adaptogens Archives - Well Referenced

Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases

This review explores the concept of adaptogens—herbal substances that enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stress and promote overall well-being—highlighting their effects on the neuroendocrine-immune system. Adaptogens show a biphasic dose-response, acting as mild stress-mimetics at low doses and having varying effects at higher doses. The review emphasizes the

June 26, 2025 No Comments

Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca

This systematic review examines the diverse pharmacological properties of maca (Lepidium meyenii), highlighting its potential benefits for managing stress-related and aging-related diseases. Maca contains bioactive compounds that promote neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant activities, fertility enhancement, and fatigue reduction. Clinical studies suggest improvements in sexual health, such as enhanced libido and

June 26, 2025 No Comments

Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by plants and phytonutrients: a systematic review of human trials

This systematic review examined the effects of various plant-based compounds and phytonutrients—including ashwagandha, Rhodiola, St. John’s Wort, cannabidiol, and curcumin—on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in human clinical trials. While most phytonutrients yielded inconclusive results due to differences in study design and dosage, ashwagandha consistently demonstrated a reduction in morning cortisol

June 26, 2025 No Comments

Novel molecular mechanisms for the adaptogenic effects of herbal extracts on isolated brain cells using systems biology

This in vitro study explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptogenic effects of five herbal extracts—Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Withania somnifera, Rhaponticum carthamoides, and Bryonia alba—on human neuroglia cells. Using RNA sequencing, researchers identified over 3,500 genes modulated by these herbs, including 88 genes linked to adaptive stress-response pathways such

June 26, 2025 No Comments

Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy

This review explores the therapeutic potential of Rhodiola rosea, highlighting its adaptogenic properties, including stress management, cognitive enhancement, and mood regulation. Rhodiola has demonstrated benefits for conditions like fatigue, anxiety, and mild depression through its effects on the HPA axis, protein kinases, nitric oxide pathways, and heat shock proteins. Clinical

June 26, 2025 No Comments

A literature review of the studies concerning selected plant-derived adaptogens and their general function in body with a focus on animal studies

This literature review examines the adaptogenic properties of several plant-derived substances, including Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, and others, which have demonstrated stress-modulating, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and performance-enhancing effects in animal models. The review also highlights phytochemicals such as ginsenosides, salidroside, and cucurbitacin R, noting their significant adaptogenic activities. Adaptogens

June 26, 2025 No Comments

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

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of SHR-5, a standardized extract of Rhodiola rosea, in reducing stress-related fatigue. The study included 60 participants aged 20-55 who were diagnosed with fatigue syndrome. After 28 days, the SHR-5 group showed significant improvements in fatigue, cortisol response, and attention performance compared

June 26, 2025 No Comments

Tag: adaptogens