Adaptogen

Rhodiola (Roseroot)

Rhodiola rosea · Roseroot

Mechanism

Rhodiola rosea (roseroot) is a classic adaptogen whose effect is attributed to the marker compounds rosavins and salidroside. In human- and rodent-model-based studies, an improved stress resistance and a reduction of fatigue/mental exhaustion are described. Controlled efficacy and pharmacokinetic data in the horse are lacking, so the transfer to the horse remains speculative. Since adaptogenic/performance- and fatigue-influencing botanicals are viewed critically in the sport context, the FEI/competition status must be checked before a competition.

Cautions

· Horse-specific efficacy/PK data are lacking — transfer from human data is speculative
· Check the FEI/competition status before competition (adaptogenic, discussed as performance-/fatigue-influencing)
· Insufficiently studied in pregnancy/lactation — use cautiously

Sources

Panossian et al.Panossian et al., Phytomedicine — Rhodiola rosea, adaptogene Wirkmechanismen (Review)

EMA/HMPC Rhodiolae roseae rhizoma et radixEMA/HMPC — Rosenwurz-Monographie (Rhodiola rosea L.)

FEI Clean SportFEI Clean Sport — Hinweise zu pflanzlichen/adaptogenen Substanzen vor Wettkampf prüfen

Equiterna Score

51/100

limited

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety5/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo established horse dose; standardised root extract in practice about 5-10 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500-600 kg). Coordinate with a veterinarian.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyIncreased caution

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Rhodiola (Roseroot) a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Rhodiola (Roseroot) as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Rhodiola (Roseroot) allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Rhodiola (Roseroot) is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Rhodiola (Roseroot)?

Stated in the profile: No established horse dose; standardised root extract in practice about 5-10 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500-600 kg). Coordinate with a veterinarian. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Rhodiola (Roseroot)?

The profile cites: Panossian et al., EMA/HMPC Rhodiolae roseae rhizoma et radix, and FEI Clean Sport.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

← Compound profiles