Rhodiola Supplements on the US Market Have Quality Problems
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/8/2026
Rhodiola rosea supplements sold in the U.S. vary wildly in quality. Some contain heavy metals and pesticide residues.
Testing Supplements on Store Shelves
A 2026 study in PLoS One tested Rhodiola rosea supplements available on the U.S. market for biomarkers (active ingredients), heavy metals, and pesticide residues. Quality varied dramatically between products. Some had very little of the active ingredient. Others contained measurable levels of contaminants.
Rhodiola is a popular adaptogenic herb sold for stress, energy, and mood. But the supplement industry is barely regulated. What's on the label doesn't always match what's in the bottle.
What You Can Do
Choose supplements that carry third-party testing seals (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab). Don't buy the cheapest option. Check for transparency in sourcing and testing. Browse non-toxic home essentials for products you can trust.
Source: Authors (2026). PLoS One.