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Types of Rhodiola Rosea: Forms & Bioavailability

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Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
SHR-5 Standardized ExtractHighClinical use — the most studied rhodiola extract, standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside
Root PowderModerateTraditional use — less standardized but lower cost; higher doses needed
Rosavins-Standardized ExtractHighGeneral supplementation — standardized to rosavin content (the signature compound)
Salidroside-Standardized ExtractHighTargeted use — salidroside is considered the primary active compound for neuroprotective and anti-fatigue effects

SHR-5 Standardized Extract

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Clinical use — the most studied rhodiola extract, standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside.

Root Powder

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Traditional use — less standardized but lower cost; higher doses needed.

Rosavins-Standardized Extract

Bioavailability: High. Best for: General supplementation — standardized to rosavin content (the signature compound).

Salidroside-Standardized Extract

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Targeted use — salidroside is considered the primary active compound for neuroprotective and anti-fatigue effects.

Full Rhodiola Rosea Guide

References

  1. (). Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue — a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. DOI
  2. (). A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract SHR-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Medica. DOI
  3. (). The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine. DOI
  4. (). Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. DOI