If you ask an ordinary doctor what adaptogens are, many will recognize the meaning of the word, but probably not the mechanisms and the true nature of these plants.

It is not surprising, because the term "adaptogen" appeared only in the middle of the 20th century, while it has been actively used just for the past 15 years.

The first person who used that term was famous scientist N. V. Lazarev, when he was astonished by the effects of a new natural compound, which increased the body's resistance to stressors.

The definition of the word "adaptogen" implies several things:

• adaptogen increases the body's resistance to a wide range of "hostile" states of the organism, which include the physical, chemical or biological factors
   
• adaptogen plays the role in normalizing the body, or correcting disorders caused by stressful situations and agents
   
• adaptogen must have a non-detrimental effect on the body (if taken in the prescribed form and prescribed dose), regardless of being effective against a wide range of disorders.

Behind all these highly academic definitions is a group of plants that, in short, normalizes the body after a stressful state, or prevents such states so that they never develop again.

The mechanism of adaptogens’ action

Many think adaptogens are actually stimulants - and partly they are.

By their composition they differ from the classic stimulating substances, but the main difference is actually in their action, as shown in the chart.

Stimulants generally work on a short-term improvement of cell metabolism or an increased transmission of signals, which can be compared with a reinforced injection in the engine – they improve the short-term performance, but afterwards they cause a sharp drop in potential and a prolonged recovery period.

Adaptogens raise the potential of the body by acting on the increased synthesis of RNA in the cells. As a result we do not have a sudden drop in potential, but a slight drop until the normal body's tempo is achieved again.

 

Adaptogenic plants and their active substances

Here we will list some adaptogenic plants, which are officially recognized by science based on research and scientific papers.

The purpose of the authors of this article this time is not to indicate doses or ways of administration, because the article would be too long and would take us too far.

I hope that this article serves as a prelude to more texts for each individual adaptogen, where each of them will be described in more detail, including its extracts and dosage

Pink stonecrop (Rhodiola rosea)

I will start with this adaptogen, since of all adaptogens listed in this article, this one is the safest to use and has the most prominent adaptogenic properties.

It has various names: the golden root, arctic root or simply rhodiola. It became known in Croatia after it was first used by many athletes and fans of extreme activities.

These have used it due to its observed beneficial effects on nausea induced by altitude and extreme conditions.

Preparation made from its root is rather complex and contains many flavonoids, phenols and phenolic glycosides, which have a beneficial effect on the human body, such as the salidroside and rosavin.

Folk medicine has confirmed its beneficial effect on depression, fatigue and mental and physical exertion as well as its stimulating effect on the nervous system.

It is even mentioned in medical documents since the ancient times. More recently we have learned that rhodiola, combined with guarana, has become a frequently used herb among students while they are studying.

Because of the small number of contraindications and interactions, rhodiola is an interesting choice in extreme situations or when we need to prepare our organism.

Pink stonecrop or rhodiola is a very valuable herb with undoubted potential in adaptogenic sense.

However, it should be emphasized that this is an endemic species, and I suggest you to not pick it if you encounter it in nature - extracts on the market have enough active ingredients and are harvested in areas where there is a lot more rhodiola – we should take care of nature.

Chinese / Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) - Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicus) - American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

Ginseng is one of the most adaptogenic plants. Its extracts are obtained from the above mentioned three types of ginseng, although there are over 10 species.

Wild ginseng is actually very rare, because of which cultivated plants have been in use lately (P. notoginseng / P. pseudoginseng).

So it's a good idea to always look at the Latin name on the packaging. It is important to note that the German Commission E recognized ginseng as a tonic against weakness and fatigue, useful for convalescence and recovery of physical and mental abilities and concentration.

The literature lists it as a stimulant, which ginseng actually is, but it also has adaptogenic properties.

The power of ginseng is in the triterpene glycosides, named ginsenosides. There are over 25 types of them and their effect on the body is comprehensive.

Studies have confirmed their stimulatory anti-allergic effect, which manifests itself through the stimulation of the body to produce corticosteroids by way of the pituitary gland and through increasing adaptogenic potential of the body.

These corticosteroids are much healthier and less harmful than steroids produced by other means.

In addition, ginseng is mentioned as a tool in the fight against cancer and microorganisms; it also has protective properties against X-rays and other pathogenic effects on the body.

Since it is also a stimulant, precaution is suggested regarding doses and applications of ginseng.

Siberian ginseng - eleuterokok (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Although it shares the name with true ginseng, these plants are unrelated, although they have similar effects.

It contains a group of active substances, are called eleutherosides. In addition, this plant contains phenylpropanoids, lignans and some polysaccharides.

This plant is widely used on the territory of the former Soviet Union for treating the same conditions as the original ginseng.

It is mostly used for convalescence and recovery from strenuous physical and mental conditions, according to German Commission E.

Numerous studies have been done on this plant, showing significant potential in the fight against infection. It has been observed that this plant increases levels of T-lymphocytes in the blood (immunomodulation) and reduces blood sugar levels (hypoglycemic effect).

It is also traditionally used in to reduce fat and triglycerides. Some authors mention its potential antioxidant and anti-tumor effects, but more research is needed to confirm such claims.

For most of the described effects, biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms are not fully known.

As it appears, Siberian ginseng is slightly more powerful than his "namesake" – the real ginseng, and it also shows many new interactions and contraindications.

Its use is prohibited if you suffer from high blood pressure, or take it with other stimulants (even coffee) and medicines for certain mental states. Interaction with many cardiac and anticoagulant medications is also possible, and special caution is recommended for people who take medications to lower blood sugar .

Siberian ginseng is a very powerful adaptogen, but regarding its use, consult an expert alternative medicine physician, especially if you are taking other medications.

Ashwaganda - Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen herb growing in the north-eastern part of India.

Studies have shown it contains over 30 active ingredients, which include alkaloids, steroidal lactones and terpenoids, and iron as a nutrient. From this it is evident that ashwaganda will surely have an interesting scientific "career".

Ayurvedic medicine is a major "consumer" of this plant, mainly for musculoskeletal disorders, rheumatic changes, anti-stress activity, recovery after an illness or simply for prevention.

Since it is effective in case of exertion and sporting events, it has been used for the same purposes as the aforementioned Siberian ginseng.

Scientific studies mentioned anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, and some other effects that are still being investigated.

What matters the most is the effect ashwaganda has on the nervous system and increased resistance to stress, which is why we included it in this list.

It is not recommended to use this herb during pregnancy, because it has a slightly abortive property.

Other less known adaptogens

Schisandra / Wu Wei Zi / (Schizandra chinensis) is known in traditional Chinese medicine as a herb that protects against stress and accelerates recovery.

Dried fruit, processed in a special way, is used. Active substances are various types of schizadrines and shizandroles with hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effect.

Thick Tikvah (Bryonia alba) is a potential adaptogen whose dried roots are used. Active ingredients are terpenoids cucurbitacins, steroids and some forms of fatty acids.

Like other adaptogens, it is used primarily for physiological adaptation of the organism to stress and for its prevention. Unfortunately, the use of this herb can have serious consequences, so great caution is necessary, firstly because of the special processing of the root (which is toxic in natural, fresh form) and also with regard to dosing.

So, this plant is not really an adaptogen of first choice It is interesting that preparations made of this plant are sometimes used in homeopathy.

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is an effective herb that acts as an immunomodulator, but some other properties of this plant have been noticed, such as anti-inflammatory properties and the effect on cardiovascular system. It has a potential anticancer activity, which has been observed in some Austrian research circles.

Cat's claw preparations are also made from the roots. Regarding active substances, it contains alkaloids, triterpene molecule, sterols and proanthocyanidins. In folk medicine it has been used for treating rheumatism, indigestion, gastritis and for treating wounds. It also effects the menstrual cycle and is used as a contraceptive. This herb is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women.

What to say in the end...

...except that the adaptogens are an extremely useful and interesting group of plants, which may have a place in our lives, especially if we are exposed to stress and significant mental and physical efforts.

My personal experience with adaptogens are good, especially with rhodiola, which I continue to use.

I think the time of adaptogens is yet to come, and data on the growth of consumption in Western countries support this claim.

Adaptogens belong to the group of medicinal substances that protect us - so think about protection against adverse effects from your environment. Of course, always consult with a professional.

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