A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract SHR-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue

Olsson EM, von Scheele B, Panossian AG

Published in Planta Medica, Vol. 75, pp. 105-112

Methodology

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group phase III trial; 60 adults with fatigue syndrome received 576 mg/day SHR-5 extract or placebo for 28 days, with burnout, quality of life, depression, attention and salivary cortisol endpoints.

Key Findings

Significant post-treatment improvements were seen in both groups on burnout, mental health and depression scales, with the SHR-5 group showing greater improvement in burnout and attention measures and a blunted cortisol awakening response.

Conclusions

SHR-5 shows an anti-fatigue effect on stress-related fatigue, with effects on concentration and cortisol response, but a substantial placebo response was present.

Limitations

Short 28-day duration, single extract, notable placebo effect on several endpoints, modest sample size.

Supplements Studied

Rhodiola Rosea

Herb

Significant post-treatment improvements were observed for both groups (placebo effect) in Pines burnout scale, mental health (SF-36), and MADRS, with the SHR-5 group showing greater improvement in burnout and attention.