Rhodiola Rosea Safety

Rhodiola rosea is a plant sometimes referred to as roseroot. The roots of the rhodiola rosea are used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, high cholesterol and irregular heartbeat.

Side Effects

• The known side effects caused by rhodiola rosea are generally minor and pose little threat for long-term health consequences, according to Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, irritability and insomnia.

Time Frame

• Rhodiola rosea is generally considered safe for continuous use for up to 10 weeks, according to RxList.

Expert Insight

• A 2007 study at the Armenian State Medical University found that patients who took two 340 mg or 680 mg tablets of rhodiola rosea for the treatment of depression suffered no harmful adverse effects.

Restrictions

• Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, avoid using rhodiola rosea if you are pregnant or nursing, warns RxList.

Considerations

• As herbal supplements, products that contain rhodiola rosea are not evaluated for effectiveness or safety by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This means that it is possible for a tablet or capsule containing rhodiola rosea to have other dangerous ingredients inside that are not named on the label.