Rhodiola rosea

Name: Rhodiola rosea
Brand: Givaudan

Sustained natural resilience

At a glance

Why

Rhodiola rosea

The science Sourcing Applications

A trusted adaptogen for body and mind

Rhodiola rosea, also known as “golden root,” “roseroot,” or “Arctic root,” grows naturally in alpine and sub‑Arctic regions across Europe, Siberia, and North America. It has been used for centuries as a traditional herbal remedy for enhancing resilience to physical, mental, and emotional stress.¹ Modern research confirms its role as an ally for natural energy² ³ ⁴ attention³ ⁴ and physical performance.⁵ ⁶

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Benefits

Energy

Cognition

Adaptogenic support for modern lifestyles

With 40% of Gen Z consumers expressing that they are ‘almost always stressed,’⁷ the need for natural solutions that help sustain attention and adapt to stress is growing. Rhodiola rosea is clinically demonstrated as an adaptogen, an ingredient helping the body maintain balance under stress.⁸

Why

Rhodiola rosea

Stress support:

supports attention and energy under stress² ³ ⁴

Sport companion:

supports physical performance in athletes⁵ ⁶

A natural adaptogen:

balanced support for overall wellbeing¹

Responsibly sourced:

sustainably wild harvested

Want to know more about OatWell™'s unique characteristics?

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The science behind

Rhodiola rosea

Clinically tested stress support

Research suggests that Rhodiola rosea’s core bioactive compounds: rosavins, rosin, rosarin, and salidroside, act synergistically to optimize the body’s stress and energy systems.¹ ⁹ Findings show that collectively, these phytochemicals operate as metabolic and neuroprotective cofactors, reinforcing neural resilience, and promoting sustained cognitive performance.² ⁴ ¹⁰ ¹¹ Across many studies, standardised doses of Rhodiola rosea extracts were shown to consistently reduce fatigue² ³ ⁴ , support attention³ ⁴ and objectively and subjectively support physical performance.⁵ ⁶

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Rhodiola rosea

responsible sourcing

Trust built on CITES-compliant sourcing

At Givaudan, we are dedicated to sourcing all materials in alignment with our Sourcing4Good programme. Givaudan actively invests in sustainable Rhodiola rosea root cultivation to secure a future proof, traceable, and ethical supply chain. Our rhodiola rosea is sustainably sourced and compliant with CITES regulations, which oversees the wild-harvest trade of this valuable alpine plant. Responsible wild harvesting guided by local partnerships and ongoing agronomy projects ensure both sustainability and traceability, supporting long-term supply and environmental stewardship.

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Ancient roots of resilience

Rhodiola has a long history of traditional use in Arctic, Siberian, and Asian communities. For centuries, local populations prized the golden root for its ability to enhance endurance, reduce fatigue, and promote recovery after physical exertion. Vikings are believed to have consumed preparations of the root for strength and resilience, while in Tibetan and Mongolian pharmacopeias, rhodiola formulations were used for altitude intolerance and mental clarity, and to balance vital energy.¹²

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Rhodiola rosea

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Why formulate

with

Rhodiola rosea

?

With its balanced efficacy and natural origin, Rhodiola rosea fits seamlessly into a wide range of wellness-oriented formulations.

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FAQs

We would love to hear from you!

If you have a specific product in mind or are curious about how we can assist in your innovation journey, please don't hesitate to get in touch

Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress‑protective activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3, 188–224.
Spasov, A. A. et al. (2000). A double‑blind, placebo‑controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR‑5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low‑dose regimen. Phytomedicine, 7(2), 85–89.
Darbinyan, V. et al. (2000). Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double‑blind cross‑over study of a standardized extract SHR‑5. Phytomedicine, 7(5), 365–371.
Shevtsov, V. A. et al. (2003). A randomized trial of two different doses of a Rhodiola rosea extract (SHR‑5) versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine, 10(2–3), 95–105.
De Brock P (2004) Ethnobotanical and clinical perspectives on Rhodiola rosea: traditional use and mechanistic insights. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2‑3), 345–356.
Noreen E E (2013) Effects of Rhodiola rosea on mental performance and stress symptoms in healthy volunteers: A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 10(3), 243–256.
Pione, A. et al.. (2025) ‘The $2 trillion global wellness market gets a millennial and Gen Z glow-up’ McKinsey & Company. Accessed January 2026: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/future-of-wellness-trends
Panossian, A. et al. (2017) ‘Comparative study of molecular mechanisms of action of adaptogens: Stress‑protective activity of Rhodiola, Schisandra and Eleutherococcus’ Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8:641.
Perfumi, M., & Mattoli, L. (2007) ‘Adaptogenic and central nervous system effects of single doses of Rhodiola rosea L. extract in mice and humans’ Phytotherapy Research, 21(1), 37–43.
Ishaque, S. et al. (2012) ‘A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. in generalized anxiety disorder and stress‑related fatigue’ Phytomedicine, 19(8–9), 754–762.
Edwards, D. et al. (2012) ‘The effects of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on physical and mental performance, fatigue, and well‑being: A systematic review’ Phytotherapy Research, 26(4), 532–539.
Hung, S.‑K. et al. (2011) ‘Rhodiola rosea: A herb with anti‑stress, anti‑fatigue and cognitive enhancing activities’ Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 11(3), 197–205.

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Rhodiola rosea

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Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress‑protective activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3, 188–224.
Spasov, A. A. et al. (2000). A double‑blind, placebo‑controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR‑5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low‑dose regimen. Phytomedicine, 7(2), 85–89.
Darbinyan, V. et al. (2000). Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double‑blind cross‑over study of a standardized extract SHR‑5. Phytomedicine, 7(5), 365–371.
Shevtsov, V. A. et al. (2003). A randomized trial of two different doses of a Rhodiola rosea extract (SHR‑5) versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine, 10(2–3), 95–105.
De Brock P (2004) Ethnobotanical and clinical perspectives on Rhodiola rosea: traditional use and mechanistic insights. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2‑3), 345–356.
Noreen E E (2013) Effects of Rhodiola rosea on mental performance and stress symptoms in healthy volunteers: A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 10(3), 243–256.
Pione, A. et al.. (2025) ‘The $2 trillion global wellness market gets a millennial and Gen Z glow-up’ McKinsey & Company. Accessed January 2026: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/future-of-wellness-trends
Panossian, A. et al. (2017) ‘Comparative study of molecular mechanisms of action of adaptogens: Stress‑protective activity of Rhodiola, Schisandra and Eleutherococcus’ Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8:641.
Perfumi, M., & Mattoli, L. (2007) ‘Adaptogenic and central nervous system effects of single doses of Rhodiola rosea L. extract in mice and humans’ Phytotherapy Research, 21(1), 37–43.
Ishaque, S. et al. (2012) ‘A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. in generalized anxiety disorder and stress‑related fatigue’ Phytomedicine, 19(8–9), 754–762.
Edwards, D. et al. (2012) ‘The effects of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on physical and mental performance, fatigue, and well‑being: A systematic review’ Phytotherapy Research, 26(4), 532–539.
Hung, S.‑K. et al. (2011) ‘Rhodiola rosea: A herb with anti‑stress, anti‑fatigue and cognitive enhancing activities’ Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 11(3), 197–205.

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Rhodiola rosea

Our Commitment

Why Givaudan?

Botanical expertise

Explore our trusted, natural ingredients–sustainably sourced with rigorous quality control.

Science & technology

Innovate with our science-backed ingredients with proven health, wellbeing and nutritional benefits.

Enjoyable food experiences

Create unique products with the right taste, colour, texture and functional ingredients.

The latest consumer insights

Transform consumer needs into outstanding products.

Discover more

Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress‑protective activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3, 188–224.
Spasov, A. A. et al. (2000). A double‑blind, placebo‑controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR‑5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low‑dose regimen. Phytomedicine, 7(2), 85–89.
Darbinyan, V. et al. (2000). Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double‑blind cross‑over study of a standardized extract SHR‑5. Phytomedicine, 7(5), 365–371.
Shevtsov, V. A. et al. (2003). A randomized trial of two different doses of a Rhodiola rosea extract (SHR‑5) versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine, 10(2–3), 95–105.
De Brock P (2004) Ethnobotanical and clinical perspectives on Rhodiola rosea: traditional use and mechanistic insights. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2‑3), 345–356.
Noreen E E (2013) Effects of Rhodiola rosea on mental performance and stress symptoms in healthy volunteers: A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 10(3), 243–256.
Pione, A. et al.. (2025) ‘The $2 trillion global wellness market gets a millennial and Gen Z glow-up’ McKinsey & Company. Accessed January 2026: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/future-of-wellness-trends
Panossian, A. et al. (2017) ‘Comparative study of molecular mechanisms of action of adaptogens: Stress‑protective activity of Rhodiola, Schisandra and Eleutherococcus’ Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8:641.
Perfumi, M., & Mattoli, L. (2007) ‘Adaptogenic and central nervous system effects of single doses of Rhodiola rosea L. extract in mice and humans’ Phytotherapy Research, 21(1), 37–43.
Ishaque, S. et al. (2012) ‘A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. in generalized anxiety disorder and stress‑related fatigue’ Phytomedicine, 19(8–9), 754–762.
Edwards, D. et al. (2012) ‘The effects of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on physical and mental performance, fatigue, and well‑being: A systematic review’ Phytotherapy Research, 26(4), 532–539.
Hung, S.‑K. et al. (2011) ‘Rhodiola rosea: A herb with anti‑stress, anti‑fatigue and cognitive enhancing activities’ Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 11(3), 197–205.

Enhanced nutrition in any application

OatWell™ offers multiple functional benefits for food formulations, making it a versatile ingredient and allowing for fibre fortification in many applications, including bread, crackers, pastas, sweet baked goods and extruded snacks.

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OatWell™

OatWell™ behaves as a natural stabiliser/emulsifier, making it an ideal ingredient for clean label strategies, while its high viscosity can deliver thickening properties. In applications such as bakery or processed meats, it exhibits water binding capacities, which hold potential for fat reduction. For classic applications, such as crackers and cereals, it can add a satisfying crisp.

11.4g

of OatWell™ BG28 delivers: 3g of oat beta glucan, 5.6g of dietary fibre and only 32Kcal

Designed for your formulation needs

The Oatwell™ range offers varying levels of total dietary fibre, oat beta-glucan and protein content, as well as different particle sizes. Its unique characteristics make it easy to incorporate in application while meeting taste and nutritional targets for a truly enjoyable consumer experience.

Baked goods

Easy to incorporate
Water binding capacity and moisture retention help extend shelf life
Can be mixed in binder syrup to provide thickness
High viscosity delivers thickening properties and texture
Enables some fat reduction in cakes
Improves overall nutritional profile

Extruded cereals / Snacks

Easy to incorporate
Excellent format to deliver high content of oat beta-glucan and fibre
Good expansion properties
Lighter, aerated and crispy texture
No colour impact
Improves overall nutritional profile

Pasta

Easy to incorporate
Water binding
Comparable texture to regular pasta
Improves overall nutritional profile

RTM Powders

Free flowing and easy to blend
Good dispersion
Can deliver added mouthfeel
Texture may add to perception of satiety
Improves overall nutritional profile

A little product for a lot of nutrition

Our OatWell™ Bran BG28 has over 50% total fibre and 28% beta-glucan. This beta-glucan is a powerful fibre and can help achieve different health claims around the globe. For example in the US, using the heart health claim requires delivering 3g of beta-glucan/day.

Unique properties to deliver unmatched benefits from oats

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OatWell™

For over 30 years, OatWell™ has been researched to develop innovative oat products. Much of our work has focused on proving the health benefits of oat beta-glucans in order to deliver premium value to our customers.

A unique nutritional profile

Generally considered healthier and more nutritious than the other main cereals, oats offer a full range of benefits in a single ingredient. OatWell™ can be provided in three different concentrations of beta-glucans, all delivering both soluble and insoluble fibres, along with an average of 21% - 23% protein.

A proprietary production process

OatWell™ uses a unique production process to fractionate the oat kernel into three product lines: beta-glucan products, oat flours, and oat oils. Our production process preserves the native structure of oat beta-glucans, retaining their high molecular weight during fractionation into oat brans with a high amount of beta-glucans.

The importance of high molecular weight

The molecular weight of oat beta-glucan is essential to delivering health benefits. OatWell™'s beta-glucan has a very high molecular weight (2000-2500 kDa as naturally found in oats), which contributes to its unique viscosity and thickening properties. This viscosity has an important impact on physiological functions, such as reducing blood cholesterol levels, moderating blood glucose and insulin levels, and potentially benefiting satiety.

Benefits of OatWell’s high molecular weight:

Ability to effectively reduce cholesterol and maintain healthy blood sugar levels compared to low molecular weight alternatives
High viscosity – thickening properties
Excellent water-binding properties
Potential to replace fat in product formulations

Unlocking the potential of dietary fibres and oat beta-glucan

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OatWell™

Dietary fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet, promoting digestive health and providing a range of benefits that can help maintain overall wellbeing. Found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, dietary fibres are carbohydrates that cannot be digested by the body.

Nutrition Facts Label: FDA definition of “dietary fibre”

"non-digestible soluble and insoluble carbohydrates (with 3 or more monomeric units), and lignin that are intrinsic and intact in plants; isolated or synthetic non-digestible carbohydrates (with 3 or more monomeric units) determined by FDA to have physiological effects that are beneficial to human health."⁸

Soluble Fibers

Soluble fibres are dispersible in water. Fibres with high molecular weight, such as OatWell™, transform into a gel-like substance as they move through the digestive tract, where they are fermented by beneficial bacteria.⁹ This type of fibre is known to reduce cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (bad cholesterol)¹⁰, and manage blood glucose levels⁷ making it particularly beneficial for those concerned with heart health and healthy blood glucose. When soluble fibre, such as that found in Oatwell™, is digested by beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, it acts as a prebiotic.¹¹ As a result of digestion, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are released in the colon and serve as a nutrition source for the colon’s own cells.

Oat beta-glucans

One exceptional soluble fibre is beta-glucan, a natural, indigestible polysaccharide found in oats, barley, yeast, bacteria, algae, and mushrooms. Oats are particularly rich in beta-glucan, with concentrations ranging from 3-5% depending on the variety. Oat bran, produced by removing the starchy content of the grain, contains the highest concentration of beta-glucan, offering numerous health benefits for cardiovascular health⁵ ⁶, glycaemic response⁷ and the gut microbiome.⁴

Insoluble fibres

Insoluble fibres, on the other hand, do not dissolve in water as they pass through the digestive system. They help promote regular bowel movements, helping the stool pass more quickly through the intestines, which studies indicate is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.¹² By delivering both insoluble and soluble dietary fibres, including beta-glucans,¹³ OatWell™ helps meet consumer expectations for nutritious and delightful food experiences while promoting overall wellbeing. Embrace the power of these natural ingredients to create food experiences that truly resonate with today's health-conscious consumers.

Prebiotic support for the gut microbiome

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OatWell™

science

Oat fibre contributes to improved gut health by increasing faecal bulk, but there’s more to the story. OatWell™ oat bran fibre has prebiotic effects, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and propionate, which have been associated with anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties.²⁰

What is a prebiotic?

Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilised by host microorganisms that confer a health benefit. Simply put, they are food for beneficial microbes that live in the human gut. These microbes can produce short chain fatty acids, which are considered beneficial compounds. Most prebiotics are dietary fibres, but not all dietary fibres are prebiotics. Many prebiotic fibres are soluble and some are insoluble.¹¹

The prebiotic effects of oat bran fibre have been validated through years of research. In a review by Malkki and Virtanen, they cite: “in the large bowel, soluble dietary fibre increases the fermentation activity, especially production of butyric acid, enhances growth and colonisation of some probiotic bacterial strains, increases production of microbial mass and thereby aids the removal of nitrogen via faeces. It also increases wet weight of stools, thereby alleviating constipation”.²¹

Research conducted on oat beta-glucan demonstrates that it meets three important criteria, confirming its status as a prebiotic fibre:¹ ²

helps produce Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): acetate, propionate and butyrate³
increases lactic acid as well as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli³
increases faecal bulk and promotes proper gut function⁴

By nurturing the gut microbiome, OatWell™ is an ideal ally for creating healthy and delightful food experiences that optimize wellbeing from within.

Rhodiola rosea

Sustained natural resilience

A trusted adaptogen for body and mind

Benefits

Adaptogenic support for modern lifestyles

Want to know more about OatWell™'s unique characteristics?

The science behind

Rhodiola rosea

Clinically tested stress support

Rhodiola rosea

responsible sourcing

Trust built on CITES-compliant sourcing

Ancient roots of resilience

Explore our articles to learn more about

Rhodiola rosea

Why formulate

with

Rhodiola rosea

?

FAQs

We would love to hear from you!

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Our Commitment

Enhanced nutrition in any application

OatWell™ offers multiple functional benefits for food formulations, making it a versatile ingredient and allowing for fibre fortification in many applications, including bread, crackers, pastas, sweet baked goods and extruded snacks.

Designed for your formulation needs

The Oatwell™ range offers varying levels of total dietary fibre, oat beta-glucan and protein content, as well as different particle sizes. Its unique characteristics make it easy to incorporate in application while meeting taste and nutritional targets for a truly enjoyable consumer experience.

Baked goods

Extruded cereals / Snacks

Pasta

RTM Powders

A little product for a lot of nutrition

Our OatWell™ Bran BG28 has over 50% total fibre and 28% beta-glucan. This beta-glucan is a powerful fibre and can help achieve different health claims around the globe. For example in the US, using the heart health claim requires delivering 3g of beta-glucan/day.

Unique properties to deliver unmatched benefits from oats

A unique nutritional profile

A proprietary production process

The importance of high molecular weight

Unlocking the potential of dietary fibres and oat beta-glucan

Nutrition Facts Label: FDA definition of “dietary fibre”

Soluble Fibers

Oat beta-glucans

Insoluble fibres

Prebiotic support for the gut microbiome

What is a prebiotic?

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Health solutions for breakfast, Friday evening snacking, and snacking on the go!