Adaptogensare active compounds believed to help your body adapt to stress.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
What Are the Benefits of Adaptogens?
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
They have become more popular in the Western world in more recent history.
The overarching use of adaptogens is to achieve homeostasis.
Researchers believe that adaptogens can do this by targeting a variety of tissues and organs in the body.
Adaptogens allegedly have a long list of benefits, but not all are supported by strong scientific evidence.
Studies have been performed on the following adaptogens.
According to one review,P.
ginsengis a relatively safe herbal remedy with numerous potential benefits.
The possible benefits ofP.
ginsenginclude:
Unfortunately, many of the health claims surroundingP.
ginsenghave not been proven through human trials.
More research is needed.
The ashwagandha root is thought to be neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory.
As an adaptogen,R.
roseais mostly used to treat various forms of stress, including physical and biological stress.
Some researchers believe thatR.
Other Adaptogen Sources
There are many different adaptogens, each said to have its own specific action.
Do your research and talk with a healthcare provider before using an adaptogen.
How Do Adaptogens Work in the Body?
There are three criteria that a plant or substance must meet to be classified as an adaptogen.
These include:
Because adaptogens work nonspecifically, their mechanism of action is not completely understood.
Natural adaptogens from plants are thought to target thehypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axisas well as certain stress mediators.
Adaptogens are most commonly used to treat different types of stress.
Stress is considered a physical and emotional reaction.
Stress can be precipitated by an external event, environmental condition, or a chemical or biological agent.
Stress triggers the body to release certain hormones that produce the fight-or-flight response, thus resulting in physiological changes.
Stress is a normal occurrence from time to time.
But problems can arise if stress becomeschronic.
Stress can also be a part of various health conditions.
Adaptogens may be beneficial for all types of stress.
They are believed to activate certain cell signals that increase adaptability, resilience, and even survival.
This means that adaptogens may work directly on the HPA axis to regulate stress hormones as they are secreted.
Are Adaptogens Effective?
When it comes to the effectiveness of adaptogens, much of the evidence is anecdotal.
There is limited scientific evidence that supports many of the health claims of adaptogens.
Despite these positive findings, more research must be done to prove the efficacy of adaptogens.
Adaptogens come in a wide variety of supplement forms, including capsules, powders, drinks, andtinctures.
you could also use dried or fresh adaptogen herbs.
Some manufactured foods and drinks contain adaptogen compounds.
For example, some brands make adaptogen coffee or hot chocolate.
There are also online recipes for making your own adaptogen-rich foods and drinks.
These organizations evaluate a products level of purity and quality.
A seal from an independent organization means you don’t have to worry about contaminants in your product.
This puts the responsibility on the consumer to ensure they are buying products that are pure and safe.
Side Effects of Adaptogens
There is always a risk of side effects when using herbs or supplements.
Research shows that plant adaptogens are not associated with serious side effects.
There are few studies that have examined the safety of taking specific adaptogens over long periods.
This means the full safety profiles of most adaptogens are not known.
However, some adaptogens have been more thoroughly researched than others, includingP.
P. ginsengmay cause:
For some people, ashwagandha use may lead to:
In rare cases,R.
roseahas been linked to dizziness,dry mouth, or excessive saliva.
Be sure to discuss potential interactions with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before using adaptogens.
Talk with a knowledgeable healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting adaptogens.
2020;11. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00349
MedlinePlus.Eleuthero.
2017;2017:9217567. doi:10.1155/2017/9217567
- Das G, Shin HS, Leyva-Gomez G, et al.Cordyceps spp.
a review on its immune-stimulatory and other biological potentials.Front Pharmacol.
2022;15(3):345. doi:10.3390/ph15030345
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Asian ginseng.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ashwagandha.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Rhodiola.
Understanding the Stress Response.
2017;4:2. doi:10.31922/disc4.2
Cleveland Clinic.Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine.Updated August 15, 2018.
