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The initial research on adaptogens was started in 1947 by a Soviet scientist, Dr. Nikolai Lazarev.

Much of the early research into adaptogens was done by Dr. I.I. Brekhman

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In 1969 Brekhman and Dardymovdefined the generalpharmacological properties of adaptogenic substances:

a) The substance is relatively non-toxic to the recipient.

b) An adaptogen has “non-specific” activity and acts by increasing resistance of the organism to a broad spectrum of adverse biological, chemical, and physical factors.

c) These substances tend to help regulate or normalize organ and system function within the organism.

Several theories of adaptogenic effects have been suggested.Dardymov and Kirkorian argued that adaptogens functionprimarily due to their antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. While many plants have antioxidantactivity the vast majority of them are not adaptogens.

Research by Panossian postulates that adaptogens work primarily by affecting the Hypothalamic/ Pituitary/Adrenal (HPA) axis and the Sympathoadrenal System(SAS). Thus, adaptogens modulate our response to stress(physical, environmental, or emotional) and help regulate the interconnected endocrine, immune, and nervoussystems.

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This re-regulation of a disordered or highly stressedsystem is achieved by metabolic regulators such ascytokines, catecholamines, glucocorticoids, cortisol,serotonin, nitric oxide (NO), cholecystokinin,corticotrophin- releasing factor (CRF), and sexhormones. This broad array of biochemicalactivators helps explain why adaptogens also have antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, anti-depressant, nervine, and amphoteric effects as well.

A new area of study known asmicrobial endocrinology has found that high levels of stresshormones can make us more susceptible to infection. Adaptogens can help prevent bacterial infections by reducing cortisol levels. By enhancing immune function adaptogens mayhelp resolve infections as well.

New research by Panossian and Wagner expands on previous research and they have found a cellular mechanism for adaptogenic activity. Adaptogens activate chaperone molecules known as heat shockproteins (Hsp70, Hsp16), a forkheadprotein (FOXO) and neuropeptide y, which prevent mitochondrial dysfunction caused by chronically elevated stress hormones.

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American Ginseng root - Panax quinquefolius

Ashwagandha root - Withania somnifera

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Asian Ginseng root - Panax ginseng

Cordyceps fungus - Cordyceps sinensis

Eleuthero root - Eleutherococcus senticosis

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Rhaponticum root - Rhaponticum carthamoides

Rhodiola root - Rhodiola rosea

©Herbalis t&Alchemist,Inc.

Wu Wei Zi berries/seeds - Schisandra chinensis

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Dang Shen root - Codonopsispilosula, C. tangshen

Holy Basil herb – Ocimum tenuifolium

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Jiaogulan herb – Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Licorice rhizome - Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis

Morinda root - Morinda officinalis

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Reishi fungus - Ganoderma lucidum

Shatavari root - Asparagus racemosus

Shilajit bituminous pitch

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Tienqi Ginseng – Panax notoginseng

Possible Adaptogens

Aralia mandshurica, A. elata, A. schmidtii roots

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Bryonia root - Bryonia alba

Epimedium/Yin Yang Huo leaf – Epimedium spp.

Eucommia bark - Eucommia ulmoides

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Guduchi stem - Tinospora cordifola

Prince Seng root - Pseudostellaria heterophylla

©Martin Wall

Suma bark - Pfaffia paniculata

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Additional Plants Claimed to be Adaptogens

Bacopa herb (Bacopa monniera)

Chebulic Myrobalans (Terminalia chebula)

Cross Vine leaf (Bignonia capreolata)

Elecampane Root (Inula helenium)

Gotu Kola herb (Centella asiatica)

Hoppea root (Hoppea dichotoma)

Maca tuber (Lepedium meyenii)

Mimosa stem bark (Albizzia julibrissin)

Nettle seed (Urtica dioica)

Oplopanax elatus/Echinopanax elatus bark

Pippali Long Pepper (Piper longum)

Policias root (Policias fruticosum)

St. John's wort herb (Hypericum perforatum)

Sea Buckthorn leaf (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Shankhpushpi herb (Evolvus alsinoides)

Trichopus seed (Trichopus zeylanicus)

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Fresh Oat – Avena sativa

Scullcap herb – Scutellaria lateriflora

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Chamomile flower – Matricaria recutita

Lemon Balm herb – Melissa officinalis

Linden flower – Tilia platyphyllos, T. cordata

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Betony – Stachys officinalis

St. John’s wort herb – Hypericum perforatum

Passion Flower leaves, vine – Passiflora incarnata

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Gotu Kola herb – Centella asiatica

Bacopa herb – Bacopa monnieri

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Rosemary herb – Rosmarinus officinalis

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia

Mimosa bark and flower – Albizia julibrissin

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White Peony – Paeonia lactiflora

Amla fruit – Emblica officinalis

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Hawthorne berries, flowers, leaves – Crataegus oxycanthoides

Lycium/Goji fruit – Lycium chinense, L. barbarum

Maca tuber – Lepidium meyenii

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Nettle leaf – Urtica dioica

Bee Pollen

Royal Jelly

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Astragalus root – Astragalus membranaceus

Nettle seed – Urtica dioica