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Adaptogens are a class of herbs known to influence the body’s response to physical, biochemical, chemical and psychological stressors. Known for their calming energy, they have been shown to restore homeostasis, prevent adrenal burnout, increase vitality and energy, combat the effects of aging, regulate blood sugar, enhance the effectiveness of the liver, increase cellular energy, help the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently and provide an increased sense of psychological and physical well-being.
According to the World Health Organization, stress has become the epidemic of the 21st century. Only 50 years ago, the term “stress” was not part of the everyday vocabulary as it is today. We are moving faster, processing more information and increasing the demand on our minds and bodies from excessive vibration, radiation and environmental toxins. Researchers estimate that between 60-90% of all illnesses are stress-related. When stress becomes chronic, there is a continual release of cortisol resulting in inflammation, a lowered immunity, impaired mental clarity and the “belly fat” syndrome. Adaptogens can help us to withstand the diverse stresses of today. Here are a few of my favorites.
Eleuthero Eleutherococcus senticosus
Formerly known as Siberian ginseng, eleuthero is indigenous to Siberia and northeastern China, where it has been used for over 2,000 years as a longevity tonic to increase vitality, energy and resistance to stress. Eleuthero is the most-studied of the adaptogens with over 35 years of intense clinical and practical research. It has been used by millions of Russians daily, including the Russian olympic team, by cosmonauts to adapt to the radically different conditions in outer space and as a treatment for radiation exposure after the Chernobyl accident.
Some reported benefits of Eleuthera include psychological and physical well-being, blood sugar regulation, protection against environmental toxins, enhances effectiveness of liver prevents adrenal burnout, boosts concentration, memory and focus, chemo and radiation protective and DNA repair. It has also been used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and minor depression.
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Ashwaganda is the most frequently prescribed tonic herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is native toIndia, Africa and the Middle East. Often referred to as “Indian ginseng,” Ashwaganda has been studied with great interest by medical researchers and is reputed to increase energy and endurance, promote longevity, calm the mind, enhance mental function, support sexual vitality (including impotence), strengthen immune function, reduce brain-cell degeneration, regulate blood sugar, encourage restful sleep and help the body overcome imbalances caused by mental or physical stress, poor diet, environmental toxins or lack of sleep.
Scientific studies support ashwagandha’s ability to protect brain cells against the effects of anxiety and depression. Oral administration of ashwagandha showed anxiety-relieving effects similar to those achieved by the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam (Ativan®) and antidepressant effects similar to those of the prescription antidepressant drug imipramine (Tofranil®). Ashwagandha is showing promise as an alternative treatment for a variety of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. (lef.org) A recent analysis showed that ashwagandha extract inhibited the growth of human breast, lung, and colon cancer cell lines in the laboratory. The results were comparable to those achieved with the common cancer chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (Caelyx®, Myocet®). In fact, researchers reported that withaferin A, a specific compound extracted from ashwagandha, was more effective than doxorubicin in inhibiting breast and colon cancer cell growth. Scientists in India recently conducted cell studies showing that ashwagandha extract disrupts cancer cells’ ability to reproduce—a key step in fighting cancer. (lef.org)
Rhodiola Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola has been used for hundreds of years in Russia and Scandinavia where it is commonly prescribed for treating fatigue, improving work performance, alleviating depression and improving resistance to both physical and psychological stress. The Soviets studied rhodiola extensively, in part to evaluate its potential benefits for military personnel and athletes participating in international competition.
In the brain stem, rhodiola compounds stimulate the release dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin into ascending pathways that activate the cerebral cortex. The stimulant effect then moves to the prefrontal cortex, where it contributes to memory functions.
Rhodiola has demonstrated a remarkable ability to enhance cellular energy metabolism, which decreases with age and causes most degenerative diseases. Co-Q10 is popular for this same reason. In research trials, rhodiola has been shown to boost brain function and have anti-cancer effects. It is nourishing to the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular and reproductive systems, as well as mental and emotional health. Promotes energy, stamina and endurance, improves athletic performance and endurance. Rhodiola is calming to the emotional system while energizing the brain’s cognitive functions.
Maca Lepidium meyenii
Maca grows in central Peru in the high plateaus of the Andes mountains and has been cultivated as a vegetable crop in Peru for at least 3000 years. It was highly prized by Incan warriors to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue. Because of its perceived value, Maca was used by the Inca as a form of currency.
Maca contains 55 phytochemicals that are known to have vitality-enhancing effects in the body. The plant provides vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, D and is rich in minerals (with high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, silica, manganese, copper and zinc) and also contains potassium, phosphorus, thiamine and riboflavin.
Maca has been used for anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), insomnia, depression and enhancing energy, stamina, athletic performance and memory. Women use maca for hormone imbalance, menstrual problems and symptoms of menopause. Maca was also shown effective in the prevention of estrogen deficient bone loss.
Schisandra Berries Schisandra chinensis
Schisandra has been used safely for thousands of years as a tonic and anti-aging substance. It has been an official drug in the Russian Pharmacopeia since 1961 and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Laboratory experiments coupled with clinical trials in China confirm that schisandra helps improve brain efficiency, increase work capacity, mildly stimulate the central nervous system, improve reflexes, build strength and increase endurance in healthy individuals. It is also said to help to energize RNA and DNA molecules to rebuild cells. Research attributes the herb’s medicinal effects to more than forty compounds known as lignans called schisandrins. The Chinese have developed a liver-protecting drug called DBD that is made from schisandrin. Nutritional components of schisandra include vitamins A, C and E, niacin, beta-carotene and several minerals.
Modern science has supported schisandra’s liver-protecting and strengthening capabilities, which are essential to detoxifying the body and regulating blood sugar and hormone levels. It been found to be effective in protecting the liver from chemical damage, treating viral and chemical-induced hepatitis and providing protection against the progression of cirrhosis into liver cancer. Studies have demonstrated its ability to make the enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, which deactivates several kinds of toxic free radicals that attack the outer membranes of the liver cells. This substance is believed to offset damage done by the liver by chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol, HIV and AIDS.
In a human in-vitro study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Schizandra was shown to inhibit cancer cell growth for cancers such as leukemia. In animal studies, heart muscle damage caused by chemotherapy, can be improved with the use of Schizandra extract.
By supporting the adrenals and hormone balance within the body, it is also helpful for premenstrual syndrome or PMS. It contains phytoestrogens that may help women going through menopause to treat cardiovascular disease. Schisandra has also been used for improving vision, protecting against radiation, preventing motion sickness, preventing infection, boosting energy at the cellular level, counteracting the effects of sugar, and improving the health of the adrenal glands.
Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) Polygonum multiform
Fo-Ti, an ancient Chinese herb, is a member of the buckwheat family and a premier yin tonic in Ayeurvedic medicine. It has been used for centuries in China to rejuvenate the body, combat premature aging, counteract fatigue and exhaustion and promote longevity. Animal studies have shown that Fo-Ti enhances adrenocortical function and creates positive changes in life expectancy. It has a rejuvenating influence on the endocrine glands, strengthens the kidneys and liver, purifies the blood, enhances energy by boosting testosterone levels and helps to maintain strength and vigor. It has been shown to normalize blood sugar levels and can be beneficial for both hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Fo-Ti root has been shown in animal and/or human studies to have anti-tumour, anti-pyretic, sedative, anti-progestational, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, hypotensive and vasodilatory effects.
Fo-Ti root has been shown to increase the body’s production of superoxide dismutase, which can prevent DNA damage which is the fundamental cause of all aging. Interestingly, the Fo-Ti root has a vine that spirals and coils much like how the double helix of human DNA.
Administration
Adaptogenic herbs can be taken as a tea, in capsules or as a concentrated tincture. Some people begin to feel its effects in just a few days, while others require as much as three weeks. Clinical studies show that most people experience its full benefits in 30-40 days. For optimal benefit, adaptogens should be taken for a minimum of three months and can safely be taken indefinitely (see contraindications).
Contraindications
Pregnant or nursing women should not use Schisandra as it is a uterine stimulant. High doses of Ashwaghanda may have have steroidal activity similar to Creatine. Rhodiola is appropriate for depression, but it is not recommended for bipolar disorder.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. If you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medication, consult your medical practitioner before taking any supplements. Not recommended for children.
References
Hobbs, Christopher, L.Ac., A.H.G. Herbal Adaptogens: Fitting into the Modern Age. http://www.christopherhobbs.com
Tuttle, Dave. Rhodiola: The Cellular Energy-Boosting Herb. www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/feb2006_report_rhodiola_01.htm
Kilham, Chris. Rodiola Rosea. http://www.medicinehunter.com/rhodiola
Kilham, Chris. Maca. http://www.medicinehunter.com/maca
Kiefer, Dale. Ashwagandha: Stress Reduction, Neural Protection, and a Lot More from an Ancient Herb. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/jun2006_report_ashwa_01.htm.
Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Books; 2004.
Hudson, Tori. Peruvian Maca Extract Used to Treat Symptoms of Menopause. http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/371/review020391-371.html.
Hudson, Tori. Integrative Medicine, Vol. 7, No. 6. Dec 2008/Jan 2009. http://www.imjournal.com/resources/web_pdfs/IMCJ_Hudson.pdf. http://drtorihudson.com/articles/adrenal-support/
Germano, Carl and Ramazanov, Zakir. Arctic Root (Rhodiola Rosea): The Powerful New Ginseng Alternative. New York, NY: Kensington Health Books; 1999.
Beinfield, Harriet, and Korngold, Efram. Between Heaven and Earth: a Guide to Chinese Medicine. New York: Ballantine, 1991
Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2009 Feb;15(2):126-9.[Effects of schisandra on the function of the pituitary-adrenal cortex, gonadal axis and carbohydrate metabolism in rats undergoing experimental chronic psychological stress, navigation and strenuous exercise]. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19323371.
http://medicinalplants.us/schisandra-background-actions
http://www.herbsforhealth.com/
www.about.com: Fo-Ti
www.webmd.com: Maca, Schisandra
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