What are adaptogens and what do they give us?

Adaptogens were initially defined as substances that enhance the state of "non-specific stress resistance", a physiological state that is associated with various disorders of the neuroendocrine-immune system. Studies have shown that adaptogens have neuroprotective, antidepressant, anxiolytic, nootropic and central nervous system stimulating properties. Moreover, a number of clinical studies show that adaptogens counteract fatigue, increasing the ability to work mentally under conditions of stress and fatigue. ¹

What conditions must a plant meet to be called an adaptogen?

• It cannot stimulate the body too much and significantly disturb the physiology, its task is to bring the body into a state of natural balance, leading to a state of homeostasis.
• It cannot act only on one organ or system - it must support the body holistically, on many levels.
• It cannot be toxic - it should not cause side effects or addiction.

There are only about 70 plants that meet the above criteria. Today we will focus on the most important:

Ashwagandha

Ashwafanda is one of the most popular, scientifically tested adaptogens. This plant has a reducing effect and builds resistance to stress . This is due to the reduction of the concentration of cortisol (stress hormone) in the blood, which may have not only short-term but also long-term effects on reducing the level and susceptibility to stress . ²

Research also indicates that ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic and rejuvenating properties. ³

You can find ashwagandha in the Adaptogen power dietary supplement.

Maca

The maca plant, grown at an altitude of 4,000 m in the Peruvian Central Andes, contains hypocotyls that have been used medicinally for centuries.

Research shows that maca has a positive effect on hormonal balance, improving libido, fertility and alleviating symptoms associated with menopause . ^4,5 It also has blood pressure-lowering , neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. ⁶

Reishi

This mushroom has been used in Chinese medicine for 2,000 years. Over recent years, a number of studies have been published confirming the wide spectrum of its pharmacological effects, which include, among others: action: antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-aging . ⁷ Reishi mushrooms are also a way to support immunity and help the body fight cancer . Research shows that active compounds contained in reishi can contribute to the death of cancer cells and inhibit their multiplication. ⁸

Ginseng

Ginseng contains over 200 active substances and has been used in Eastern medicine for over 4,000 years. One of the most important substances in ginseng are ginsenosides, which increase the ability of hemoglobin to absorb oxygen. Thanks to this, the body has greater opportunities for mental and physical effort , as well as convalescence . Many studies indicate that ginseng can help people suffering from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It also supports mental health . Recent studies report that ginseng may also have a beneficial effect on liver function. ⁹

You can find ginseng in the Adaptogen power dietary supplement .

Gotu kola

This is another plant that has been used for centuries for its health properties. Gotu kola supports memory and concentration . It releases eutrophic factor of brain origin, i.e. a protein that stimulates the creation of new brain cells. Centella asiatica and its triterpenoids also have a beneficial effect on people with neurological and skin diseases , which has been confirmed in clinical studies. They also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, calming, antidepressant and sleep quality properties . ^10,11

You can find gotu kola in the Adaptogen power dietary supplement .

Safflower beetle

Safflower, or rather its root, owes its health-promoting properties to the compounds it contains, called ecdysones. These are steroid derivatives with quite a wide range of effects. The best known and tested compound from this group is 20-hydroxyecdysone. Numerous in-vivo studies of ecdysones and Szczodrak extract have shown: anabolic effect, increase in physical performance , accelerating wound healing , and neuroprotective effect. ¹²

Pharmacological studies involving humans have shown an increase in fitness and physical performance after the use of Szczodrak root extracts. ¹³

You can find the herb in the Adaptogen power dietary supplement .

Note: If you are taking any antidepressants, be sure to consult your doctor about including adaptogens in your daily diet. Some extracts may induce interactions with medications, leading to an increased risk of side effects of psychotropic drugs. ¹⁴ Link to the study

Adaptogens such as safflower, ashwagandha, gotu kola and ginseng can be found in our dietary supplement Adaptogen Power . Maca root extract can be found in Love story , created to support libido.