Short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation improves premenstrual symptoms, reaction time, and perceived exertion in female taekwondo athletes: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Premenstrual symptoms may negatively influence psychological readiness, cognitive-motor performance, and perceived exertion in female athletes. Rhodiola rosea (RR) is an adaptogenic herb that has been investigated for its potential effects on fatigue, stress tolerance, mood, and exercise-related outcomes. However, its effects on premenstrual symptoms and performance-related responses in female athletes remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term RR supplementation during the estimated symptomatic premenstrual phase on premenstrual symptoms, peripheral serum serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations, reaction time, perceived exertion, and aerobic performance-related indices in female taekwondo athletes with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).