Anyone interested in taking the herb Rhodiola rosea needs to be aware of what the correct dosage is that is most effective.
Another name for Rhodiola is rhizome and Chinese and Russian scientists have studied the benefits of this root for several decades. The root is categorized as an adaptogen and has a reputation for the stimulation the nervous system, helping with depression, improving work performance, reducing fatigue-reducing stress of everyday living and for reducing high altitude sickness. It has been claimed to enhance sexuality and is used in sexual enhancement formulas.
Adaptogens help with increasing available energy during the day, help with reducing stressed feelings, greater endurance, increased mental alertness and helping you have a deeper more restful sleep. If you plan to take this herb the recommended rhodiola rosea dosage is 200-600 mg per day of the extract standardized to contain 2-3% Rosavins and .8-1% of Salidroside.
In a clinical trial done in 2007 the total effective dose used ranged from 340 to 680 milligrams per day in people ranging in age from 18 to 70 years of age. If you are going to be taking the nonstandardized version than you will take 1 gram of the root 3 times a day which usually means 5-6 tablets per day.
If you are taking the alcohol extract (40% alcohol) tincture form then you would take between 5 to 40 drops two to three times a day. Ten drops of tincture equals about 100 mg of the herb that is found in a standardized capsule.
For tea version of the Rhodiola root its 1-2 capsules per day. You should take it with water before meals or at mealtimes.
At lower dosages, it has more of a stimulating effect and a sedating effect at higher dosages. For improvement in work endurance and prevent stress related issues take 100-200 mg a day. If you are experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome take 100 mg standardized to 3% Rosavin, taken two or three times a day as needed.
For some people it is not recommended to take it in the evening, as it has been known to interfere with sleep while others have taken it without any sleep disruption. Be careful of what version you buy as only the Russian versions contain the key active components of Rosavin, Rosarin and Rosin.
You may find that some formulas being sold in the United States contain Tibetan or Chinese Rhodiola, which do not contain the active components, reason being that these two varieties do not have enough potency of the key components and high only in Salidrose so make sure you get the right form.