Does Rhodiola Rosea Help Erectile Dysfunction?
Rhodiola is sold as a natural fix for erections, but the evidence is thin. Here is what the trials show, who should avoid it and what works instead.
Written and medically reviewed by:
Key Takeaways
No. Rhodiola has not been shown to treat erectile dysfunction, and the small studies behind the claims are unreliable. Data on how it interacts with other medicines are very limited, so check with a pharmacist before taking it alongside any medicine.
No, there is no good evidence that rhodiola rosea treats erectile dysfunction (ED). It is a herbal remedy traditionally used for stress-related tiredness. It is not licensed or registered in the UK for erections, and the few small studies that mention sexual function are too weak to rely on.
What rhodiola may do#
Rhodiola rosea, also called golden root, is an Arctic plant. Its root is sold as an "adaptogen", meaning something said to help the body cope with stress. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) herbal monograph only allows one traditional use: short-term relief of stress symptoms such as tiredness and feeling weak. That use rests on long history, not on strong trials. The EMA has also said the clinical trials it reviewed had considerable quality problems.
The idea behind ED is indirect. Stress and anxiety can make erections harder, so a herb that eases stress might help. That is a theory. Nobody has shown that rhodiola improves blood flow to the penis or that it fixes ED from any cause.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
The two trials people quote#
You may see claims that 26 of 35 men improved after 3 months, or that 75% of 40 people reported better "sexual performance" after 1 month. Neither is a good test of ED.
The first trial mixed men with ED and men with premature ejaculation, so you cannot tell which problem improved. The second does not say whether anyone had ED, or even whether all the participants were men. It was also run to support a patent for a rhodiola product. Both are small, and neither tells you what you would get from a tablet off the shelf.
If you feel less tired or less anxious on rhodiola, that is a separate benefit. It does not mean your erections will improve.
Is it safe, and what are you buying?#
Rhodiola is not harmless just because it is natural. Reliable safety data are limited, and very little is known about how it interacts with other medicines. If you have bipolar disorder, speak to your GP before taking it. If you take any prescribed medicine, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
This matters if you are also using an ED medicine. Sildenafil and tadalafil must not be taken with nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate) or with nicorandil, which are used for angina, because blood pressure can drop dangerously. This applies whether or not you also take a herb. Tell your pharmacist about any herbal product you use before combining it with an ED medicine.
Product quality varies a lot. Only some rhodiola products carry a traditional herbal registration (THR) from the MHRA, which means the quality and safety were checked. Look for the THR number on the pack. Many others are sold as food supplements, where the strength of the active compounds (rosavins and salidroside) can differ from one brand to the next.
Be very wary of anything online sold as "herbal Viagra". The MHRA has warned that some of these products contain hidden prescription drugs. You can report a suspected side effect from any herbal product through the Yellow Card scheme.
Other herbs get the same sort of claims. Our guide to maca root for men looks at another popular one.
Got questions? Speak to a pharmacist on WhatsApp now
Prefer to browse first? View treatments
What to try instead#
ED is often an early sign of heart disease, diabetes or low testosterone, so it is worth having it checked rather than trying herbs for months. NICE guidance for GPs recommends looking at heart risk, blood pressure and lifestyle first. It also suggests talking therapy when stress or anxiety plays a part.
Sildenafil is the usual first medicine. In the UK you can get it on prescription, or buy Viagra Connect from a pharmacist after a short check. Tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil are alternatives, and they have far stronger evidence than any herb. These medicines are not suitable for everyone, and they must not be taken with nitrates or nicorandil. If you would like to see how licensed treatments work, our ED treatment page explains the options.
NHS Talking Therapies can help if worry or low mood is behind the problem. Cutting back on alcohol, stopping smoking, losing weight and exercising more also help erections.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Medical Information: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
