Herb & supplement monograph

Rhodiola Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Rhodiola interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Rhodiola is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Rhodiola is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Rhodiola Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Rhodiola drug interaction appears low for most people. None of Rhodiola's listed interactions are rated major, and they are split roughly evenly between moderate and minor concerns, most of them theoretical.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The best-documented interaction involves losartan, a blood pressure medicine: a small human study found rhodiola slowed how the body clears it, which could raise its levels and side effects. That same effect may extend to other medications cleared by the same enzyme. Because rhodiola may also lower blood sugar and blood pressure on its own, people taking diabetes medications or blood pressure drugs should watch for symptoms of levels dropping too low. Rhodiola may also stimulate the immune system, which could work against immunosuppressants, where steady drug effect really matters.

What the rest of the list means

A long interaction list does not mean every combination is risky. Most entries come from lab or animal research suggesting rhodiola might affect enzymes and transporters the body uses to process medications. Notably, human studies testing two of these predicted enzyme effects found no meaningful change, so many concerns remain theoretical.

Check your medications against Rhodiola

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Rhodiola interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Rhodiola

1271 medications have a known interaction with Rhodiola, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Rhodiola using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Rhodiola interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Rhodiola combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Rhodiola affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Rhodiola is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 10 drug categories Rhodiola interacts with

Antidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) SubstratesImmunosuppressantsLosartan (cozaar)P-glycoprotein SubstratesAntidepressant DrugsCns DepressantsCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) SubstratesCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract can decrease blood glucose due to alpha-glucosidase activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and might lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP2C9. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. Also, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, rhodiola use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro and animal research show that rhodiola has immunostimulatory effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Losartan (Cozaar)

Rhodiola might increase the levels and adverse effects of losartan.
A clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits P-glycoprotein. Theoretically, using rhodiola with P-glycoprotein substrates might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antidepressant Drugs

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with antidepressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of tachyarrhythmias, myalgia, arthralgia, gum pain, restless leg syndrome, swallowing disorders, and changes in consciousness when rhodiola was taken in combination with paroxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, trazodone, and/or duloxetine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with CNS depressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of excessive sedation, myoclonus, hypotension, and hallucinations when rhodiola was taken with haloperidol, diazepam, or alprazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP1A2. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP3A4. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Monograph

Rhodiola: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Rhodiola is an herb traditionally used to fight fatigue and help the body cope with stress. Some small studies suggest it may modestly reduce fatigue and improve mood, but the evidence is limited and not strong. It is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but talk to your pharmacist or doctor before trying it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific name: Rhodiola rosea
Family: Crassulaceae
Part used: Roots and rhizomes
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, extracts, tinctures, tea

People commonly use it for

Fatigue and low energy
Stress and coping (adaptogen)
Mental performance and focus
Mild depression
Physical and exercise performance

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated for short-term use, but long-term safety is not well studied.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a flowering plant that grows in cold, mountainous, and Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is also called golden root, arctic root, or king's crown. The root and underground stem (rhizome) are the parts used to make supplements.

Rhodiola has a long history of use in traditional medicine in Russia, Scandinavia, and parts of Asia. It is often called an adaptogen, a term used for herbs that are believed to help the body resist and adapt to physical, mental, and emotional stress. Today people take it most often to fight tiredness, support mood, and help with stress.

How it works

Rhodiola contains active compounds including rosavins and salidroside, and supplements are often standardized to a set amount of these. Many products list a ratio of about 3% rosavins to 1% salidroside, which is meant to mimic the natural plant.

Researchers think these compounds may affect chemical messengers in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play a role in mood and energy. Rhodiola may also influence the body's stress-response system and cortisol levels. Most of these mechanisms come from laboratory and animal studies, so it is not fully clear how Rhodiola works in people.

Effectiveness

Does Rhodiola work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 20 uses evaluated

20 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Rhodiola, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 20 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Altitude sickness