A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition, which covered 26 randomized controlled trials involving 668 healthy participants, found that the botanical supported several measures of physical performance and recovery outcomes.

The analysis found that Rhodiola rosea significantly improved endurance metrics, including VO2max, time to exhaustion (TTE), and time trial performance (TTP). Supplementation increased antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity) and reduced markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and muscle damage markers (creatine kinase), as well as reducing lactate levels.

“Mechanistically, these benefits are attributed to Rhodiola’s bioactive compounds, particularly salidroside, which support mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and cellular protection against exercise-induced stress,” said Stacey Smith, DC, senior medical affairs liaison at Gnosis by Lesaffre. She noted that the trials were mostly of good quality, and spread across the globe, making health claims generalizable. “Further, demographics were men, women, and mixed groups aged 11 to 45 years.”

Subgroup analyses suggested that higher daily intake levels of more than 600 mg daily drove greater improvements in aerobic capacity, reinforcing dose-dependent efficacy.

“Given that salidroside is a key bioactive component of Rhodiola, there is support in the importance of delivering this compound effectively,” said Smith. “It is noteworthy that, as a key bioactive, Landkind Pure Salidroside is effective at dosages far below what is required for the same effect of Rhodiola rosea: 60 mg per day versus the mean range of 400-700 mg per day.”

“Targeted salidroside delivery with Landkind Pure Salidroside represents a rational next step to optimize efficacy, and potentially enable a more precise, lower-dose ingredient for formulations compared to traditional whole extracts,” Smith added.