Rhodiola Root and Rhizome — Safety & Interactions
Hong Jing Tian · Radix Et Rhizoma Rhodiolae
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Concurrent MAOI therapy — theoretical monoaminergic potentiation; avoid combination
- Bipolar disorder — stimulating and adaptogenic properties may precipitate manic episodes; use only under specialist supervision
Cautions
- Standard dose: 200–600 mg standardised extract (3% rosavins, 1% salidroside); traditional decoction 3–9 g dried root
- SSRIs and SNRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine): salidroside modulates serotonin reuptake transporter; additive serotonergic effect is theoretical but case reports exist — monitor for serotonin syndrome signs (agitation, hyperreflexia, hyperthermia)
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel): platelet aggregation inhibition reported in vitro; increased bleeding risk with concurrent use
- CYP3A4-substrate drugs (statins, immunosuppressants, calcium-channel blockers, some antivirals): rosavins may inhibit CYP3A4 — monitor for signs of elevated drug levels
- Stimulants (caffeine, ephedrine, methylphenidate): additive CNS stimulation; risk of insomnia, agitation, and elevated blood pressure
- Antidiabetic medications (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas): additive glucose-lowering; monitor blood glucose
- Pregnancy: insufficient safety data; avoid
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSRIs/SNRIs — additive serotonergic effect; monitor for serotonin syndrome | |||
| MAO inhibitors — contraindicated; serotonergic potentiation | |||
| Anticoagulants/antiplatelets — enhanced bleeding risk via platelet inhibition | |||
| CYP3A4 substrates — rosavin-mediated inhibition may elevate plasma drug levels | |||
| Antidiabetics — additive hypoglycemic effect | |||
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.