can help you decide if Rhodiola is right for you and monitor your progress.

Study Limitations

Small study: The study only included a small number of people, so the results might not apply to everyone.

Short duration: The study was only 3 months long. We don't know if the effects would last longer.

More research needed: More studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the best way to use Rhodiola for depression.

Key Findings

The study found that Rhodiola rosea produced modest reductions in depression scores (HAM-D: -5.1, BDI: unspecified) but was less effective than sertraline (HAM-D: -8.2) and not statistically significant compared to placebo (HAM-D: -4.6; p=0.79). However, Rhodiola was associated with significantly fewer adverse events (30.0%) than sertraline (63.2%) and placebo (16.7%) (p=0.012). While sertraline showed a trend toward greater efficacy (odds ratio: 1.90 vs. placebo), its higher side effect burden suggests Rhodiola may offer a more favorable risk-benefit profile for mild to moderate depression despite weaker antidepressant effects.

Study Design

This was a Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted over 12 weeks. A total of 57 adults with mild to moderate major depressive disorder were randomized to three groups: Rhodiola rosea extract, sertraline, or placebo. Depression severity was assessed using HAM-D, BDI, and CGI/C scales. Efficacy outcomes were analyzed using mixed-effects models to compare changes over time across groups.

Dosage & Administration

The study used a standardized Rhodiola rosea extract, though the specific dosage was not detailed in the summary. Sertraline was administered at a clinically relevant dose (likely starting at 50–100 mg/day, typical for depression treatment). Both interventions were delivered over 12 weeks, with outcomes measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Results & Efficacy

HAM-D scores: Sertraline (-8.2, 95% CI: -12.7 to -3.6) showed a larger decline than Rhodiola (-5.1, 95% CI: -8.8 to -1.3) and placebo (-4.6, 95% CI: -8.6 to -0.6), but between-group differences were not statistically significant (p=0.79).
BDI and CGI/C scores: All groups showed modest improvements, but no significant differences were observed (p=0.28 and p=0.17, respectively).
Adverse events: Sertraline caused significantly more side effects than Rhodiola or placebo (63.2% vs. 30.0% vs. 16.7%; p=0.012).
Odds of improvement: Sertraline had higher odds of improvement versus placebo (OR: 1.90 [0.44–8.20]) than Rhodiola (OR: 1.39 [0.38–5.04]), though confidence intervals overlapped, indicating uncertainty.

Limitations

Small sample size (n=57) limited statistical power, increasing the risk of Type II errors (false negatives).
Short duration (12 weeks) may not reflect long-term efficacy or safety.
Unclear dosage details for Rhodiola or sertraline in the summary.
Lack of demographic reporting (e.g., age, gender) restricts generalizability.
Placebo response was notable (-4.6 HAM-D reduction), potentially masking true treatment effects. Future studies should explore higher Rhodiola doses, longer follow-up, and larger cohorts to clarify efficacy thresholds.

Clinical Relevance

For individuals with mild to moderate depression, Rhodiola rosea may offer reduced side effects compared to sertraline, though with lower antidepressant potency. The findings suggest it could be a tolerable alternative for those who cannot withstand SSRI-related adverse events. However, the lack of significant efficacy versus placebo underscores the need for caution: Rhodiola should not replace evidence-based treatments like SSRIs without further validation. Patients should consult healthcare providers before substituting prescribed medications with herbal alternatives, as individual responses may vary. This study supports Rhodiola’s potential as a low-risk adjunct but not a primary therapy for depression.