Short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation improves premenstrual symptoms, reaction time, and perceived exertion in female taekwondo athletes: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Yasamin Yarahmadi, Seyed Morteza Tayebi, Minoo Bassami et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested 10 days of Rhodiola rosea (RR) supplementation during the estimated symptomatic premenstrual phase in 24 female taekwondo athletes with moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome. Compared with placebo, RR was associated with improvement in several reported symptoms, faster visual reaction time (adjusted mean difference: -60 ms; p < 0.001), and lower post-exercise perceived exertion (adjusted mean difference: -1.40 Borg units; p = 0.006). Serum serotonin and GABA were also higher with RR, while time to exhaustion and estimated VO₂max did not differ significantly between groups.
Key findings
- RR reduced several reported symptoms, including irritability, depression, anxiety, decreased concentration, food cravings, and abdominal pain (p < 0.05).
- Visual reaction time was faster with RR than placebo (adjusted mean difference: -60 ms; p < 0.001).
- Post-exercise perceived exertion was lower with RR (adjusted mean difference: -1.40 Borg units; p = 0.006); time to exhaustion and estimated VO₂max did not differ significantly.
- Peripheral serum serotonin and GABA concentrations were higher in the RR group than placebo (p < 0.001).
Why it matters
Premenstrual symptoms may affect athletes’ psychological readiness and cognitive-motor performance. This small trial suggests that short-term RR supplementation may improve selected symptoms and performance-related responses, while showing no significant benefit in the measured aerobic performance indices. The findings add preliminary evidence about a potential approach during the symptomatic premenstrual phase, but do not establish broader efficacy.
What to keep in mind
The trial included only 24 athletes and assessed a short intervention during an estimated, rather than hormonally confirmed, menstrual-cycle phase. The authors call for larger trials, longer interventions, direct physiological measurements, and sport-specific performance assessments.