Herbal edge? rhodiola rosea may improve football fitness and focus
NCT ID NCT07366320
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether taking Rhodiola rosea extract for four weeks can improve physical fitness, muscle performance, and decision-making in competitive male football players. Twenty-four players were randomly assigned to receive either the supplement or a placebo while continuing their regular training. Researchers measured endurance, sprint speed, jump height, reaction time, and blood markers before and after the trial to see if the herb made a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Rhodiola rosea extract (dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could suggest a natural supplement to help athletes perform better and recover faster during intense training.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 24 male players, so results may not apply to others. Supplements can have side effects or interact with other products.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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24 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Finished
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Oct 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 30 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Male competitive football players aged 18-30 years * Regular participation in structured football training (≥3 sessions per week) * Free from musculoskeletal injury for at least 3 months prior to the study * Not using any nutritional supplements or ergogenic aids for at least 4 weeks before enrollment * Willing to maintain habitual diet and training throughout the study * Provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, or endocrine disease * Use of Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, or other performance-enhancing supplements within the past 4 weeks * Current smoking or substance abuse * Known allergy to herbal supplements * Any injury or illness that could affect physical performance or safe participation
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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China Football Institute, Beijing Sport University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100084, China