Demand for products formulated with rhodiola rosea has been increasing, with forms of the herb in trade including dry extracts in solid dosage forms such as capsules and tablets, liquid extracts, cut, dried rhizome and root, and powdered rhizome and root. The traditional primary health uses of the herb include stress, mental and physical fatigue, depression, and to boost energy.
The ‘Journal of Ethnopharmacology’ wrote: “The level of illegal harvesting in protected areas and cross border smuggling is increasing annually coupled with increasing incidences of adulteration and substitution of R. rose with other wild Rhodiola species, potentially negatively impacting the conservation status of their wild populations, but also an indicator of scarcity of the genuine product.”