Adaptogens

What are Adaptogens?

Simply put, adaptogens help the body and mind to adapt, adjust itself in stressful surroundings. As an example, they can help calm in times of stress and bring calm to a racing mind. They can give clarity when everything around is in turmoil. They can restore energy when we are tired.

Consequently, the body better cope with the damaging mental and physical consequences of stress.

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng), Rhodiola rosea, and Panax ginseng are classic adaptogens.

Others include Ocimum sanctum (Sweet Holy Basil or Tulsi), Withania somnifera (Ashwaghanda), Astragalus propinquus, Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom), and many others.

They were initially defined as substances that enhance the “state of non-specific resistance” in stress, a physiological condition that is linked with various disorders of the neuroendocrine-immune system.

The neuroendocrine system responds to external elements, such as temperature, pain, and stress. In contrast, the immune system responds to exposure to bacteria, viruses, and tissue trauma.

Adoptagens Properties

Studies on animals and isolated neuronal cells have revealed that adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, antidepressive, anxiolytic, nootropic and CNS stimulating activity.

In addition, a number of clinical trials demonstrate that adaptogens exert an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental work capacity against a background of stress and fatigue, particularly in tolerance to mental exhaustion and enhanced attention. [1]

Moreover, adaptogens have not only specific therapeutic effects in some stress-induced and stress-related disorders, but will also have an impact on the quality of life of patients when added to standard therapy of many chronic diseases and mental conditions. [2]

Another study concluded that the combination of Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract, Schisandra chinensis berry extract, Rhodiola rosea root extract increased tolerance and adaptation to stress. [3]