Adaptogen supplements, which promise to reduce stress, may sound almost too good to be true. They are claimed to normalize body systems, reducing overly high values or raising abnormally low ones. Blood pressure too high? An adaptagen may bring it down. Too low? The same adaptagen may raise it.
What Do Adaptogen Herbs Do?
Adaptogens have a long and valued history in treating human ailments. Their main use has been in reducing stress by acting on the adrenal glands. There are a number of scientific studies that at least seem to back up claims that in addition to stress reduction, adaptogens can relieve insomnia, decrease depression, improve brain function, enhance energy, and even may have anti-cancer properties.
These supplements may sound almost like a sort of one supplement cure-all for many conditions. Some of them may actually accomplish this.
Rhodiola
Two of the better known adaptogenic supplements are Rhodiola and Ashwagandha. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) grows in higher elevations in Asia, Europe and the Arctic. There is some evidence that it was used by ancient Greek physicians and later in Scandinavian countries, where the Vikings were regular users to overcome fatigue, presumably while plundering other countries! The extract is said to be most useful in mood enhancement including mental acuteness by restoring optimum levels of serotonin and dopamine. Studies in students have shown increased performance on tests after taking Rhodiola. [Source: A. A. Spasov et al., “A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen,” Phytomedicine 7:2 (April 2000), 85-9.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha *Withania somnifera) root, also known as the Indian ginseng, has been a useful herb for 2,500 years in the Ayurvedic healing arts. Adherents to its use believe it may act as a diuretic, an anti-inflammatory and for relief from stress or depression. Besides these uses, animal studies and some human studies indicate the root may boost sexual performance, help in arthritis, act as an antioxidant, boost thyroid function and treat dementias. A study of an extract from the leaves of Ashwagandha reported on reduced tumor cell growth. [Source: B. Jayaprakasam, et al., “Growth inhibition of human tumor cell lines by withanolides from Withania somnifera leaves,” Life Sciences 74:1 (Nov 21 2003), 125-32.
Cautions and an Additional Resource
Dosages for these herbs and others in the adaptogen family can vary significantly depending on the individual’s health and specific ailment. Anyone considering use of these herbs should consult with a doctor before beginning treatment.
See Adaptogens.org for more information: http://adaptogens.org/index.html