Highlight
- Adaptogens are substances that promote balanced, healthy, and optimal physiological functions.
- Some common sources of adaptogens include ginseng, ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushroom, cordyceps mushroom, goji berry, Rhodiola rosea, and holy basil.
- They are also called stress vaccines.
- Benefits of adaptogens include improving cognitive abilities, stimulating the central nervous system, antidepressant effects, and anti-fatigue effects.
- Adaptogens work by preparing & training the cells to adapt to the internal changes that our body faces during stressful events.
- They activate the defense systems that help us fight against the side effects of stress.
- Different types of adaptogenic herbs may contain different benefits.
- Adaptogens are generally safe to be consumed by anyone. Side effects very rarely occur when taken according to the recommendations.
- Consider taking adaptogens if you’re dealing with a lot of stress in your daily life.
1. Introduction
Adaptogens are quite the rave these days. With its claimed benefits to help with stress and mental capacity, this plant-based ingredient has gained its popularity among many health enthusiasts. What exactly is adaptogen? And should you consider consuming it?
2. What are adaptogens? 1
Adaptogen can be defined as compounds used in herbal medicine with the alleged purpose of promoting a healthy state and stabilising physiological processes. In some cases, they may also be defined as substances that help to increase human’s resistance to biological stress.
Adaptogens can originate from plants, herbs, or mushrooms. Some of the most common ones you can find in the market are ashwagandha, ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, goji berry, lion’s mane mushroom, cordyceps mushroom, and holy basil.
Different sources have their own unique adaptogenic effects but in general, they all play a role in optimizing our brain and body health. You may find adaptogen in many forms including in tea, powder, and capsules. Some multivitamins and sports supplement may even incorporate adaptogens in their blend.
3. Benefits of adaptogens 2
Adaptogens are usually associated with improved brain functions. Some of the benefits exhibited by them are:
- Neuroprotective effect
- Anti-fatigue effect
- Antidepressant effect
- Nootropic – ability to improve mental capacity & cognitive ability
- Stimulating the central nervous system (CNS)
- Increases mental-work capacity
- Calming effect
Generally, they help to optimize our brain function which then promotes the optimization of our overall health. Due to this, adaptogens are often taken to help people manage their stress.
4. Do they work & are they safe? 3
Adaptogens have been shown to be beneficial for health in numerous humans and animals studies over a few decades ago. Although, there’s always room for more research in order to further test its efficacy and benefits.
In many cases of adaptogen studies and usage, it is very rare for side effects to occur upon consumption. Moreover, the use of adaptogen was shown to not cause any addiction or resistance over a long course of usage. Be sure to follow the intake recommendations suggested by the manufacturer or experts for the best result.
5. How do adaptogens work? 2
Studies have shown that adaptogen may exert its effects via the via the mediators involved in stress regulation and via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) – the pathways involved in stress regulation.
When we undergo biological stress, our body activates pathways that lead to the secretion of many enzymes/ But not all of them are meant to protect us. Some of the enzymes will disrupt our normal cellular function by:
- Increasing the production of free radicals.
- Suppressing the production of ATP – our source of cellular energy
- Disrupting the cortisol (stress hormone) pathway, causing cortisol to build up in our system. Increased cortisol level is associated with impaired cognitive function and depression.
- Suppressing the production of Hsp70, a type of protein that repairs damaged proteins.
As a result, our body now functions at a below-optimal level. The depletion in energy supply is the reason why we get tired after going through a stressful event even though we barely did any strenuous physical tasks. If prolonged, this can impair our immune system & cause many health issues.
When taken, adaptogens activate a defense mechanism that trains our cells to adapt to the stressors. They mildly activate our stress system – but we won’t even feel it! – in order to prepare us for a more severe stress. When the actual stressful event occurs, our body will be ready to face it and the negative side effects of the stress will become less apparent to us.
This unique mechanism of adaptogen is what makes it called a stress vaccine!
6. How to take adaptogens?
With that being said, adaptogens need to be taken consistently for some period of time for it to exert its optimal benefits. In fact, it is advised to start taking adaptogen a few days or weeks prior to an event that you know might cause you some extent of pressure.
In most countries, adaptogens are categorized as functional food, not medicine or supplements. Therefore, there is generally no specific guideline on the amount and the methods of consumption. It all comes down to the form it came in and what does the manufacturer recommend on their packaging.
You may actually find adaptogenic plants in their original form (fresh or dried).
But if you’re new to adaptogens, we would recommend taking them in their processed form – powder, tea, capsule, or pills.
This is not to say that fresh herbs are any less effective or less safe for you. Commercially processed adaptogens are generally easier to take because they are already packed in a form that allows you to have control over how much of it you’re consuming. They are also much more convenient to take and most of the time, do not contain unpleasant taste or smell.
7. Conclusion
Many methods of stress management can be quite tedious and time consuming. Some may even require you to change or force a new habit altogether. For many people, those kinds of changes may not be attainable or sustainable.
In this case, consider taking adaptogens. In fact, they can still be beneficial for you even if you’re not dealing with a lot of stress daily. We recommend trying out Reimagene’s personalized nutrition blend that contains adaptogenic ingredients and is made uniquely for you based on your personal health needs.
References:
- “Reflection Paper on the Adaptogenic Concept” (PDF). (2008)European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products.
- Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of ADAPTOGENS on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with Their stress—protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188–224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3010188
- Panossian, A., & Wagner, H. (2005). Stimulating effect of adaptogens: An overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration. Phytotherapy Research, 19(10), 819–838. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1751