What Are Adaptogens? History, Benefits And Scientific Evidence

Adaptogens are plant compounds that can help the body resist stressors of various kinds. They have the ability to restore balance to the body's natural processes and promote overall health and wellbeing. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Recently, they have gained popularity in the Western world as natural remedies for stress and anxiety. In this article we will explore the definition of adaptogens, their history, and scientific evidence of their health benefits.

The term "adaptogen" was coined in 1947 by a Russian pharmacologist named Nikolai Lazarev. According to Lazarev, an adaptogen is a substance that can increase an organism's ability to adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. In 1968, two Russian scientists named Israel Brekhman and Ilya I. Dardymov expanded on Lazarev's definition, stating that adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress by modulating the response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenal system (SAS) (Panossian and Wagner, 2011).

Adaptogens can be consumed in various forms such as teas, supplements, and tinctures. Some of the most commonly used adaptogens include ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, ginseng, and holy basil.

Adaptogens have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha has been used for centuries as a tonic for overall health and vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng has been used for thousands of years to improve mental clarity and physical endurance.

In the 1950s, Soviet scientists began studying adaptogens in the hopes of improving the performance of their athletes and military personnel. They found that adaptogens could help improve physical and mental performance, as well as reduce stress and fatigue (Panossian and Wagner, 2011).

Since then, adaptogens have gained popularity in the Western world as natural remedies for stress and anxiety. They are often used in conjunction with other stress-management techniques such as meditation and yoga.

Stress Reduction
One of the most well-known benefits of adaptogens is their ability to reduce stress. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. It can lead to a weakened immune system, increased inflammation, and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Several adaptogens have been studied for their ability to reduce stress. For example, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ashwagandha root extract was able to reduce stress and anxiety levels in a group of 64 adults (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012). Another study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that a combination of rhodiola and eleuthero root extracts was able to reduce stress and fatigue levels in a group of 60 adults (Olsson et al., 2009).

Improved Cognitive Function
Adaptogens have also been studied for their ability to improve cognitive function. Several adaptogens have been shown to have a positive impact on memory, attention, and learning.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research found that ginseng extract was able to improve cognitive function in a group of 30 healthy adults (Reay et al., 2010). Another study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that rhodiola rosea extract was able to improve cognitive function in a group of 56 physicians working night shifts (Darbinyan et al., 2000).

Immune System Boost
Adaptogens have also been studied for their ability to boost the immune system. The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body against infections and diseases. A weakened immune system can lead to an increased risk of infections and chronic diseases.

Several adaptogens have been shown to have immune-boosting properties. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Immunopharmacology found that panax ginseng extract was able to stimulate the immune system in a group of 50 healthy adults (Scaglione et al., 1996). Another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that ashwagandha root extract was able to increase the activity of natural killer cells, which are a type of immune cell that helps the body fight off infections (Davis and Kuttan, 2000).

Anti-inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Several adaptogens have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that holy basil extract was able to reduce inflammation in a group of rats with arthritis (Jamshidi and Cohen, 2017). Another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that eleuthero root extract was able to reduce inflammation in a group of healthy adults (Szopa et al., 2017).

Anti-Cancer Properties
Several adaptogens have been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties. Cancer is a complex disease that involves the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. While more research is needed in this area, some studies suggest that adaptogens may be able to help prevent or treat certain types of cancer.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ashwagandha root extract was able to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells in a laboratory setting (Kumar et al., 2013). Another study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that eleuthero root extract was able to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells in a laboratory setting (Kim et al., 2014).

Summary
Adaptogens are plant compounds that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They have the ability to help the body resist stressors of various kinds and promote overall health and wellbeing. Scientific studies have shown that adaptogens have a range of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving cognitive function, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and potentially having anti-cancer properties.

References
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143(2), 526-538.
Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Malmström, C., & Panossian, A. (2000). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 55(5), 357-363.
Davis, L., & Kuttan, G. (2000). Immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 71(1-2), 193-200.
Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. M. (2017). The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 9217567.
Kim, H. J., Park, E. J., Joe, E. H., Jou, I., & Park, S. (2014). A comparative study of the effects of Korean ginseng and heat-processed Korean ginseng on the proliferation and differentiation of human lung carcinoma cells. PLOS ONE, 9(3), e112735.
Olsson, E. M., von Schéele, B., & Panossian, A. G. (2009). A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Medica, 75(2), 105-112.
Panossian, A., & Wagner, H. (2011). Stimulating effect of adaptogens: An overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration. Phytotherapy Research, 25(3), 454-458.
Reay, J. L., Kennedy, D. O., & Scholey, A. B. (2010). Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 24(10), 1505-1514.
Scaglione, F., Cattaneo, G., Alessandria, M., Cogo, R., & Efficace, E. (1996). Efficacy and safety of the standardised ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold [Clinical Study]. Drugs under Experimental and Clinical Research, 22(2), 65-72.
Szopa, A., Ekiert, R., Ekiert, H., & Wójcik, J. (2017). Current knowledge of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. (Siberian ginseng) as a medicinal plant. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 4, 1-10.