Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Rhodiola Rosea Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson Superior Herbs

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Rhodiola Rosea Extract is a dietary supplement by Swanson Superior Herbs with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fatigue and low energy, stress and coping (adaptogen), mental performance and focus.Based on those ingredients, 1,271 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Rhodiola. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Swanson Superior Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Swanson comes in a 2-ingredient formula: Rhodiola (the root extract from the rhodiola rosea plant). The remaining ingredients are gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, and magnesium stearate—these are inactive ingredients used to fill out and bind the capsule.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Rhodiola product and its label doesn't state a use — see Rhodiola's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for rhodiola isn't established in our data. The product facts don't show reliable evidence for any of the uses listed—altitude sickness, generalized anxiety disorder, arrhythmia, athletic performance, and bladder cancer all carry an "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" rating.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the clinical trial data we have on file isn't strong enough to say either way. If you're considering rhodiola for a specific reason, talk with your pharmacist about what the broader research shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Rhodiola

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Rhodiola is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but how safe it is over the long haul isn't well studied. The most common side effects are dizziness and changes in saliva production—either dry mouth or excessive saliva.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best to avoid it and talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Rhodiola

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Rhodiola.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,272 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this, double-check with your pharmacist if you're on any blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs), diabetes drugs, or losartan specifically—these are Moderate-severity interactions. Also mention any drugs that suppress your immune system, as well as drugs metabolized by your liver's CYP2C9, P-glycoprotein, CYP1A2, or CYP3A4 pathways.

Use the medication checker on this page to be sure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Rhodiola might appeal to you if you're looking to support stress resilience or mental clarity, but the evidence isn't strong enough to say it works for specific conditions. If you take blood pressure meds, diabetes drugs, immunosuppressants, or any drug metabolized by your liver, check with your pharmacist first—the interactions can be serious.

It's generally short-term safe, but long-term use needs more study.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Rhodiola Rosea Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson Superior Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 087614142159
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2018
DSLD ID 177326
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Swanson Superior Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
087614142159
IngredientAmount% DV
Rhodiola100 mg--
Rhodiola rosea root extract250 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Standardized Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Guaranteed purity & potency

Precautions

Do not use if seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule with water before breakfast and one capsule before lunch.

General Statements

To reorder, call toll free 1-800-437-4148 or visit our website at www.swansonvitamins.com

General

SWH215 Rev 0 11 06 17

See for yourself

Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Swanson Superior Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Swanson Superior Herbs

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Rhodiola

Interacts with
1,271 drugs
100 mg per serving

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...

Rhodiola monograph & interactions

Rhodiola rosea root extract

Interacts with
1,271 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Polyphenols, Rosavins

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...

Rhodiola rosea root extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Swanson Superior Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Rhodiola Rosea Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,271Drugs
624 Moderate 647 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Rhodiola 1,271

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Rhodiola Rosea Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Rhodiola10 drug types · 1,271 drugs

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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Rhodiola Rosea Extract, from the product label.

Swanson Superior Herbs

See all Swanson Superior Herbs products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swansonvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Swanson Superior Herbs: Common Questions

Does Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Swanson Superior Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Rhodiola Rosea Extract has a known interaction with 1,271 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Rhodiola Rosea Extract contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data isn't there for either pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it and talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you personalized advice based on your situation.
What are the side effects?
The most common ones are dizziness and changes in how much saliva your mouth makes—either dry mouth or too much saliva. Overall, it's generally well tolerated for short-term use.
Does rhodiola actually work?
We don't have reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works for altitude sickness, anxiety, arrhythmia, athletic performance, or bladder cancer. That doesn't mean it's ineffective—just that the clinical trials we hold on file aren't strong enough to confirm it.
How long is it safe to take?
Short-term use is generally well tolerated, but we don't have good data on long-term safety. If you're thinking of taking it regularly for weeks or months, check in with your pharmacist first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Rhodiola Rosea Extract is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Rhodiola Rosea Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Rhodiola Rosea Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Rhodiola Rosea Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 13 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Rhodiola 13 references
  1. Kim SH, Hyun SH, Choung SY. Antioxidative effects of Cinnamomi cassiae and Rhodiola rosea extracts in liver of diabetic mice. Biofactors 2006;26:209-19.
  2. Kwon YI, Jang HD, Shetty K. Evaluation of Rhodiola crenulata and Rhodiola rosea for management of type II diabetes and hypertension. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15:425-32.
  3. Bystritsky A, Kerwin L, Feusner JD. A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). J Altern Complement Med 2008;14:175-80.
  4. Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 2003;10:95-105. PubMed
  5. Apostolidis E, Kwon YI, Shetty K. Potential of cranberry-based herbal synergies for diabetes and hypertension management. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15:433-41.
  6. Hellum BH, Tosse A, Hoybakk K, et al. Potent in vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein by Rhodiola rosea. Planta Med 2010;76:331-8.
  7. Skopriska-Rozewska E, Wojcik R, Siwicki AK, et al. The effect of Rhodiola quadrifida extracts on cellular immunity in mice and rats. Pol J Vet Sci 2008;11:105-11.
  8. Mishra KP, Chanda S, Shukla K, Ganju L. Adjuvant effect of aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricate rhizome on the immune responses to tetanus toxoid and ovalbumin in rats. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2010;32:141-6.
  9. Li HX, Sze SC, Tong Y, Ng TB. Production of Th1- and Th2-dependent cytokines induced by the Chinese medicine herb, Rhodiola algida, on human peripheral blood monocytes. J Ethnopharmacol 2009;123:257-66. PubMed
  10. Mishra KP, Ganju L, Chanda S, et al. Aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricate rhizome stimulates Toll-like receptor 4, granzyme-B and Th1 cytokines in vitro. Immunobiology 2009;214:27-31.
  11. Thu OK, Nilsen OG, Hellum B. In vitro inhibition of cytochrome P-450 activities and quantification of constituents in a selection of commercial Rhodiola rosea products. Pharm Bio. 2016 Dec;54(12):3249-3256.
  12. Thu OK, Spigset O, Nilsen OG, Hellum B. Effect of commercial Rhodiola rosea on CYP enzyme activity in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Mar;72(3):295-300. PubMed
  13. Woron J, Siwek M. Unwanted effects of psychotropic drug interactions with medicinal products and diet supplements containing plant extracts. Psychiatr Pol 2018;52(6):983-96. PubMed

See these in context on the Rhodiola monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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