The study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition explores the effects of short-term Rhodiola rosea (RR) supplementation on premenstrual symptoms and performance-related outcomes in female taekwondo athletes. Rhodiola rosea is known as an adaptogenic herb, which has been studied for its potential to alleviate fatigue and improve stress tolerance, mood, and exercise performance.
In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 24 female taekwondo athletes suffering from moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were enrolled. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg/day of standardized RR extract or a placebo for a duration of 10 days during their estimated symptomatic premenstrual phase.
The primary aim of the study was to assess the impact of RR supplementation on various PMS symptoms, including irritability, depression, anxiety, and physical discomfort. Additionally, the study measured peripheral serum serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations, visual reaction time, perceived exertion, and aerobic performance indices.
Results
The findings indicated that RR supplementation significantly reduced several PMS symptoms compared to the placebo group. Notably, the RR group experienced improvements in irritability, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, decreased concentration, hypersomnia, food cravings, crying, skin problems, and abdominal pain (p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants in the RR group demonstrated a faster visual reaction time, with an adjusted mean difference of -60 ms compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001).
Additionally, peripheral serum serotonin and GABA concentrations were significantly elevated in the RR group (p < 0.001). The study also reported a reduction in post-exercise rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in the RR group, with an adjusted mean difference of -1.40 Borg units (p = 0.006). However, there were no significant differences observed between the groups regarding time to exhaustion (TTE) or estimated VO₂max (p > 0.05).
What this study does not show
While the study suggests potential benefits of Rhodiola rosea supplementation for PMS symptoms and performance metrics, it does not establish long-term effects or confirm physiological mechanisms behind the observed improvements.
Evidence scorecard
- Analytic validity: established
- Clinical validity: established
- Clinical utility: partial
This evidence is based on a randomized controlled trial involving human participants.