6/2/16. The initial research on adaptogens was started in 1947 by a Soviet scientist, Dr. Nikolai Lazarev.

Transcription

1 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 1

2 In 1969 Brekhman and Dardymovdefined the general pharmacological 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 function primarily due to their antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. While many plants have antioxidant activity 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 nervous systems. 2

3 This re-regulation of a disordered or highly stressed system is achieved by metabolic regulators such as cytokines, catecholamines, glucocorticoids, cortisol, serotonin, nitric oxide (NO), cholecystokinin, corticotrophin- releasing factor (CRF), and sex hormones. This broad array of biochemical activators helps explain why adaptogens also have antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, antidepressant, nervine, and amphoteric effects as well. A new area of study known as microbial endocrinology has found that high levels of stress hormones can make us more susceptible to infection. Adaptogens can help prevent bacterial infections by reducing cortisol levels. By enhancing immune function adaptogens may help 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 shock proteins (Hsp70, Hsp16), a forkhead protein (FOXO) and neuropeptide y, which prevent mitochondrial dysfunction caused by chronically elevated stress hormones. 3

4 American Ginseng root - Panax quinquefolius Ashwagandha root - Withania somnifera 4

5 Asian Ginseng root - Panax ginseng Cordyceps fungus - Cordyceps sinensis Eleuthero root - Eleutherococcus senticosis 5

6 Rhaponticum root - Rhaponticum carthamoides Rhodiola root - Rhodiola rosea Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc. Wu Wei Zi berries/seeds - Schisandra chinensis 6

7 Dang Shen root - Codonopsispilosula, C. tangshen Holy Basil herb Ocimum tenuifolium 7

8 Jiaogulan herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum Licorice rhizome - Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis Morinda root - Morinda officinalis 8

9 Reishi fungus - Ganoderma lucidum Shatavari root - Asparagus racemosus Shilajit bituminous pitch 9

10 Tienqi Ginseng Panax notoginseng Possible Adaptogens Aralia mandshurica, A. elata, A. schmidtii roots 10

11 Bryonia root - Bryonia alba Epimedium/Yin Yang Huo leaf Epimedium spp. Eucommia bark - Eucommia ulmoides 11

12 Guduchi stem - Tinospora cordifola Prince Seng root - Pseudostellaria heterophylla Martin Wall Suma bark - Pfaffia paniculata 12

13 Additional Plants Claimed to be Adaptogens Ba co pa herb (Ba co pa 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 (Ev o lv us alsinoides) Trichopus seed (Trichopus zeylanicus) 13

14 Fresh Oat Avena sativa Scullcap herb Scutellaria lateriflora 14

15 Chamomile flower Matricaria recutita Lemon Balm herb Melissa officinalis Linden flower Tilia platyphyllos, T. cordata 15

16 Betony Stachys officinalis St. John s wort herb Hypericum perforatum Passion Flower leaves, vine Passiflora incarnata 16

17 Gotu Kola herb Centella asiatica Bacopa herb Bacopa monnieri 17

18 Rosemary herb Rosmarinus officinalis Lavender Lavandula angustifolia Mimosa bark and flower Albizia julibrissin 18

19 White Peony Paeonia lactiflora Amla fruit Emblica officinalis 19

20 Hawthorne berries, flowers, leaves Crataegus oxycanthoides Lycium/Goji fruit Lycium chinense, L. barbarum Maca tuber Lepidium meyenii 20

21 Nettle leaf Urtica dioica Bee Pollen Royal Jelly 21

22 Astragalus root Astragalus membranaceus Nettle seed Urtica dioica 22