Herbal Remedy for Improving the Performance of Football Players?

This study was aimed at determining whether four weeks of Rhodiola rosea (RHO) supplementation improves intermittent exercise performance, post-exercise blood lactate concentrations, and decision-making under fatigue in competitive football players. Twenty-four male competitive football players completed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 4-week intervention (RHO vs. placebo). Outcomes included Yo-Yo IR2, repeated-sprint ability (RSA), post-RSA blood lactate (0, 3, 5 min), football-specific technical tests (passing and shooting), a video-based decision-making task (reaction time and accuracy), GPS-derived match running metrics, countermovement jump (CMJ), foot tapping (TAP), and haematological markers.

Yo-Yo IR2 performance significantly improved in the RHO group (p = 0.012) and was superior to the placebo group (p = 0.046). For RSA, mean sprint time improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention in the RHO group (p = 0.017), whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group. Post-intervention, mean sprint time was significantly better in RHO than placebo (p = 0.041), with no between-group difference observed at baseline. Best sprint time showed no between-group difference (p = 0.723). Post-exercise blood lactate concentrations were significantly lower in RHO than placebo at 0, 3, and 5 min (all p < 0.05). Under fatigue, the RHO group demonstrated faster reaction time (p = 0.042) and higher decision accuracy (p = 0.049) than placebo. Additionally, the RHO group showed significant pre- to post-intervention improvements in passing and shooting performance (p < 0.05), with between-group differences observed only for short-pass performance. Match total and high-speed running distances were higher in RHO, accompanied by increases in haemoglobin and haematocrit (p < 0.05).

The authors concluded that four weeks of Rhodiola rosea supplementation enhanced high-intensity intermittent performance and decision-making under fatigue, with findings suggesting improved performance maintenance rather than increased peak sprint capacity.

Rhodiola rosea is a perennial flowering plant that grows in cold, high-altitude regions of Europe and Asia. It allegedly functions as an adaptogen—a natural substance that helps the body “adapt” to stressors. The plant contains bioactive compounds like rosavins and salidrosides. These are thought to modulate the body’s stress response system and increase the efficiency of energy production in the mitochondria. Rhodiola is also believed to prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, helping athletes keep their “head in the game” even when their legs are tired.

As we will soon see the start of the World Cup, some will ask whether professional players can legally use this method to enhance their performance. As of the 2026 WADA Prohibited List (which governs FIFA and the World Cup), Rhodiola rosea is not a banned substance. It is categorized as a dietary supplement or herbal aid. Yet, even though it is legal, elite players should be careful for two reasons:

• Cross-Contamination: Many herbal supplements are manufactured in facilities that also handle banned stimulants. If a “legal” Rhodiola pill is contaminated with a trace amount of a banned substance, the player still faces a ban.
• The “Monitoring Program”: WADA often puts substances on a “Monitoring Program” list before banning them. While Rhodiola isn’t currently there, caffeine (which was once banned) is a reminder that the rules for natural stimulants can shift over time.

So, would I advise World Cup footballers to take Rhodiola rosea?

No – not so much because of the reasons just mentioned, but because the findings of the above-quoted tiny study obviously require independent replication before we can take them seriously.