Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression

Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmstrom C, Panossian A

Published in Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 61, pp. 343-348

Methodology

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group phase III trial over 6 weeks; 89 patients with DSM-IV mild-to-moderate depression received SHR-5 at 340 mg/day, 680 mg/day, or placebo.

Key Findings

Both active groups improved significantly in overall depression, insomnia, emotional instability and somatisation compared with baseline, while the placebo group showed no significant improvement; self-esteem did not improve.

Conclusions

Standardised SHR-5 extract showed antidepressant activity in mild to moderate depression with no serious side effects reported.

Limitations

Single-country trial, six-week duration, manufacturer-affiliated authorship, no active comparator.

Supplements Studied

Rhodiola Rosea

Herb

For individuals in groups A and B, overall depression, together with insomnia, emotional instability and somatization, but not self-esteem, improved significantly following medication, whilst the placebo group showed no improvement.

Outcomes Measured

Mood Stabilization

Overall depression, together with insomnia, emotional instability and somatization, but not self-esteem, improved significantly following medication, whilst the placebo group showed no improvement.

Pleasure Response Restoration

Rhodiola improved overall depression, insomnia and emotional instability scores versus placebo

Self-Confidence Boost

Rhodiola improved overall depression, insomnia and emotional instability scores versus placebo