Rhodiola Rosea vs. Sertraline for Major Depression: RCT
Does rhodiola work as well as antidepressants?
Rhodiola rosea produces modest antidepressant effects with approximately 1.4 times greater odds of improvement than placebo, while sertraline shows approximately 1.9 times greater odds. However, Rhodiola causes significantly fewer adverse events (30%) compared to sertraline (63%), making it a better-tolerated option for mild to moderate depression.
Rhodiola works as an adaptogen by modulating the HPA axis and influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine to help the body adapt to stress.