Rhodiola for Stress? Study Shows Promising Results

observational-study PMID: 35565828

Quick Summary: A study found that a combination supplement including Rhodiola helped reduce stress in people who were feeling stressed for a long time. The supplement also seemed to help with sleep and pain.

Can Rhodiola Help With Stress? What the Research Found

This research looked at a supplement that combined several ingredients, including Rhodiola, to see if it could help people manage stress. The study found that the supplement significantly lowered stress levels in people who had been feeling stressed for at least a month. Participants also reported less sensitivity to pain and better sleep.

Study Details

Who was studied: 100 adults who were generally healthy but experiencing chronic stress.

How long: The study lasted for 28 days, with a follow-up assessment at 56 days.

What they took: Participants took either a combination supplement (Mg-Teadiola) or a placebo (a dummy pill) once a day. The supplement contained magnesium, B vitamins, Rhodiola, and green tea extract (L-theanine). The exact dosage of each ingredient, including Rhodiola, was not specified.

What This Means For You

If you're feeling stressed, this study suggests that a supplement containing Rhodiola and other ingredients might help. It's important to note that this study used a combination of ingredients, so we can't say for sure how much of the effect was due to the Rhodiola alone. However, the results are encouraging for those looking for ways to manage stress, improve sleep, and reduce pain sensitivity.

Talk to your doctor: Before taking any new supplements, especially if you're already taking medication.

Look for combination products: If you're interested in trying this approach, look for supplements that include Rhodiola, magnesium, B vitamins, and L-theanine.

Consider other lifestyle changes: Remember that supplements are most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress-reducing techniques like meditation.

Study Limitations

Combination product: The study used a combination of ingredients, so we don't know if Rhodiola alone would have the same effect.

Dosage unknown: The exact amount of Rhodiola used in the supplement wasn't specified.

Short duration: The study lasted only 28 days, so we don't know the long-term effects.

Small sample size: The study included 100 participants, which is a relatively small number.

Key Findings

This study demonstrated that a specific combination supplement (Mg-Teadiola: magnesium, B6/B9/B12, rhodiola, and L-theanine) significantly reduced perceived stress in chronically stressed healthy adults compared to placebo. The primary outcome showed a statistically significant decrease in DASS-42 stress scores at Day 28 (p=0.04, effect size 0.29, 95% CI [0.01, 0.57]). Significant stress reductions were also observed at Day 14 (p=0.006) and Day 56 (p=0.02). Secondary outcomes included significantly reduced cold pain sensitivity at Day 28 (p=0.01), a non-significant trend for reduced warm pain sensitivity (p=0.06), and significantly improved daytime sleep dysfunction at Day 56 (p<0.001). The conclusion states Mg-Teadiola is effective for stress management, with sleep and pain effects requiring further study.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) – the gold standard for intervention studies. It enrolled 100 adults (n=49 active, n=51 placebo) who were otherwise healthy but chronically stressed (≥1 month duration, DASS-42 stress score ≥14). Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either the Mg-Teadiola combination or placebo orally for 28 days, with a follow-up assessment at Day 56. The primary endpoint was the change in DASS-42 stress score from baseline to Day 28.

Dosage & Administration

The study utilized a fixed-dose combination product labeled "Mg-Teadiola," containing magnesium, vitamins B6, B9 (folate), B12, rhodiola, and green tea extract (source of L-theanine). The specific quantitative dosage of each individual component, including rhodiola, was not provided in the given summary. Administration was oral, once daily for 28 consecutive days.

Results & Efficacy

The Mg-Teadiola group showed a significantly greater reduction in DASS-42 stress scores versus placebo at Day 28 (p=0.04, effect size 0.29, 95% CI [0.01, 0.57]), Day 14 (p=0.006), and Day 56 (p=0.02). Significant improvement in cold pain sensitivity was observed at Day 28 (p=0.01), with a non-significant trend for warm pain sensitivity (p=0.06). Sleep-related daytime dysfunction (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-7 component) showed improvement at Day 28 and a highly significant reduction at Day 56 (p<0.001). All efficacy conclusions pertain to the combination product, not rhodiola alone.

Limitations

Key limitations include: 1) The study tested a multi-ingredient combination; it cannot isolate the specific contribution of rhodiola to the observed effects. 2) The exact dosage of rhodiola and other components was not disclosed in the provided summary, limiting reproducibility. 3) The sample size (n=100) was relatively small for subgroup analyses. 4) The 28-day intervention period is short for assessing chronic stress management. 5) Lack of data on potential interactions between the combined ingredients. Future research needs to evaluate individual components, longer durations, and larger populations.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides evidence that this specific combination supplement (Mg-Teadiola) can effectively reduce perceived stress within 14-28 days in chronically stressed healthy adults, with effects persisting to 56 days. However, users cannot attribute these benefits solely to rhodiola based on this trial design. The findings suggest potential value for multi-ingredient formulations targeting stress, but individuals seeking rhodiola-specific effects should look for studies testing isolated rhodiola extracts. The observed improvements in pain sensitivity and sleep dysfunction warrant further investigation but are not yet sufficient for clinical recommendations as standalone effects. Consumers should be aware that results from combination products do not predict the efficacy of single-ingredient rhodiola supplements.