Rhodiola Rosea for Mental and Physical Fatigue

A Randomized Trial of Rhodiola Rosea for Mental and Physical Fatigue in Nurses

The primary objective of this trial is to assess whether Rhodiola rosea improves fatigue when compared to placebo in nurses involved in shift work.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fourth year nursing students enrolled in NURS 495 (Nursing Practice)
• Participating in permanent overnight (between 11 pm and 7 am) or rotating shift work
• otherwise healthy
• consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• nurses aged 18 years or younger
• breastfeeding or pregnant women, as confirmed by a blood test
• female participants with child bearing potential not practicing a form of birth control throughout the trial
• presence of a primary medical condition associated with fatigue (e.g. cardiac, gastrointestinal, respiratory, renal, rheumatologic, or oncologic disease)
• presence of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia, eating disorders, insomnia or substance abuse
• presence of diabetes
• concurrent utilization of hypoglycaemic or agents for raising or lowering blood pressure
• known allergy or hypersensitivity to Rhodiola rosea or Sedum family extracts or pollen
• know allergy to microcrystalline cellulose or silicone dioxide
• concurrent utilization of stimulant drug such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), methamphetamine (Desoxyn) and pemoline (Cylert)
• concurrent utilization of other rhodiola or ginseng products (both fall in the same therapeutic category known as an "adaptogen")
• any significant medical condition
• any neurological or mental health condition
• taking medication that has central nervous system effects
• aged 55 years or older
• low blood pressure or history of significant dizziness