Golden root may give lifters a small edge in the gym and at work

This study looked at whether taking Rhodiola rosea (golden root) for one week can improve exercise performance and thinking skills in healthy adults who already lift weights regularly. Twenty-seven men and women tried a low dose, a high dose, a placebo, and a no-capsule control in random order. On the last day of each week, they did strength tests, a cycling sprint, and a word-color test to measure focus. The goal was to see if the herb provides small but real benefits for strength, endurance, and mental sharpness.