As the global prevalence of chronic stress continues to rise, the search for natural, evidence-based interventions has intensified. Adaptogens—a class of herbs and fungi that allegedly help the body resist stressors—have moved from traditional medicine to the forefront of nutraceutical research. This article synthesizes data from 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate their true efficacy.
Understanding the Mechanism of Action
Adaptogens function by modulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. Unlike stimulants that force an energy response, adaptogens appear to normalize physiological function regardless of the direction of the stress response. They are hypothesized to upregulate the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and modulate the activity of nitric oxide synthase.
“Adaptogens in stress-related diseases: A review of mechanisms and clinical evidence.” Phytomedicine, 112, 154-168. This study highlights the biphasic effect of adaptogens on the HPA axis.
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