What is an Adaptogen Supplement? (+3 huge benefits)

If you are looking for an effective adaptogen supplement, you have come to the right place.

That’s because in this article, we will review the top reasons people take adaptogens and the many benefits of adaptogen supplements.

What is an adaptogen supplement?
An adaptogen supplement is one of the easiest ways to get the many benefits of adaptogenic herbs on a daily basis.  A good adaptogen supplement may contain a combination of some of the most powerful adaptogens such as Panax ginseng, eleuthero, schisandra, ashwagandha, rhodiola, and shilajit.

With their 5,000 years of history, adaptogens have become essential herbs in alternative medicine.

While adaptogen herbs have been staples in natural medicine for millennia, it was not until the 1940s that the term “adaptogen” was coined by a USSR scientist to describe a small family of plants that could adapt to, survive, and even thrive in the harshest  and most stressful conditions on earth. 

Soviet scientists discovered that these remarkable plants, when ingested, actually   pass on their amazing ability to adapt to stress to both humans and animals[1].  Hundreds of studies have shown that adaptogen herbs actually protect your body from both the mental and physical damage associated with all types of stress.

The simplest and easiest way to get the stress-protective and other extraordinary benefits of adaptogen herbs is by taking an adaptogen supplement daily. Let’s discuss a few of those benefits. 

Three Incredible Benefits of Adaptogen Supplements

1. Adaptogen supplements promote normal adrenal gland function

Adrenals are stress glands that respond to physical, emotional, thermal, biochemical, and mental stressors. Adrenal fatigue can occur if your body is under repeated and excessive stress. Typically, this happens when your adrenal glands fail to secrete the hormones that compensate for this type of stress.

During such times, when your body is under high stress, adaptogens come to the rescue by interrupting your stress hormone production. For example, a study published in the Medical Hypotheses Journal, found that the adaptogen herb, Panax ginseng, reduces stress hormones and improves energy[2].

Besides these inhibition properties, another adaptogen herb, ashwagandha, helps by supporting normal adrenal gland functioning.

2. Adaptogen supplements provide anti-inflammatory effects that can relieve arthritis and joint pain

Inflammation causes arthritis, leading to tissue injury, joint problems, and pain. Researchers with the Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine found that adaptogens help to alleviate arthritis[5].

Specifically,  adaptogens such as rhodiola, ashwagandha and ginseng have been shown to be effective at reducing arthritis-associated inflammation and providing relief from arthritic pain. [8].

3. Adaptogen supplements improve sleep quality 

Due to external stress, many adults have insomnia and other sleep problems. When stressed, your body’s main stress hormone, cortisol, becomes irregular.  The sleep enhancing functions of adaptogens, such as schisandra, panax ginseng, ashwagandha, and rhodiola, have been  highly researched and are well established. These adaptogens have been found to not only balance stress hormone (cortisol) levels, but also relieve stress and promote deep, sound sleep.  [10]

Studies also show that adaptogens such as rhodiola[6] and schisandra[7] may provide a positive sedative activity producing a relaxation effect that leads to better sleep quality and duration. 

Additionally, researchers with the Cureus Journal of Medical Science found that the adaptogen herb ashwagandha is a well tolerated sleep aid and improves sleep quality in patients with insomnia.[9]

What Are the Best Adaptogens to Have in a Supplement?

Researchers from the US Department of Veterans Affairs working with the University of Wisconsin released their list of the most beneficial adaptogens. These include:  

American ginseng

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) helps strengthen the immune  system. It has been used for generations to treat various ailments, including pneumonia or bronchitis (especially with a dry cough), chronic fatigue (especially when accompanied by anxiety), asthma, chronic stress, depression, and some autoimmune diseases.

In addition, American ginseng’s incredible ability to support nitric oxide production  helps to reduce high blood pressure and makes it a staple among patients with erectile dysfunction.

Ginseng, like other adaptogen herbs, is known to work best when taken together with other adaptogens. 

Asian ginseng

Asian ginseng is classified as one of the most highly prized of all herbs because of its capability to nourish and revitalize both mind and body. Used for over 5000 years to overcome stress and treat all types of ailments, studies show Asian ginseng may also be effective to treat chronic fatigue, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance memory and mental activity.

Eleuthero

Traditionally known as the Siberian ginseng, eleuthero is a popular option for people needing an energy boost, those looking for chronic pain relief, and those needing to improve sleep quality.

The use of eleuthero dates back two thousand years to when it was used to prevent respiratory tract infections, colds, and the flu. It was also commonly used to increase energy, strength and vitality.

There are more published scientific studies on eleuthero than on any other herb in the world. 

Schisandra

Schisandra is an elemental herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It helps improve the quality of life and health. Researchers have found that this adaptogen can increase physical stamina, offer liver protection, and relieve stress.

Schisandra has been known for centuries as a potent herb that can help fight against fatigue. Scientists have discovered that schisandra acts much like a stimulant. It works on the central nervous system and gives both mind and body a boost without the jitters you would typically get from caffeine or other stimulants. 

Ashwagandha

As one of the most revered plants in India, ashwagandha is used primarily as an anti-aging herb, to calm the mind and body, and for promoting good sleep. 

This adaptogenic herb has been used for at least two thousand years in Ayurvedic healing traditions. Today, it has been proven to be as potent as two common prescription medications shown to slow down aging and even extend lifespan. 

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is another herb that has undergone extensive clinical trials. It has been put through scientific testing in both animals and humans, and it has been shown to improve both mental health and physical performance. 

This adaptogen is known to have the potential to protect the brain, and it has also shown promise for overcoming depression. Additionally, rhodiola also helps students perform better under stress and excites endorphins—the body’s feel-good compounds.

Shilajit

The word shilajit in Sanskrit means "destroyer of weakness."  Shilajit is an “herbo-mineral” adaptogen that seeps from fissures in rocks located high in the Himalayan mountain range. In traditional Indian medicine, shilajit is widely used to improve general health by providing protection and support for the body's cells and tissues.  Shilajit is an anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-allergic, and anti-diabetic adaptogen, which studies show may:

Fortunately, all these adaptogens, as well as other important natural ingredients, are included in Lean Factor’s adaptogen supplements. 

"The simplest and easiest way to benefit from adaptogen herbs is by taking an adaptogen supplement daily. "

Improve Your Quality of Life With Adaptogen Supplements

Thanks to alternative medicine methods, you can incorporate adaptogens into your diet to build your body’s resilience and fight off stress. 

In fact, all of Lean Factor’s natural herbal supplements are specifically designed to support a healthy body because they contain all of the important adaptogens in therapeutic doses, as well as other natural ingredients that relieve stress and increase cellular energy. Below are Lean Factor’s most popular adaptogen supplements: 

EmpowHER for women is the ultimate women’s supplement for anti-aging, energy, stress relief, hormone balance, and whole body rejuvenation.  Most often seen benefits from EmpowHER include: better sleep, all-day energy (without stimulants or caffeine);  relief from PMS and menopause symptoms (including hot flashes); fat reduction, reduced anxiety, and better mood.  For more information about EmpowerHER, go here.

Peak Male for men -- Peak Male is a Total Mens’ Health Supplement that addresses the two main factors that cause men’s health to decline: high stress and low testosterone. Benefits of Peak Male include: increased testosterone, increased energy, strength, and stamina, more lean muscle mass, less belly fat, stress relief, better sleep, and improved mood. For more information about Peak Male, go here.

Limitless Mind -- Limitless Mind is an all-natural brain supplement designed to help you think more clearly, improve your memory, increase your focus, reduce brain fog, and support your brain health as you grow older. It has 64 potent herbs and other natural nutrients that provide lasting cognitive benefits and protect your brain.  For more information about Limitless Mind, go here.

References

[1] Liao, L., He, Y., Li, L., Meng, H., Dong, Y., Yi, F., & Xiao, P. (2018). A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chinese Medicine, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-018-0214-9

[2] Gaffney, B. T., Hügel, H. M., & Rich, P. A. (2001). Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus may exaggerate an already existing biphasic response to stress via inhibition of enzymes which limit the binding of stress hormones to their receptors. Medical Hypotheses, 56(5), 567–572. https://doi.org/10.1054/mehy.2000.1163

[3] Sengupta, P., Agarwal, A., Pogrebetskaya, M., Roychoudhury, S., Durairajanayagam, D., & Henkel, R. (2018). Role of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in the management of male infertility. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 36(3), 311–326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.11.007

[4] Lu, H., Kyo, E., Uesaka, T., Katoh, O., & Watanabe, H. (2003). A water-soluble extract from cultured medium of Ganoderma lucidum (Rei-shi) mycelia suppresses azoxymethane-induction of colon cancers in male F344 rats. Oncology Reports, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.3892/or.10.2.375

[5] Kropotov, A. V., Kolodnyak, O. L., & Koldaev, V. M. (2002). Effects of Siberian ginseng extract and ipriflavone on the development of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 133(3), 252–254. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1015834717178

[6] Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Malmström, C., & Panossian, A. (2007). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 343–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039480701643290

[7] Zhang, C., Zhao, X., Mao, X., Liu, A., Liu, Z., Li, X., Bi, K., & Jia, Y. (2014). Pharmacological evaluation of sedative and hypnotic effects of schizandrin through the modification of pentobarbital-induced sleep behaviors in mice. European Journal of Pharmacology, 744, 157–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.09.012

[8] A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6240259

[9] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6827862

[10] A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6240259/

[11] Adaptogens by the Us Department of Veteran Affairs: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Adaptogens.pdf