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The role of adaptogens in stress
management.
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| Abstract: |
Stress is a normal part of everyday life but it is important to be
able to use tools for its management otherwise chronic stress, if left
untreated, can lead to a variety of stress related illnesses including
hypertension, heart disease, anxiety, depression, memory impairment and
chronic fatigue syndrome. The aim of this literature review is to
summarise and critically analyse research conducted on the adaptogenic
herbs Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus,
Schisandra chinensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Rhodiola rosea, Bacopa
monniera and Centella asiatica. The mechanism of adaptogens appears to
involve the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis with resultant decreases
or normalising of nitric oxide and Cortisol, which are increased during
times of stress. Most adaptogens also have anxiolytic and antioxidant
properties and these have been attributed to their adaptogenic effect. Methods: The online databases PUBMED, PROQUEST, EBSCO and the Directory of Open Access Journals were searched to obtain peer-reviewed journal articles on adaptogens. The Library of the National Herbalists Association of Australia was also searched. Most studies used animal experimental models but some limited human clinical trials have been conducted. Fourteen studies using animal experimental models were identified and these have been summarised in Table 1. Twelve human clinical trials were identified and these have been summarised in Table 2. Results and conclusions: Withania somnifera appears to be the most commonly used, and extensively studied, adaptogen followed closely by Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Schisandra chinensis is an extensively used adaptogen in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Other herbs studied that show adaptogenic activity include Rhodiola rosea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Bacopa monniera and Centella asiatica, with the latter two more specific in improving memory. Most studies on adaptogens have used animal experimental models and whilst positive benefits have been shown, more large scale human clinical trials are needed. |
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| Article Type: | Report |
| Subject: |
Stress management
(Methods) Stress management (Equipment and supplies) Medicinal plants (Usage) Medicinal plants (Identification and classification) Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (Properties) |
| Author: | Provino, Robert |
| Pub Date: | 06/22/2010 |
| Publication: | Name: Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism Publisher: National Herbalists Association of Australia Audience: Academic Format: Magazine/Journal Subject: Health Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2010 National Herbalists Association of Australia ISSN: 1033-8330 |
| Issue: | Date: Summer, 2010 Source Volume: 22 Source Issue: 2 |
| Topic: | Event Code: 440 Facilities & equipment |
| Product: | Product Code: 0139913 Medicinal Plants NAICS Code: 1119 Other Crop Farming SIC Code: 2833 Medicinals and botanicals |
| Geographic: | Geographic Scope: Australia Geographic Code: 8AUST Australia |
| Accession Number: | 232178423 |
| Full Text: |
Introduction It is generally regarded as virtually impossible to remove all stress from our lives; stress is a normal part of everyday life and accordingly cannot really be avoided. However it is necessary to be able to manage stress to not result in ill health. Exposure to chronic stress, if left unchecked, can lead to serious illness including cardiovascular abnormalities such as hypertension and heart disease (Porth 1998). Other stress related health problems include anxiety, depression, panic attacks, memory impairment, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases and chronic fatigue syndrome (Gruner 2006). Hence the importance of being able to cope with stress--this is where adaptogenic herbs can help. Adaptogens improve the response to stress (Mills 2000). They help the body to adapt by normalising physiological processes in times of increased stress (Trickey 2003). Adaptogens can be viewed as tonics and are prescribed to enhance vitality and are indicated when stress levels are high, during convalescence after surgery or illness, or during periods of challenging or difficult life changes (events) (Trickey 2003). So how do adaptogens work? Panossian (2009) states that adaptogens exert their stress protective effect by regulating homeostasis via several mechanisms of action associated with the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, and also by controlling key mediators of the stress response such as molecular chaperons (e.g. Hsp70), stress activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1), transcription factor DAF-16, cortisol and nitric oxide (NO). He believes the key point of action of adaptogenic herbs appears to be their upregulating and stress mimetic effects on the 'stress sensor' protein Hsp70, which plays an important role in cell survival and apoptosis. Hsp70 affects circulating levels of nitric oxide and cortisol by inhibiting expression of NO synthase II gene and interacting with glucocorticoid receptors directly and via the JNK pathway (Panossian 2009). Prevention of stress induced increase in NO and the associated decrease in ATP production results in increased performance and endurance, and adaptogen induced up regulation of Hsp70 triggers stress induced JNK-1 and DAF-16-mediated pathways regulating the resistance to stress and resulting in enhanced mental and physical performance (Panossian 2009). Research and design methods Results Withania somnifera (withania) Withania has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory but most significantly adaptogenic effects, which may result from the complex of the many steroidal withanolides found in the root of the herb (Mills 2000, Braun 2007). The withanolides are the major chemical constituents of withania and the plant has been the subj ect of considerable modern scientific attention (Mirjalili 2009). Most of the studies on withania have used rat experimental models, but in one human clinical trial the anxiolytic efficacy of an ethanolic extract of the herb was evaluated (Andrade 2000). In that double blind placebo controlled study, 20 patients suffering from anxiety disorder received an extract of withania in the form of a tablet whilst 19 people received a placebo and patients were assessed at baseline, the end of week 2 and at the end of week 6 (the treatment endpoint). According to the authors the study demonstrated a trend for the anxiolytic superiority of withania over placebo and they concluded that withania has useful anxiolytic potential and merits further investigation (Andrade 2000). As anxiety can be one outcome of chronic or severe stress, withania may well have a role in stress management. However the study was not large enough with only 39 people involved and it was conducted over a very short period, only six weeks. Another randomised human trial investigated the effectiveness of naturopathic care on anxiety symptoms, and withania was used in the treatment group alongside other therapies rather than on its own (Cooley 2009). The authors state that both investigators and participants were blinded during randomisation and allocation, with 41 participants in the treatment group who received dietary counselling, deep breathing relaxation techniques, a standard multivitamin and withania root standardised to 1.5% withanolides, 300 mg twice daily (Cooley 2009). The control group of 40 participants received psychotherapy, matched deep breathing relaxation techniques and placebo. The primary outcome measure was the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)--75 participants were followed for 8 weeks or more on the trial and final BAI scores decreased by 56.5% (p<0.0001) in the treatment group and 30.5% (p<0.0001) in the control group (Cooley 2009). These scores are statistically significant given the very low p values but it would be difficult to determine what treatment was of benefit, the counselling, relaxation, multivitamin, withania or a combination. Apart from their adaptogenic properties, withania's alkaloids (withanolides) are also considered to be sedative, hypotensive and able to reduce heart rate, accordingly the herb is also used for insomnia (Braun 2007). A study conducted on rats investigated the effect of Withania somnifera root extract and its possible interaction with GABAergic modulators on the sleep wake cycle (Kumar 2008). Rats were sleep deprived for 24 hours and then injected intraperitoneally with Withania somnifera extract (100 mg/kg) 30 minutes before electrophysiological recordings. Pre treatment with withania shortened sleep latency, decreased waking, increased non rapid eye movement and total sleep time (Kumar 2008). The researchers used the GABAergic modulators picrotoxin and mucimol to test the sleep promoting effects of withania and found that the herb's root extract induced sleep promoting effects by involving GABAergic modulation, which was antagonised by picrotoxin but potentiated by muscimol (Kumar 2008). The results appear interesting but obviously more research is needed. Some people suffering from stress also experience insomnia so this may be another role that withania plays in stress management. A human clinical trial would be welcome. Chronic stress depresses immune functioning and increases susceptibility to disease (Kour 2009). A recent study was conducted on Swiss albino mice to see the effect of withanolide A (isolated from Withania somnifera root extract) on chronic stress induced alterations on T lymphocyte subset distribution and corresponding cytokine secretion patterns (Kour 2009). Withanolide A was orally administered once daily on the stressed experimental animals and showed that it caused significant recovery of stress induced depleted T cell population causing an increase in the expression of IL-2 and IFN-gamma (a signature cytokine of Th1 helper cells) and a decrease in the concentration of corticosterone (Kour 2009). This study supports withania's role in stress management including immune function. As previously stated, chronic stress can result in memory impairment. In another study researchers investigated the effect of withanolide A on memory deficient mice showing neuronal atrophy and synaptic loss in the brain (Kuboyama 2005). Treatment with withanolide A induced significant regeneration of both axons and dendrites, in addition to the reconstruction of pre and postsynapses in the neurons (Kuboyama 2005). Stress has been reported to be a causative factor for male infertility and withania's ability to treat stress related infertility was assessed in a trial comprised of 60 infertile men in the treatment group and 60 fertile men in the control group (Mahdi 2009). Treatment with Withania resulted in a decrease in stress, improved the level of antioxidants and improved overall semen quality in a significant number of individuals. The treatment resulted in pregnancy in the partners of 14% of the patients (Mahdi 2009). Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) One indication for prescribing Korean ginseng is to improve physical and mental performance and well being and improve general performance whist under stress (Bone 2003). The root of Panax ginseng has been reported to have an antistress action (Tachikawa 2004). Korean ginseng has been used for thousands of years and is traditionally known as a medicinal plant with mysterious powers particularly in regions such as Korea, China and Japan (Choi 2008). Key constituents of Korean ginseng root include a complex mixture of saponins called ginsenosides, with 38 contained in Korean ginseng as opposed to only 19 in American ginseng (Bone 2003, Choi 2008). During periods of stress the adrenal glands secrete catecholamines and cortisol from the medulla and the cortex which can lead to disease if left unchecked for too long (Tachikawa 2004). The effects of Korean ginseng components on functions of adrenal medulla were investigated in vitro and it was found that the saponin rich fraction greatly reduced the secretion of catecholamines whereas the non saponin fraction did not affect it at all (Tachikawa 2004). A comparative study assessed the antistress effects of Panax ginseng and Ginkgo biloba (Rai 2003). In this study rats were subjected to acute stress and chronic stress resulting in adrenal hypertrophy and gastric ulceration, indicating the active involvement of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis which is highly responsive to stress (Rai 2003). Before being exposed to acute and chronic stress, the animals were treated with Ginkgo at 30mg/kg and with Panax at 100 mg/kg. After a few days the rats were sacrificed for dissection and examination of the stomach for ulceration, and for any changes in biochemical parameters such as plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatine kinase and serum corticosterone. The researchers found that Ginkgo biloba is more effective in acute stress whereas Panax ginseng is a better option for chronic stress, and they concluded that both herbs possess significant antistress properties and can be used for the treatment of stress induced disorders (Rai 2003). In a study of 90 healthy male and female volunteers exposed to a cold environment, researchers examined the effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) on changes in blood pressure, heart rate and tolerability to cold stress (Kaneko 2004). The volunteers were divided into three random groups; one group received the herb, one received placebo and the other received the calcium channel blocking drug nifedipine. It was found that the herb was more effective than the drug in dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow under cold stress and decreasing the pain from ischemia (Kaneko 2004). However the report does not specify if the trial was double blinded nor does it provide p values for all the results in the sub groups. It is also questionable whether comparing a calcium channel blocker with a crude herb is appropriate or reliable. The effectiveness of using a combination of ginseng, Oriental Bezoar (ox gallstone) and Glycyrrhiza was tested in a small randomised double blind placebo controlled experiment (Zheng 2008). Only ten healthy males (mean age 27 [+ or -] 1) were used and the experiment was carried out over two and a half hours. Salivary and blood measurement values of pre and post mental arithmetic stress were compared, and ECG measurement values of pre and mid mental arithmetic stress were compared. The researchers concluded that the combination herbs used should be useful in reducing mental stress (p<0.05) (Zheng 2008). This study is flawed in that only ten young participants were used and the experiment lasted a very short time and it is difficult to determine which of the three medicines helped. It would be interesting to conduct such a study on at least 100 older people and for a longer period of time. In contrast Panax ginseng has been used as an experimental control in a forced swimming study conducted on mice to assess the effects of the African plant Alchornea cordifolia (Ishola 2008). It was suggested the African herb possesses antistress properties because it prolonged the swimming time (p<0.05), but similar effects were observed in mice pre treated with Panax ginseng (Ishola 2008). A human study comprising 16 healthy male volunteers aged 21, was conducted to determine whether fermented ginseng (FG) can improve the first night effect (FNE) during sleep recording in a laboratory (Kitaoka 2009). The results suggested that FG could improve the FNE in humans, and the improvement may be related to an anxiolytic effect of FG which acts via GABAergic modification (Kitaoka 2009). A larger scale study using volunteers of varying ages could provide more definitive results. Nevertheless it is not surprising that the FG produced anxiolytic effects; ginseng is the most famous of all Chinese medicinal plants and has a great reputation as an adaptogen (van Wyk 2004). People who are under a lot of stress usually have their sleep disturbed so perhaps this study adds weight to other studies' conclusions showing the adaptogenic potential of ginseng. Eleutherococcus senticocus (Siberian ginseng) Siberian ginseng has been used for over 2000 years according to Chinese medical records, and has been used to increase vitality and energy (Braun 2007). Russian cosmonauts use it to improve alertness and energy and to aid in adaptation to the stresses of life in space (Braun 2007). A paper which examined in detail the meaning of the word 'adaptogen' concluded that so far as specific pharmacological activities are concerned, there are a number of valid arguments for equating the action of so called adaptogens with those of medicinal agents that have activities as antioxidants, anticancer, immunomodulatory and hypocholesterolemic as well as hypoglycemic and choleretic action (Davydov 2000). The authors concluded that the chemistry of the isolated secondary metabolites of Eleutherococcus and their pharmacological effects support their hypothesis that the reported beneficial effects of adaptogens derive from their capacity to exert protective and/or inhibitory action against free radicals (Davydov 2000). Key constituents of Eleutherococcus root include the eleutherosides, triterpenoid saponins and glycans (Bone 2003). The leaf of Siberian ginseng contains hyperoside, a flavonol glycoside, which showed remarkable activity in a forced swimming test on mice (Deyama 2001). Isofraxidin in the bark and hyperoside in the leaf are respectively reported as effective sedative components (Deyama 2001). Stressed rats show enlarged adrenal glands, reduced thymus and spleen size and damage to the gastric mucosa (Mills 2000). Eleutherococcus significantly reduced this adrenal hypertrophy and adrenal ascorbic acid depletion, and the sparing effect on the adrenal cortex by the herb allows the organism to better withstand prolonged stress (Mills 2000). Siberian ginseng can act in different ways to support the body during times of stress and this is dependent on what stage the stress response is at (Oates 2008). Research suggests that there is a threshold of stress below which the herb increases the stress response and above which it decreases the stress response, and various mechanisms have been proposed as to how Eleutherococcus works including inhibition of catechol-O-methyl transferase, which inactivates catecholamines (Oates 2008). As a result catecholamine levels are not depleted and release of new catecholamines from nerve synapses is decreased. Eleutherosides have also been shown to improve carbohydrate metabolism and energy provision and increase the synthesis of protein and nucleic acids (Oates 2008). In theory these factors may help prevent the exhaustion stage of the stress response. But this is just a theory and more concrete evidence is needed. As part of its adaptogenic effect Siberian ginseng may also exert neuroprotective, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective activity (Oates 2008). This is a good example of a herb's holistic characteristics; an adaptogen that also helps protect vital organs. In chronic stress, multi dose administration of Siberian ginseng engages the HPA axis which plays a primary role in the body's ability to adapt to repeated stressors (Oates 2008). Studies have demonstrated that maximal effects are achieved around four weeks but do not persist at the eight week time point, which may help explain the practice of giving Siberian ginseng for 6-8 weeks with a 1-2 week break before repeating (Oates 2008). Numerous studies use Siberian ginseng in combination with other adaptogens, such as Rhodiola rosea and Schisandra chinensis, which may potentially act synergistically for improved effects. One such study was carried out with mice taking ADAPT-232, a fixed combination of native extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus, Schisandra chinensis and Rhodiola rosea, for seven consecutive days followed by a forced swimming test to exhaustion (Panossian 1999). It was found that this combination strongly increased the endurance of the mice, increasing the time taken to exhaustion in a dose dependent manner (Panossian 1999). Schisandra chinensis (schisandra) Schisandra chinensis is another herb viewed as an adaptogen, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where it is prescribed with other herbs to increase resistance to physical and emotional stressors (Braun 2007). Several experimental models have shown schisandra to have adaptogenic and tonic effects (Bone 2003). Renal and gonadal RNA, glycogen and enzyme levels were increased in mature animals compared with those in younger rabbits. Reproductive cell numbers were increased in both sexes and working capacity was increased in vivo, all by oral administration. Dibenzocyclooctene lignans, such as schisandrin, are key constituents of schisandra fruit (Bone 2003). The adaptogenic effects of Schisandra chinensis were assessed together with the effects of the adaptogen Bryonia alba in a placebo controlled double blind study of several groups of athletes (Panossian 1999). Since heavy physical exercise increases the content of nitric oxide (NO) and cortisol in blood and saliva, the athletes were tested for these parameters before and after herbal treatment, as well as before and after physical exercise. In the course of the study athletes followed the same training course and feeding regimes. Both Schisandra and Bryonia administration significantly increased the basal level of salivary NO in athletes versus athletes taking placebo, and these results correlated with higher extension of the increase of physical performance in athletes taking adaptogens versus athletes taking placebo (Panossian 1999). After treatment with the herbs, heavy physical exercise did not increase salivary NO in athletes in the treatment group whereas it did in the control group of athletes treated with placebo (p<0.001). The authors suggest that Schisandra and Bryonia induced an increase in physical performance which could be due to their stimulatory effect on NO production, which adapts the organism to heavy physical exercise (Panossian 1999). Whilst the results are statistically significant because of the low p value, the study is ten years old and a more recent trial would be welcome. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) Traditionally licorice is viewed as an adrenal tonic, most likely due to its ability to slow cortisol breakdown (Braun 2007). It may be of benefit in patients unable to mount a healthy stress response (adrenocorticoid insufficiency) due to chronic stress (Braun 2007). Human studies on the adaptogenic effects of licorice are lacking but there are some animal studies. In one study, rabbits were treated orally with a preparation of Glycyrrhiza glabra for 30 days and in parallel were exposed to vibration stress for 30 days (Oganesyan 2002). The licorice preparation reduced catalase activity in the peripheral blood and increased animal resistance to vibration stress (p<0.001). Licorice is chemically similar to corticosteroid hormones, producing a corticosteroid like effect. This is very important as glucocorticoids normalise metabolic processes, exerting and maintaining a physiological effect facilitating adaptation to novel conditions, thus the adaptive effect of licorice root (Oganesyan 2002). In another study conducted on rabbits, the effect of continuous vibration and treatment with licorice root on the rabbits' peripheral blood red cells was investigated (Adamyan 2005). Active substances of licorice root accelerated metabolism in cells of the bone marrow erythroid stem, enhanced compensatory reserve of the organism and increased animal's resistance to stress (Adamyan 2005). It is not known why rabbits were used in these studies and not other animals such as mice or rats, as the reports do not give a reason. Rhodiola rosea (rhodiola) Rhodiola rosea has been categorised as an adaptogen by Russian researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance to a variety of chemical, biological and physical stressors (Kelly 2001). A study conducted on rats explored the effects of Rhodiola rosea on the body weight and the intake of sucrose and water in depressive rats induced by chronic mild stress (Chen 2008). It was found that low dose rhodiola can increase the body weight and sucrose intake of depressive rats, making them recover to normal status. A trial of 15 recreationally active college women found that acute rhodiola ingestion decreases the heart rate response to submaximal exercise and appears to improve endurance exercise performance (Noreen 2009). Many more than 15 participants would be required before any real credence could be placed on the results. In a recent study of 60 individuals (30 in treatment group, 30 in placebo group), rhodiola was used to treat stress related fatigue (Olsson 2009). It was concluded that repeated administration of R. rosea extract SHR-5 exerts an antifatigue effect that increases mental performance, particularly the ability to concentrate, and decreases cortisol response to awakening stress in burnout patients with fatigue syndrome (Olsson 2009). By way of comparison, in a study conducted in 2000, Rhodiola rosea extract SHR-5 was tested on a group of foreign students (20 in treatment group, 20 in control group) during an exam period with respect to both physical fitness and mental wellbeing and capacity (Spasov 2000). The most significant improvement in the treatment group was seen in physical fitness, mental fatigue and neuro motoric tests (p<0.01). The overall conclusion was that the study drug gave significant results compared with the placebo group but that the dose level probably was suboptimal (Spasov 2000). A randomised double blind placebo controlled parallel group clinical study with an extra non treatment group was performed to measure the effect of a single dose of standardised SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract on capacity for mental work against a background of fatigue and stress (Shevtsov 2003). The study showed a pronounced antifatigue effect (p<0.001) but no significant difference between the two dosage groups was observed. Both groups performed significantly better compared with the placebo group (Shevtsov 2003). In another study using rabbits, the objective was to ascertain which mediators of stress response are significantly involved in the mechanisms of action of adaptogens and to determine their relevance as biochemical markers for evaluating antistress effects (Panossian 2007). It was suggested that the inhibitory effects of R. rosea and Schisandra chinensis on phosphorylated kinase p-SAPK/p-JNK activation may be associated with their antidepressant activity as well as their positive effects on mental performance under stress (Panossian 2007). In a study investigating the antioxidant potential of three adaptogen extracts, Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry), it was found that rhodiola had the highest potential for singlet oxygen scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferric reducing, ferrous chelating and protein thiol protection over either of the other two extracts (Chen 2008). Rhodiola also had the highest polyphenol content which may not only have adaptogen properties but may decrease the risk of complications induced by oxidative stress (Chen 2008). Bacopa monniera (brahmi) In a study conducted on rats, Bacopa monniera exhibited potent adaptogenic activity by reversing chronic stress induced changes in ulcer index, adrenal gland weight, creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase (Rai 2003). In another study on rats, Bacopa extract was found to have significant antidepressant activity in forced swim and learned helplessness models of depression and was comparable to that of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (Sairam 2002). As previously mentioned, depression can result from chronic stress and so Bacopa appears to have a role in stress management. Chronic stress can also affect memory and this is another area where brahmi can be of use. The effects of brahmi on human memory were tested on 76 adults aged between 40 and 65 years in a randomised double blind placebo controlled study (Roodenrys 2002). The results showed a significant effect of brahmi on a test for the retention of new information (p<0.05). Bacopa is a herb known for memory enhancement for reversal of memory deficits caused by diazepam, and this was confirmed in a recent study conducted on mice (Prabhakar 2008). These results show promise for stressed patients who are taking diazepam or other benzodiazepines to relieve insomnia but obviously human clinical trials are needed. Bacopa is used as a brain tonic and its active constituents, the bacosides, have been extensively investigated confirming their nootropic action (Russo 2005). A nootropic is a chemical designed to increase brain metabolism (Mosby's 1998). Centella asiatica (gotu kola) Amongst other actions Centella asiatica is an adaptogen and nervine tonic (Bone 2003). Therefore it can be useful in stress management. Asiaticoside, one of the active constituents found in the herb's leaves, is suggested to be responsible for its pharmacological potential (Barbosa 2008). A study conducted on rats suggests that Centella could be useful in some neuropsychiatric diseases as it can inhibit the phospholipase A2 group of enzymes that have abnormal activity in the central nervous system in some neuropsychiatric diseases (Barbosa 2008). Another study conducted on rats has shown that gotu kola has anxiolytic properties (Wijeweera 2006). This holds promise for stressed individuals suffering anxiety and a human clinical trial would be welcome. Discussion Adaptogens appear to exert their antistress effects by regulating homeostasis via the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and inhibiting or decreasing circulating levels of nitric oxide (NO) and cortisol. Withania somnifera (withania) seems to have received the most attention by way of animal (rat) experimental models in investigating its antistress mechanisms and potential. Limited human clinical trials have been conducted on the efficacy of withania but they are very small scale studies. Nevertheless they have shown withania to be adaptogenic but also immunomodulatory, insomnia relieving and memory enhancing. A human clinical trial showed withania to be somewhat effective in treating male stress related infertility by not only decreasing stress but also improving the level of antioxidants. Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) has been shown to possess significant antistress properties in animal studies using rats as subjects but a comparative study showed it to be more effective in chronic stress as opposed to Ginkgo biloba which was found to be more effective in acute stress. Panax ginseng has demonstrated anxiolytic effects in a human trial although the study was quite small. Being anxiolytic can also mean the herb is adaptogenic as chronic stress can produce feelings of anxiety. Siberian ginseng has also been shown to engage the HPA axis, and the herb's antioxidant activity against free radicals helps explain the overall beneficial effects of adaptogens. Rat experimental models have shown the herb's ability to significantly reduce adrenal hypertrophy as well as improve carbohydrate metabolism and energy provision. Studies demonstrated that maximal effects are achieved after four weeks but do not persist past the eight week point. Schisandra chinensis (schisandra) is an adaptogen widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and a human trial comparing it with Bryonia alba has suggested that schisandra works as an adaptogen by initially increasing NO production to adapt the body to physical demands placed upon it. This contrasts with the other adaptogens where it was found that NO is inhibited. Human trials on the adaptogenic effects of licorice root are lacking but studies conducted on rabbits show that licorice produces a corticosteroid like effect thus normalising metabolic processes and enabling the organism to adapt to novel conditions. It is unclear as to why rabbits were used in place of rats, which seems to be the norm when conducting tests on animal experimental models. Rhodiola rosea (rhodiola) is another main herb used as an adaptogen and has been extensively studied by Russian researchers. Studies show that its antistress and antifatigue effects happen even at low dose. Bacopa and Centella asiatica are also used as adaptogens but their main effect is seen on improving memory, hence they can be used in stress management as chronic stress can cause memory deficit. Conclusion Withania somnifera appears to be the most commonly used and extensively studied adaptogen followed closely by Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Schisandra chinensis is an extensively used adaptogen in TCM. Other herbs used as adaptogens include Rhodiola rosea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Bacopa monniera and Centella asiatica, with the latter two being more specific in improving memory. 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Summary of studies on effects of adaptogens using human subjects
Study design
and study
Herb Reference period
Withania Andrade C et 6 week double blind
somnifera al 2000 placebo controlled
20 subjects in
treatment group
20 in placebo group
Withania Cooley et al 12 week randomised
somnifera 2009 double blind placebo
controlled
75 participants
Withania Mahdi et al 3 month study of 60
somnifera 2009 infertile men to assess
withania's ability to
treat stress related
infertility
60 fertile men in
control group
Panax Kaneko & 90 healthy male and
ginseng Nakanishi female volunteers
2004 exposed to a cold
environment
Panax Zheng & Test effectiveness of
ginseng Moritani 2008 using a combination
of Panax ginseng,
Oriental bezoar and
Glycyrrhiza glabra
10 health males (mean
age 2701)
Randomised double
blind placebo
controlled
Panax Kitaoka et al A human study
ginseng 2009 comprising 16 healthy
male volunteers aged
21, to determine
whether fermented
ginseng can improve
the first night effect
during sleep recording
in a laboratory
Schisandra Panossian et Adaptogenic effects of
chinensis al 1999 Schisandra assessed
together with Bryonia
alba in a placebo
controlled double
blind study of several
groups of athletes
Rhodiola Noreen, Double blind random
rosea Buckley & crossover study of 15
Lewis 2009 recreationally active
college women
Rhodiola Olsson, von Rhodiola used to treat
rosea Scheele & stress related fatigue
Panossian Randomised double
2009 blind placebo
controlled parallel
group study
60 participants:
30 in treatment group
30 in placebo group
Rhodiola Spasov et al Randomised double
rosea 2000 blind placebo
controlled pilot study
40 participants:
20 in treatment group
20 in control group
Rhodiola Shevtsov et al Randomised double
rosea 2003 blind placebo
controlled parallel
group clinical study
with an extra non
treatment group
161 cadets aged from
19-21 years
Bacopa Roodenrys et Randomised double
monniera al 2002 blind placebo
controlled study of 76
adults aged between
40 and 65 years
Intervention Outcomes
and dose
Herb
Withania 250mg Withania Withania demonstrated
somnifera somnifera or placebo anxiolytic superiority
over placebo
Withania 300 mg Withania Final Beck Anxiety
somnifera somnifera bid Inventory (BAI) scores
placebo, deep decreased by 56.5%
breathing exercises, in treatment group and
multivitamin, 30.5% in the control
psychotherapy group
Withania Single daily dose at Decrease in stress,
somnifera 5 g per day of W. improved level of
somnifera root powder antioxidants, improved
taken orally overall semen quality.
Pregnancy resulted in
the partners of 14% of
the patients
Panax Herb dose not Herb more effective
ginseng specified than nifedipine in
Nifedipine dilating blood vessels,
increasing blood flow
and decreasing the pain
from ischaemia
Panax Treatment capsule Researchers concluded
ginseng contained 250 mg that the combination
powdered ginseng, 50 herbs used should
mg powdered oriental be useful in reducing
bezoar and 50 mg mental stress
powdered licorice.
Placebo capsules
contained corn starch
Panax 1,845 mg of Fermented ginseng can
ginseng fermented ginseng improve the first night
daily for 8 days or effect in humans. The
placebo improvement may be
double blind sleep related to an anxiolytic
recordings effect of fermented
ginseng which acts via
GABAergic modification
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis Schisandra and Bryonia
chinensis 91.1 mg/tablet induced an increase in
Bryonia alba physical performance
standardised which could be due
equivalent to 1 mg to their stimulatory
cucurbitacin effect on nitric oxide
Salivary nitric oxide production, thus
adapting the organism
to heavy physical
exercise
Rhodiola Acute oral dose of Acute Rhodiola rosea
rosea Rhodiola rosea ingestion decreases the
3 mg/kg heart rate response to
Placebo submaximal exercise,
and appears to
improve endurance to
exercise performance
Rhodiola 576 mg of Rhodiola R. rosea extract SHR-5
rosea SHR-5 extract in exerts an antifatigue
divided doses daily effect that increases
for 28 days mental performance,
Placebo particularly the ability
to concentrate, and
decreases cortisol
response to awakening
stress in burnout
patients with fatigue
syndrome
Rhodiola 50 mg Rhodiola rosea Treatment group
rosea bid for 20 days showed improvement
Placebo in physical fitness,
mental fatigue and
neuromotoric tests
compared with placebo
group but dose was
suboptimal
Rhodiola Rhodiola dry extract The study showed a
rosea 185 mg up to tds pronounced antifatigue
Placebo up to tds effect but no significant
difference between the
two dosage groups.
Both groups performed
significantly better than
the placebo group
Bacopa Bacopa monniera Significant effect of
monniera 300 mg for persons brahmi on a test for
under 9 0kg the retention of new
450 mg for persons information
over 90 kg
daily for 3 months
Significant Comment
IdS
Herb
Withania p=0.062 Small scale study and
somnifera participants were not
randomised. P value is high,
cannot confidently rely on
results. Not statistically
significant
Withania p<0.0001 Statistically significant but
somnifera difficult to determine which
therapy helped
Withania p<0.05 The study was not a
somnifera randomised double blind
placebo controlled trial and
therefore this needs to be
taken into account when
evaluating the results
Panax p=0.003 Report does not specify if
ginseng the trial was double blinded.
Trial flawed because only
healthy volunteers used
therefore effect on unwell
subjects not assessed.
Dose of herb was not
specified
Panax p<0.05 Study is flawed in that only
ginseng 10 participants were used
and experiment lasted a
very short time. Difficult to
determine which of the 3
herbs helped
Panax p<0.05 Very small study, very short
ginseng period and not randomised
therefore cannot place
reliance on results
Schisandra p<0.001 Study is 10 years old--a
chinensis more recent trial would be
welcome
Rhodiola p<0.001 Statistically significant
rosea result although study was
very small with only 15
participants.
Much larger trial would be
welcome
Rhodiola p<0.01 Statistically significant
rosea result
Rhodiola p<0.01 Statistically significant
rosea result but suboptimal dose
finding contrasts with
low dose effectiveness in
animal studies
Rhodiola p<0.001 Statistically significant
rosea result
Bacopa p<0.05 Statistically significant
monniera result
A summary table of studies on the effects of adaptogens using animal
experimental models is available from the NHAA office. |
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