Rhodiola Side Effects
by Elise
Rhodiola side effects in most cases tend to be minimal and can be avoided with responsible usage. To understand rhodiola side effects, however, you should understand the underlying constituents which catalyze physiological effects in the human biology. If you don’t want to be bored by clinical details, skip to the symptoms of rhodiola side effects section.
Active Compounds in Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea provides a wide selection of potentially potent compounds which may be the origin of both its positive and negative effects. The most publicized compounds are a class of rosavins which include rosin, rosarin and rosavin itself. (Please note that the name Rosavin also happens to be a specific brand of rhodiola extract.)
However studies suggest that the most active compounds in rhodiola rosea — the most proven of adaptogens — are likely tyrosol and rhodioloside. It is also important to note that when these components have been tested in isolation, no consistent, measurable effects were observed. Thus rhodiola rosea side-effects appear to be a synergistic result of the tyrosol and rhodioloside acting with the rosin, rosarin and rosavin.
Additional components which may contribute to rhodiola rosea include rosiridin, rhodiolin, rhodioniside and salidroside. However, most studies indicate that these polyphenols cause little in the way of measurable physiological effects in humans.
Symptoms of Rhodiola Side Effects
With that charming clinical tedium out of the way, let me get to the heart of the matter: rhodiola side effects.
The most common rhodiola rosea side effects include restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. Essentially, these are the same common side effects often observed in any mild stimulant. To perceive these rhodiola side effects, you likely need to consume rhodiola in higher than usual doses or combine it with another stimulant, such as coffee.
If taken in high doses or with another stimulant, the most disturbing rhodiola rosea side effect would be a rapid heart beat, or heart palpitations.
I’ve also heard anecdotal evidence that these side effects of rhodiola rosea can cause the “shakes” if you first spike your blood sugar by eating sweets on an empty stomach than take rhodiola rosea extract. This is easily avoidable, but I still find it worth mentioning. Perhaps it is not a good idea to consume rhodiola rosea when you know you have low blood sugar and won’t be able to eat anytime soon.
As I stated on the Rhodiola Dangers page, most of these symptoms can be avoided by starting rhodiola in smaller doses than it is recommended, then working your way to the higher doses suggested on any specific rhodiola product’s label.
Do not exceed the higher end of the suggested dose, and do not combine rhodiola with other stimulants (like caffeine) until you are confident your body accepts rhodiola well and you’ve been taking it for some time.
Because of its restlessness and insomnia side effects, I suggest that you not take rhodiola rosea in the evening and definitely not before bed. Side effects of rhodiola can impact your ability to obtain quality, restful sleep.
I hope this explanation of rhodiola side-effects helps you feel more confident and informed in your rhodiola rosea usage.