Rhodiola rosea

As endangered species now on the CITES list - importance for the industry & alternatives

The root of Rhodiola rosea, also known as rose root, is considered a traditional remedy worldwide. It is harvested throughout Europe and Asia and is one of the 40 best-selling herbal supplements in regular retail.

However, the increasing demand for the plant has led to the over-exploitation of the wild population. This can have far-reaching consequences for the ecosystem because Rhodiola rosea grows slowly and has a low germination and dispersal rate.

As a result, Rhodiola rosea was listed as an endangered species at the recent CITES conference late last year. The requirements for legal trade under CITES are growing and would demand significant capacity on the part of suppliers. Although cultivation areas already exist to become independent of the plant's wild stock, this development has significant implications for the dietary supplement market. 

Effect of Rhodiola rosea


Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic plant. It contains secondary plant substances that can support the human organism in physical and/or psychological-emotional stress situations. As the name suggests (English: "to adapt"), these substances help regulate the body's own mechanisms. 

Possible alternatives: other adaptogenic plants

The use of other adaptogenic plants offers a good alternative to Rhodiola rosea for companies in the dietary supplement market. These include herbs, vital mushrooms or traditional medicinal plants. They, too, can bring about the desired positive effect on health in the human organism. 

These include:

Since we do not want to contribute to endangered species becoming even more endangered, we are still offering our stock for sale now and will offer more alternative adaptogenic plants in the future.

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Maitake
Effect & Application