Improvement after a supplement is not the same as a comparative result
Start with the comparison. A before-and-after change alone cannot isolate the contribution of an ingredient.
Rhodiola
Exercise performance
Human studies reported between-group improvement in jump height.
combination-ingredient studies · Individual ingredient effects cannot be separated · Human studies · between-group comparison
Publications for this result: 1
Other outcomes and study details
Distinct publications linked to this topic: 12
- Route, form, dose, or population details are incomplete, so the findings cannot be confirmed as directly comparable.
- Combination, formula, or class studies do not isolate this ingredient or establish synergy.
What has been studied?
Distinct human comparison papers: 4
Some studies tested several ingredients together. Those results cannot show this ingredient’s separate effect or establish synergy.
jump height
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.General population · Combination study · During four weeks of training
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Ingredient combination
- General population
- Secondary outcome
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: During four weeks of training
- Study comparison: Rhodiola+caffeine combination versus control and single-ingredient arms; combination-level result on
performance fatigability
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.Combination study
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Ingredient combination
- Unspecified population
- Outcome role not specified
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: unspecified
power decline during high-frequency jumps
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.General population · Combination study
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Ingredient combination
- General population
- Secondary outcome
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: During high-frequency jump testing
- Study comparison: Rhodiola+caffeine combination versus control and single-ingredient arms; combination-level result on
RPE scores
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.General population · Combination study
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Ingredient combination
- General population
- Secondary outcome
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: Particularly in the final week of training
- Study comparison: Rhodiola+caffeine combination versus control and single-ingredient arms; combination-level result on
Other measured outcomes (3)
time to exhaustion
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.General population · Single ingredient · One hour after acute intake
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Single ingredient
- General population
- Secondary outcome
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: One hour after acute intake
- Study comparison: Acute Rhodiola extract versus placebo in randomized crossover Phase I.
TTE
- Comparison result:No clear difference from the comparison group was found.General population · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Single ingredient
- General population
- Primary outcome
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: before and after 8-day heat acclimation
- Between-group comparison
Yo-Yo IR2 performance
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Single ingredient
- Unspecified population
- Outcome role not specified
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: unspecified
This result is held for interpretation. That does not mean research found no effect.
Outcome groups needing additional review (8)
- 30 m sprint · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
- 5 km run · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
- countermovement jump (CMJ) · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
- maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
- overall training performance · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
- running and swimming times · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
- standing long jump · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
- time-to-exhaustion · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
One paper can appear under multiple measured outcomes or review reasons, so these counts should not be added together.
Research topics to explore
Research topics to explore
Review findings reported in each research area.
Topics with more linked papers appear first.
- View selected result
Exercise performance
Related papers 12 · human comparison papers 4
- View results
Stress and mood
Related papers 8 · human comparison papers 1
- SDS · Mixed results · Some studies used more than one ingredient · Some studies included patients or people with a deficiency
- HAM-D · Interpretation held
More outcome groups: 3
- View results
Cognition
Related papers 5 · human comparison papers 1
- attention · Improvement reported · Some studies used more than one ingredient
- cognitive functions · Interpretation held
More outcome groups: 3
- View results
Fatigue and energy
Related papers 4 · human comparison papers 1
- Vitality-subscale · Worsening reported · Some studies included patients or people with a deficiency
- 5 km run · Interpretation held
More outcome groups: 7
- View results
Sleep
Related papers 2 · comparison findings need further review
- Insomnia symptoms · Interpretation held
- View results
Blood lipids
Related papers 1 · comparison findings need further review
- View results
Glucose and metabolic health
Related papers 1 · comparison findings need further review
- plasma glucose · Interpretation held
Data coverage and detailed study classifications
Paper counts are separated by research topic below. One paper may contribute to multiple findings.
Analysis status: Public-ready
Ingredient analysis date:
How the grade was determined: B
The 60.9 evidence score includes 8 independent human studies and 8 clinical studies in the representative benefit area. The B tier remains conservative because of limited repetition across independent human clinical studies.
The grade is based mainly on the research area with the most evidence. It does not mean the same result was found in other areas.
Papers linked to this ingredient overall: 92
Papers linked to this topic 12 · distinct papers 12 · papers with a confirmed human comparison 4 · papers needing additional review 7
Ingredient-wide papers, topic-linked papers, and sources in outcome groups use different scopes. Adding source counts may count the same paper more than once.
- 30 m sprint: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- 5 km run: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- countermovement jump (CMJ): Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- jump height: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max): Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- overall training performance: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- performance fatigability: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- power decline during high-frequency jumps: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- RPE scores: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- running and swimming times: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- standing long jump: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- time to exhaustion: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- time-to-exhaustion: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- TTE: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- Yo-Yo IR2 performance: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
Exercise performance
What the research found
TTE
No clear difference in this measurement was found between the compared groups.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
jump height
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
power decline during high-frequency jumps
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
RPE scores
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
time to exhaustion
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Yo-Yo IR2 performance
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
performance fatigability
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
30 m sprint
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
5 km run
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
countermovement jump (CMJ)
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
overall training performance
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
running and swimming times
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Animal study · indirect · Ingredient combination · General population
This finding comes from animal or cell research. It does not establish the same effect in people.
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
standing long jump
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
time-to-exhaustion
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Single ingredient · General population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
4 papers · 5 measured outcomes
4 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Stress and mood
What the research found
SDS
Results for this measurement were mixed; no consistent conclusion can be drawn.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
mean HARS scores
A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · Patient group
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
stress symptoms
A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · Patient group
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
HAM-D
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
situational anxiety
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Cognition
What the research found
attention
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Physical and cognitive deficiencies
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Other evidence · Ingredient combination · Deficiency group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
cognitive functions
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Unknown intervention · Unspecified population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
cognitive performance
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Unknown intervention · General population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
impaired cognition
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Single ingredient · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Fatigue and energy
What the research found
Vitality-subscale
The study reported worsening in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
mental fatigue
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
5 km run
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
heart rate 60 s after the simulated game
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
RPE score
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
total antioxidant capacity
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
total completion time in the simulated game
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
VO2max
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
YO-YO test
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Sleep
What the research found
ISI
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Unknown intervention · Unspecified population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Blood lipids
What the research found
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Glucose and metabolic health
What the research found
plasma glucose
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Animal study · indirect · Single ingredient · Patient group
This finding comes from animal or cell research. It does not establish the same effect in people.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
How to read research findings
How should I read research findings?
Research guidesNo clear difference and an uninterpretable result are different
A reported null comparison contains a result. An abstract without an interpretable comparison leaves a question unresolved.
Paper counts and study counts are different
Count original research separately from research that reanalyzes it. Publication volume is neither replication nor a quality rating.
Side effects and combination findings
Findings from this ingredient alone are shown separately from those involving another supplement or medication.
Caution findings
2
Findings from individual and combined use, plus reviewed cautions
Key precautions
No reviewed caution rules are available yet. Reported caution findings are shown below.
Review 1 combination findings and 0 findings that outperformed an ingredient alone.
These findings were reported in studies. They do not predict an individual's experience.
Findings to review with care
Side effects reported for the ingredient alone are separated from findings involving another supplement or medication.
Cautions reported with another supplement or medication
These studies reported worsening outcomes, reduced absorption, or other cautions with combined use. They do not predict an individual's outcome.
SSRIsPotential risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressantsPotential risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with tricyclic antidepressants.
Reported improvements with combinations
Combination findings are grouped by how the study compared them. This is not a recommendation to combine ingredients.
Combinations with reported improvement
The combination showed improvement, but each ingredient's contribution is unclear.
CaffeineA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 48 male volleyball players found that combined Rhodiola rosea and caffeine supplementation significantly improved jump height, reduced power decline during high-frequency jumps, and lowered perceived exertion compared to placebo and single-agent groups.