Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Mao JJ, Xie SX, Zee J, Soeller I, Li QS, Rockwell K, Amsterdam JD
Published in Phytomedicine, Vol. 22, pp. 394-399
Methodology
Phase II randomised, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept trial; 57 adults with mild to moderate major depressive disorder received standardised R. rosea extract, sertraline or placebo for 12 weeks (HAM-D, BDI, CGI/C).
Key Findings
Modest, statistically non-significant reductions were seen in all three arms with no significant differences between groups (HAM-D p = 0.79); sertraline produced the largest HAM-D decline but far more adverse events (63.2%) than R. rosea (30.0%) or placebo (16.7%).
Conclusions
R. rosea did not significantly outperform placebo for depression, although its more favourable risk-to-benefit ratio may warrant larger trials.
Limitations
Small proof-of-concept sample underpowered for efficacy; single site; 12-week duration.
Supplements Studied
Modest, albeit statistically non-significant, reductions were observed for HAM-D, BDI, and CGI/C scores for all treatment conditions with no significant difference between groups.
Outcomes Measured
Modest, albeit statistically non-significant, reductions were observed for HAM-D, BDI, and CGI/C scores for all treatment conditions with no significant difference between groups.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH)
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