Short-Term Rhodiola Rosea for Anaerobic Performance and Cognitive Function in Resistance-Trained Adults

Jacksonville State University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Healthy Volunteers

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea (high dose); Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea (low dose); Dietary Supplement: Placebo capsules

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07225413

JSU-EPNL-2025-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study will evaluate whether 7 days of Rhodiola rosea (golden root) supplementation can improve resistance-exercise performance and cognitive function in resistance-trained men and women. Participants will complete four 7-day periods in a randomized, double-blind, crossover order: (1) no-capsule control, (2) placebo, (3) low-dose Rhodiola rosea, and (4) high-dose Rhodiola rosea. On day 7 of each period, they will report to the laboratory for performance testing that includes bench press and leg press 1-repetition maximum (1RM), a third set to failure at 60% 1RM, Tendo-derived mean and peak power, a 30-second Wingate test, and the paper-and-pencil Stroop Color-Word Test for executive function. Secondary outcomes include ratings of perceived exertion, readiness to perform (visual analog scale), and heart rate and blood pressure measured at rest and 1 minute after exercise. The central hypothesis is that short-term Rhodiola rosea, compared with control and placebo, will produce small but measurable improvements in strength, set-to-failure volume, and Stroop performance, with minimal changes in hemodynamics.

Full description

Rationale: Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic plant extract that has shown modest, context-dependent effects on perception of effort, cognition, and exercise performance. Prior studies suggest that benefits may be more evident with acute or short-term administration; however, the results are heterogeneous. This study employs a within-subject approach in resistance-trained adults to minimize between-person variability and investigate potential dose-response effects over a short time frame.

Design overview: After screening and a familiarization visit, each participant completes four 7-day periods: (1) no-capsule control, (2) placebo, (3) low-dose RR, and (4) high-dose RR. Capsule periods are randomized and double-blind; the no-capsule control precedes capsule periods to avoid carryover of expectancy. Study staff, participants, and outcome assessors are blinded during capsule periods. On day 7 of each period, participants attend a single testing visit conducted under standardized conditions (time of day, pre-test instructions). Short-latency effects are targeted by scheduling capsule ingestion approximately 60 minutes before testing during capsule periods.

Intervention: Low- and high-dose RR are provided in identical-appearing capsules. Placebo capsules contain inert filler. Product identity, dose, and lot information are recorded in the Intervention section of the record. Capsule count and participant logs monitor adherence.

Standardization and compliance: Participants are asked to maintain their habitual training and diet and to refrain from using additional ergogenic aids for a period of 7 days. They record total energy and macronutrients for the three days before each testing day. Testing sessions follow a consistent order of tasks established during the familiarization phase. Resting vital signs are obtained after a seated rest; post-exercise measures are obtained 1 minute after completion of designated tasks.

Population: Resistance-trained adults (men and women) who meet eligibility criteria and provide informed consent. Additional eligibility details are specified in the Eligibility section of the record. The female hormonal status/menstrual phases are documented when available to aid in interpretation.

Data handling and analysis (overview): The primary analyses compare conditions within participants using linear mixed-effects models, with participant as a random effect and fixed terms for condition and period. Additional prespecified covariates (e.g., sex, pre-visit dietary intake) may also be included. Order and carryover are evaluated as appropriate. Missing data are handled using model-based methods consistent with the statistical plan.

Safety: Adverse events are monitored throughout each period, with procedures for reporting to the IRB per institutional policy.

Enrollment: 27 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 weeks old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults 18-40 years old
• ≥2 years of consistent resistance training, including bench press and leg press/squat
• Able to complete all four 7-day conditions and Day-7 testing in a crossover design
• Willing to abstain from other performance supplements during the study
• Provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed metabolic, cardiovascular, or thyroid disorders
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Current prescription drugs with possible cardiovascular or neurocognitive effects
• Smoking
• Known or suspected sensitivity to Rhodiola rosea
• Regular alcohol intake >12 drinks/week
• Recent musculoskeletal injury that could limit resistance-exercise testing

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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27 participants in 4 patient groups, including a placebo group

No-Capsule Control

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants complete a 7-day control period during which no capsules are administered. On day 7 they report to the lab for testing (bench press and leg press 1RM, third set to failure at 60% 1RM, Tendo power, 30-s Wingate, and Stroop Color-Word Test), plus HR/BP and RPE. This arm is always completed first to establish baseline performance.

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Participants ingest placebo capsules once daily for 7 days. On day 7, \~60 minutes after the final dose, they complete the same performance and cognitive testing battery (resistance exercises, Wingate, Stroop, HR/BP, RPE). This arm controls for expectancy and capsule intake.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Placebo capsules

Low-Dose Rhodiola rosea

Experimental group

Description:

Participants ingest low-dose Rhodiola rosea (e.g., 200 mg/day) for 7 days. On day 7, \~60 minutes after dosing, they complete the laboratory testing session (bench/leg press 1RM and 60% to failure, Tendo power, 30-s Wingate, Stroop test, HR/BP, RPE) to determine whether short-term low-dose RR improves strength, muscular endurance, anaerobic performance, or executive function relative to control and placebo.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea (low dose)

High-Dose Rhodiola rosea

Experimental group

Description:

Participants ingest high-dose Rhodiola rosea (e.g., 1,500 mg/day) for 7 days. On day 7, \~60 minutes after dosing, they perform the identical performance and cognitive testing battery. This arm allows for comparison of a higher RR dose with low-dose, placebo, and control groups to assess dose-response effects on resistance performance and Stroop outcomes.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea (high dose)