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Healthy VolunteersNCT07225413

Short-Term Rhodiola Rosea for Anaerobic Performance and Cognitive Function in Resistance-Trained Adults

A study testing Rhodiola rosea (low dose) and Rhodiola rosea (high dose) in people with Healthy Volunteers, run by Jacksonville State University at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study will evaluate whether 7 days of Rhodiola rosea (golden root) supplementation can improve resistance-exercise performance and cognitive function in resistance-trained men and women. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 weeksHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Healthy Volunteers
What is being tested?
Rhodiola rosea (low dose) and Rhodiola rosea (high dose)
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
27 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
1 Feb 2022to 31 Dec 2022
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 40 weeks
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Adults 18-40 years old
  • ≥2 years of consistent resistance training, including bench press and leg press/squat
  • Able to complete all four 7-day conditions and Day-7 testing in a crossover design
  • Willing to abstain from other performance supplements during the study
  • Provided written informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Diagnosed metabolic, cardiovascular, or thyroid disorders
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Current prescription drugs with possible cardiovascular or neurocognitive effects
  • Smoking
  • Known or suspected sensitivity to Rhodiola rosea
  • Regular alcohol intake >12 drinks/week
  • Recent musculoskeletal injury that could limit resistance-exercise testing

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Laboratory (EPNL) at Jacksonville State University

    Jacksonville, Alabama, 36265

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Dose-Response Effects of Short-Term *Rhodiola Rosea* on Anaerobic Performance and Cognitive Function in Resistance-Trained Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

This study will evaluate whether 7 days of Rhodiola rosea (golden root) supplementation can improve resistance-exercise performance and cognitive function in resistance-trained men and women. Participants will complete four 7-day periods in a randomized, double-blind, crossover order: (1) no-capsule control, (2) placebo, (3) low-dose Rhodiola rosea, and (4) high-dose Rhodiola rosea. On day 7 of each period, they will report to the laboratory for performance testing that includes bench press and leg press 1-repetition maximum (1RM), a third set to failure at 60% 1RM, Tendo-derived mean and peak power, a 30-second Wingate test, and the paper-and-pencil Stroop Color-Word Test for executive function. Secondary outcomes include ratings of perceived exertion, readiness to perform (visual analog scale), and heart rate and blood pressure measured at rest and 1 minute after exercise. The central hypothesis is that short-term Rhodiola rosea, compared with control and placebo, will produce small but measurable improvements in strength, set-to-failure volume, and Stroop performance, with minimal changes in hemodynamics.

Read the detailed description

Rationale: Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic plant extract that has shown modest, context-dependent effects on perception of effort, cognition, and exercise performance. Prior studies suggest that benefits may be more evident with acute or short-term administration; however, the results are heterogeneous. This study employs a within-subject approach in resistance-trained adults to minimize between-person variability and investigate potential dose-response effects over a short time frame.

Design overview: After screening and a familiarization visit, each participant completes four 7-day periods: (1) no-capsule control, (2) placebo, (3) low-dose RR, and (4) high-dose RR. Capsule periods are randomized and double-blind; the no-capsule control precedes capsule periods to avoid carryover of expectancy. Study staff, participants, and outcome assessors are blinded during capsule periods. On day 7 of each period, participants attend a single testing visit conducted under standardized conditions (time of day, pre-test instructions). Short-latency effects are targeted by scheduling capsule ingestion approximately 60 minutes before testing during capsule periods.

Intervention: Low- and high-dose RR are provided in identical-appearing capsules. Placebo capsules contain inert filler. Product identity, dose, and lot information are recorded in the Intervention section of the record. Capsule count and participant logs monitor adherence.

Standardization and compliance: Participants are asked to maintain their habitual training and diet and to refrain from using additional ergogenic aids for a period of 7 days. They record total energy and macronutrients for the three days before each testing day. Testing sessions follow a consistent order of tasks established during the familiarization phase. Resting vital signs are obtained after a seated rest; post-exercise measures are obtained 1 minute after completion of designated tasks.

Population: Resistance-trained adults (men and women) who meet eligibility criteria and provide informed consent. Additional eligibility details are specified in the Eligibility section of the record. The female hormonal status/menstrual phases are documented when available to aid in interpretation.

Data handling and analysis (overview): The primary analyses compare conditions within participants using linear mixed-effects models, with participant as a random effect and fixed terms for condition and period. Additional prespecified covariates (e.g., sex, pre-visit dietary intake) may also be included. Order and carryover are evaluated as appropriate. Missing data are handled using model-based methods consistent with the statistical plan.

Safety: Adverse events are monitored throughout each period, with procedures for reporting to the IRB per institutional policy.

Being tested
Rhodiola rosea (low dose), Rhodiola rosea (high dose), Placebo capsules
Keywords
Rhodiola rosea, Golden root, Adaptogen, Dietary supplements, Resistance training, Strength training, Anaerobic performance, Wingate test, Executive function, Stroop Color-Word Test, Sports performance, Cognitive performance

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Rhodiola rosea (low dose)Dietary supplement

    Also called Rhodiola rosea extract 200 mg

    Participants will ingest a low-dose Rhodiola rosea extract (≈approximately 200 mg/day) once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 7, ~60 minutes after the final dose, they will complete the exercise and cognitive testing battery (bench press, leg press, set to failure at 60% 1RM, Tendo power, 30-s Wingate, Stroop test, HR/BP, RPE). This intervention is used to determine whether short-term, lower-dose RR improves resistance performance and executive function compared with placebo and control.

  • Rhodiola rosea (high dose)Dietary supplement

    Participants will ingest a high-dose Rhodiola rosea extract (≈approximately 1,500 mg/day) once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 7, ~60 minutes after the final dose, they will complete the same performance and cognitive testing battery. This arm allows dose-response comparison with the low-dose RR, placebo, and no-capsule control conditions.

  • Placebo capsulesDietary supplement

    Participants will ingest matching placebo capsules once daily for 7 days. On day 7, ~60 minutes after capsule ingestion, they will complete the full testing battery. This intervention controls for expectancy, capsule handling, and timing.

Study groups in NCT07225413
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
No-Capsule ControlNo interventionParticipants complete a 7-day control period during which no capsules are administered. On day 7 they report to the lab for testing (bench press and leg press 1RM, third set to failure at 60% 1RM, Tendo power, 30-s Wingate, and Stroop Color-Word Test), plus HR/BP and RPE. This arm is always completed first to establish baseline performance.
PlaceboPlacebo comparatorParticipants ingest placebo capsules once daily for 7 days. On day 7, ~60 minutes after the final dose, they complete the same performance and cognitive testing battery (resistance exercises, Wingate, Stroop, HR/BP, RPE). This arm controls for expectancy and capsule intake.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo capsules
Low-Dose Rhodiola roseaExperimentalParticipants ingest low-dose Rhodiola rosea (e.g., 200 mg/day) for 7 days. On day 7, ~60 minutes after dosing, they complete the laboratory testing session (bench/leg press 1RM and 60% to failure, Tendo power, 30-s Wingate, Stroop test, HR/BP, RPE) to determine whether short-term low-dose RR improves strength, muscular endurance, anaerobic performance, or executive function relative to control and placebo.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea (low dose)
High-Dose Rhodiola roseaExperimentalParticipants ingest high-dose Rhodiola rosea (e.g., 1,500 mg/day) for 7 days. On day 7, ~60 minutes after dosing, they perform the identical performance and cognitive testing battery. This arm allows for comparison of a higher RR dose with low-dose, placebo, and control groups to assess dose-response effects on resistance performance and Stroop outcomes.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea (high dose)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Load volume (kg) during 3rd set to failure at 60% 1RM

    Participants performed bench presses and leg presses at 60% of their familiarization 1RM. On the 3rd set, they lifted to volitional failure; load volume was calculated as load (kg) × repetitions. Values after administration of low- and high-dose Rhodiola rosea were compared with those of the placebo and control groups.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7-day period

  2. Wingate anaerobic test peak power

    Participants completed a 30-s Wingate test on a cycle ergometer; peak power (W) was recorded. Values after low- and high-dose Rhodiola rosea were compared with those of the placebo and control to assess the effects on anaerobic performance.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7-day period

  3. Executive function (Stroop Color-Word Test)

    The paper-and-pencil Stroop Color-Word Test is administered (Word, Color, and Color-Word, 45 s each). The total number of correct responses across the three sections is recorded. Higher scores indicate better executive control.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7-day period

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Readiness to Perform (Visual Analog Scale, 0-100 mm)

    Participants rated six items before testing on a 0-100 mm line anchored 0 = strongly disagree (worse) and 100 = strongly agree (better): (1) I slept well last night; (2) I am looking forward to today's workout; (3) I am optimistic about my future performance; (4) I feel vigorous and energetic; (5) My appetite is great; (6) I have little muscle soreness. Scores were recorded in millimeters; higher values indicate better readiness (greater agreement).

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7-day period

  2. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) after resistance exercise

    RPE is recorded 1 minute after the 3rd set of bench press and leg press using the Borg 6-20 scale. Higher values indicate greater perceived exertion.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7-day period

  3. Resting Heart Rate

    Seated/resting heart rate measured before testing. Unit: beats per minute (bpm). Higher values indicate higher HR.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7-day period

  4. 1-Minute Post-Exercise Heart Rate

    Heart rate was measured 60 s after completion of each exercise bout (bench press, leg press, Wingate). Unit: beats per minute (bpm). Higher values indicate higher HR.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7 days (1-min post-bench press; 1-min post-leg press; 1-min post-Wingate).

  5. Resting Systolic Blood Pressure

    Seated/resting SBP measured before testing using an automated oscillometric device per manufacturer guidelines. Unit: mmHg. Higher values indicate higher SBP.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7 days (pre-test).

  6. Resting Diastolic Blood Pressure

    Seated/resting DBP measured before testing using an automated oscillometric device per manufacturer guidelines. Unit: mmHg. Higher values indicate higher DBP.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7 days (pre-test).

  7. 1-Minute Post-Exercise Systolic Blood Pressure

    SBP was measured 60 s after completion of each exercise bout (bench press, leg press, Wingate). Unit: mmHg. Higher values indicate higher SBP.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7 days (1-min post-bench press; 1-min post-leg press; 1-min post-Wingate).

  8. 1-Minute Post-Exercise Diastolic Blood Pressure

    DBP was measured 60 s after completion of each exercise bout (bench press, leg press, Wingate). Unit: mmHg. Higher values indicate higher DBP.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7 days (1-min post-bench press; 1-min post-leg press; 1-min post-Wingate).

  9. Adverse Events / Side-Effects-Frequency (0-5 Likert)

    Participants completed a side-effects questionnaire rating how often each symptom occurred using a 6-point scale (0 = none; 1 = minimal [1-2/week]; 2 = slight [3-4/week]; 3 = occasional [5-6/week]; 4 = frequent [7-8/week]; 5 = severe [≥9/week]). Symptoms queried: dizziness, headache, fast/racing heart rate, heart skipping/palpitations, shortness of breath, nervousness, blurred vision, and "any other unusual/adverse effects." Scores range 0-5 per item; higher = worse (more frequent). Each item was analyzed separately; an optional composite frequency score (item mean) was also recorded.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7 days (post-condition).

  10. Adverse Events / Side-Effects-Severity (0-5 Likert)

    Description: Using the same questionnaire, participants rated how severe each symptom was on a 6-point scale (0 = none; 1 = minimal; 2 = slight; 3 = moderate; 4 = severe; 5 = very severe). Symptoms queried: dizziness, headache, fast/racing heart rate, heart skipping/palpitations, shortness of breath, nervousness, blurred vision, and "any other unusual/adverse effects." Scores range 0-5 per item; higher = worse (more severe). Each item was analyzed separately; an optional composite severity score (item mean) was also recorded.

    Measured: Day 7 of each 7 days (post-condition).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 Nov 2025
  2. Study start1 Feb 2022
  3. Primary completion17 Oct 2022
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2022

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
27 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07225413
Sponsor's protocol ID
JSU-EPNL-2025-01
Status last verified
Nov 2025
First submitted
31 Oct 2025
Last updated
6 Nov 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be shared because the dataset is small, includes performance and health-related variables that may permit re-identification of participants from a single institution, and consent did not explicitly cover public data sharing.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Rhodiola rosea (low dose) and Rhodiola rosea (high dose) in people with Healthy Volunteers, run by Jacksonville State University at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Load volume (kg) during 3rd set to failure at 60% 1RM (time frame: Day 7 of each 7-day period). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Nov 2025.

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