Science
Boost Immunity

Adaptogens: Do They Really Boost Your Immunity?

New research shows unique phytochemicals found only in adaptogenic herbs support the immune system in ways no other plant or medicine can.*

Adaptogen herbs have been used for over 4,000 years to boost immunity and vitality.*

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogen is a name given to a special class of plants that are able to survive in the harshest and most stressful conditions on earth.

When ingested, scientists have discovered that adaptogenic herbs pass their amazing ability to adapt to stressful conditions on to people!*

Although adaptogenic herbs have been used for thousands of years in Asian cultures, they’re great value has only recently become recognized in the Western world.

Nature’s Medicine Cabinet: The Immune System

Our immune system is truly amazing. Night and day it relentlessly fights off foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and all types of harmful microbes. It’s like our body’s medicine cabinet constantly protecting us from getting sick.

When our immune system is working well, we can be exposed to all kinds of harmful, disease-causing microbes without getting sick! This is because our first line of defense (our awesome immune system) is vigilantly protecting us.

Nevertheless, we do get sick sometimes, don’t we? And that’s because something has gone awry with our normally-powerful and efficient immune system.

How Stress Affects Your Body

You’ve heard of the “fight or flight” syndrome which can happen when you find yourself in a stressful situation -- whether it’s mental stress such as an important deadline you must meet at work; emotional stress such as a family or relationship problem; or physical stress from being overworked, over-tired, missing sleep, etc.

When these things occur, physiological changes take place in your body. Your muscles tighten up, your heart may start pounding, and your breathing may quicken.

Your body naturally readies its defenses to protect itself, and its energy goes to protect us from a perceived threat by discharging stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

At the same time your body’s energy is taken away from other functions that aren’t critical at that moment, such as your all-important immune system.

Daily Stress ‘Chips Away’ at Your Immune System

Back in the 1950s, the famous stress scientist, Dr. Hans Selye theorized that stress had a direct effect on the immune system and illness. Since his groundbreaking research, there have been hundreds of studies proving the direct relationship between chronic stress and its adverse impact on your immunity and your health.^{9, *}

In today's world, stress has become a normal part of life. Stress comes in many forms and can be mental, emotional, physical, environmental or chemical stress.

An occasional stressful event (known as acute stress) isn't generally a problem, because it usually passes fairly quickly, and your body returns to its normal function.

However, chronic, on-going stress that becomes a daily experience is dangerous because it continually taxes your immune system, taking your vital energy away. This process gradually chips away at your body's ability to protect you from disease.^{9, *}

Stress of every type compromises our immune system, and this can eventually lead to illness. Even just not getting enough sleep for a few nights can result in coming down with a cold or the flu.^{21, *}

Consider this recent headline:

Stress Causing You to Get Less Sleep?

– Carnegie Mellon University Researchers say

Get Ready to Catch a Cold!”

Stress directly affects immune function due to the flow of the stress hormone cortisol, which is released by the adrenal glands. Cortisol has been shown to depress the immune system.

Long-term chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, obesity, neurological disease, respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies and virtually every degenerative disease and autoimmune condition. Not to mention mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide.^{22, *}

Can We Keep Stress from Making Us Sick?

Stress directly affects immune function due to the flow of the stress hormone cortisol, which is released by the adrenal glands. Cortisol has been shown to suppress the immune system.

Long-term chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, obesity, neurological disease, respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies and virtually every degenerative disease and autoimmune condition. Not to mention mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide.^{22, *}

Adaptogens can help you fight dangerous stress by bringing your body back into balance.

The Good News:
There’s Actually a Scientifically Proven and Easy Way to
Protect Yourself from Stress!

Shop now

It’s called: adaptogens. Adaptogens are amazing natural herbs that help your body to adapt and overcome stress. They act by either preventing your natural stress response or calming your adrenal system from activating in the first place to a stressful event or situation.^{12, 13, *}

Further, adaptogens promote an overall state of well-being. By modulating the reactions of the body to stress, they not only protect the immune system, they restore your vitality, stamina, and resilience.^{12, 13, *}

Used to treat disease and strengthen the immune system for centuries, these powerful adaptogens have recently been brought to the Western world.

Adaptogens Used for Centuries and Re-Discovered in Modern Times

Used in Eastern medicine, both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine, for thousands of years, adaptogenic herbs were used to strengthen the body against disease and to promote energy, vitality, stamina, anti-aging and longevity. They were also used in European cultures and by the Vikings to increase their strength and endurance before embarking on long journeys and going into battle.^{9, *}

Perhaps the most studies on adaptogens were done by Russian scientists over several decades, primarily between 1945 and 1985.^{9, *} Thousands of studies were conducted by The Soviet Academy of Science which showed the remarkable ability of adaptogens to protect the body from stress and strengthen the immune system.

These studies became so groundbreaking and influential that Soviet scientists coined the word "adaptogen." They used this term to refer to protective plants that help the body adapt to and resist every type of stress.^{12, 13, *}

Recent Studies Show Additional Ways Adaptogens Strengthen Your Immunity

Here are just a few:

Adaptogens Increase White Blood Cells

Adaptogens stimulate the production of white blood cells in our immune system known as macrophages (macro=big; phage=eater). These are the cells that destroy pathogens in the bloodstream such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, yeast, mold, etc. These white blood cells are the first line of defense and protect us from infections including the flu and colds.^{23, *}

Adaptogens Increase Natural Killer Cells

NK or natural killer cells are white blood cells that destroy foreign invaders by injecting a chemical bomb (called a granule) into the enemy. The granules explode and destroy the bacteria or virus-infected cells within a matter of minutes. NK cells also attack cancer cells and are known to limit the growth and spread of tumors. NK cells are located predominantly in the blood, lymph system, liver, and lung.^{19, 20, *}

Adaptogens Increase Interleukin 2 and Interferons

Interleukin 2 is a naturally occurring protein which increases the growth and activity of white blood cells (T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes) resulting in enhanced immune function. Interferons strengthen the response of the immune system to viruses and have been shown to boost the immune response and reduce tumor growth.^{16, *}

Note: New studies are being conducted to identify how adaptogenic herbs may be useful in treating many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and respiratory conditions.

Time-Tested and Backed by 1000’s of Research Studies

Adaptogens have been used throughout history as a way to help the body resist and overcome the negative effects of stress, increase immunity, fight off fatigue, boost strength and stamina, enhance energy and attention, and promote health and longevity.^{12, 13, *}

If you are interested in learning about highly-effective adaptogen supplements that can reduce stress, fortify your immunity and protect your health, go here: Peak Male for Men and EmpowHER for Women.

Choose the right product for you

Lean Factor has developed the most advanced line of patent pending natural herbal supplements available to help you be the best version of yourself.

shop now

1. Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/

2. Adaptogens. A Review of their History, Biological Activity, and Clinical Benefits.: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236462312_Adaptogens_A_Review_of_their_History_Biological_Activity_and_Clinical_Benefits

3. Adaptogens in Medicinal Herbalism, Donald Yance, CN, MH, RH(AHG)

4. Before Steroids, Russians Secretly Studied Herbs: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/food/the-plate/2016/08/long-before-doping-scandals--russians-were-studying-performance-/

5. List of World Chess Championships: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_Chess_Championships

6. V. J. Kupin, “Eleutherococcus and other biologically active modifiers in oncology,” in Bioactive Compounds, ed. Todorov and Zaikov, 22–27.

7. I. I. Brekhman and I. V. Dardymov, “New substances of plant origin which increase nonspecific resistance,” Annual Review of Pharmacology 9 (1969): 419–30.

8. Brown, Gerbarg, and Ramazanov, “Rhodiola rosea.”

9. Saratikov and Krasnov “Stimulative properties of Rhodiola rosea”; Kelly, “Nutritional and botanical interventions”; Darbinyan, Kteyan, Panossian, et al., “Rhodiola rosea in stress-induced fatigue”; A. Economo and B. Galambosi, “Use and introduction of medicinal plants with adaptogen effects in Finland,” Abstracts of the Seminar on Rhodiola rosea, June 18, 2002, Mikkeli, Finland; A. P. Azizov and R. D. Seifulla, “The effect of elton, leveton, fitoton and adapton on the work capacity of experimental animals,” Eksperimental’naia i Klinicheskaia Farma kologiia 61(3) (1998): 61–63; M. G. Novikov and V. D. Adamchuk, “Experience in the organization of medical-preventive work at an industrial enterprise,” Sovetskoe Zdravookhranenie 19(3) (1960): 35–41; V. A. Shevtsov, B. I. Zholus, V. I. Shervarly, et al., “A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work,” Phytomedicine 10(2–3) (2003): 95–105; A. Tolonen, M. Pakonen, A. Hohtola, and J. Jalonen, “Phenylpropanoid glycosides from Rhodiola rosea,” Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 51(4) (2003): 467–70; Kucinskaite, Briedis, and Savickas, “Experimental analysis of therapeutic properties of Rhodiola rosea”; and K. De Bock, B. O. Eijnde, M. Ramaekers, and P. Hespel, “Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance,” International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 14(3) (2004): 298–307.

10. Germano, Ramazanov, and Bernal Suarez,, Arctic Root (Rhodiola Rosea)”; Darbinyan, Kteyan, Panossian, et al., “Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue”; Petkov, Yonkov, Mosharoff, et al., “Effects of alcohol aqueous extract from Rhodiola rosea”; and Shevtsov, Zholus, Shervarly, et al., “A randomized trial of two different doses.”

11. Maslova, Kondrat’ev, Maslov, and Lishmanov, “The cardioprotective and antiadrenergic activity.”

12. L. C. Mishra, B. B. Singh, and S. Dagenais, “Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): A review,” Alternative Medicine Review 5(4) (2000): 334–46.

13. C. Tohda, T. Kuboyama, K. Komatsu, and A. Vanella, “Indian medicinal plants as antiradicals and DNA cleavage protectors,” Phytomedicine 8(2) (2001): 125–32; and R. Mohan, H. J. Hammers, P. Bar-gagna-Mohan, et al., “Withaferin A is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis,” Angiogenesis 7(2) (2004): 115–22.

14. L. D. Kapoor, CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants (Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press, 1990), 337–38.

15. Michael Tierra, “Ashwagandha: Wonder herb of India,” East West School of Planetary Herbology, www.planetherbs.com/specific-herbs/ashwagandha-wonder-herb-of-india.html (accessed February 24, 2020).

16. Saratikov, “On the simulative action of Siberian Leuzea carthamoides.”

17. V. N. Syrov, S. S. Nasyrova, and Z. A. Khushbaktova, “The results of experimental study of phytoecdysteroids as erythropoiesis stimulators in laboratory animals,” Eksperimental’naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia 60(3) (1997): 41–44.

18. Cherdyntsev, “Physiological Mechanism of Action of Some Stimulants of CNS”; Salnik, “Effect of stimulants of CNS on energy supply.”

19. Saratikov, “On the simulative action of Siberian Leuzea carthamoides” and A. S. Saratikov, “Leuzea carthamoides as a stimulator of the nervous system,” in Materials of Second Conference on Research of Siberian and Far Eastern Medicinal Plants, 150 (Vladivostok: Academy of Science of USSR, 1961); A. S. Saratikov, L. N. Azbukina, et al., “Experimental studies of phytostimulants,” in Symposium on Eleutherococcus and Ginseng (Vladivostok: Academy of Science of USSR, 1962); A. S. Saratikov and S. F. Tuzov, “Influence of Leuzea carthamoides on the physical work ability and some functional indicators of the organism,” Izvestia Sibirskogo Otdelenia AN SSSR, Seria Obshestvennych Nauk [News of the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR], Services in Biomedical Science 12(3) (1963): 126–32; J. Jankulow, I. Issaew, M. Bojadjiewa, et al., “Preparations with stimulating effect from the roots of Rhaponticum carthamoides (WILLD) ILJIN cultivated in Bulgaria,” Die Pharmazie 19 (1964): 345–47; L. F. Kolmakova and N. L. Kutolinam, “Clinical observation for action of Leuzea, Eleutherococcus and golden root extracts in diabetes patients,” in Stimulants of the Central Nervous System, 131–32 (Tomsk, Russia: Tomsk State University Press, 1966); C. G. Cherdyntsev, “Physiological mechanism of action of some stimulants of CNS and role of endocrinological system in implementation of their action,” abstract of dissertation in Biological Science (Tomsk, Russia: Tomsk State University Press, 1970); B. U. Salnik, “Effect of stimulants of CNS on energy supply for different kind of muscle activity,” dissertation, Doctor of Science degree in Medicine (Tomsk, Russia: Tomsk State University Press, 1970); A. H. Mosharrof, “Effects of extract from Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd) Iljin (Leuzea) on learning and memory in rats,” Acta Physiologica et Pharmacologica Bulgarica 13(3) (1987): 37–42; Anatoly Antoshechkin, Leuzea and Your Health: The Siberian Wonder-Plant which Improves Stamina, Slows the Effects of Aging, and Increases Your Resistance to Disease (Clearwater, Fla.: Ceptima Publishing, 2000), 53; I. Kholodova, V. A. Tugai, and V. P. Zimina, “Effect of vitamin D3 & 20-hydroxyecdysone on the content of ATP, creatine phosphate, carnosine and Ca2+ in skeletal muscles,” Ukrains’kyi Biokhimichnyi Zhurnal 69(3) (1997): 3–9; and A. Panossian and G. Wikman, “Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress-protective activity,” Pharmaceuticals 3(1) (2010): 188–224.

20. M. A. Gerasyuta and T. N. Koval, “The experience of prolonged use of Leuzea carthamoides extract for the purposes of preservation and increase of mental and physical work capacity,” in New Data on Eleutherococcus and Other Adaptogens: Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Eleutherococcus (Hamburg, 1980), 135–38 (Vladivostok: Far East Scientific Center of the Academy of Science of the USSR, 1981).

21. A. Panossian and G. Wikman, “Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail: An overview of Russian research and uses in medicine,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 118(2) (2008): 183–212.

22. Ghosal, Lal, Singh, et al., “The need for formulation of shilajit by its isolated active constituents.”

23. Chang, Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica.

24. Study: supplementation with schizandra maintains your muscle mass as you age: https://www.ergo-log.com/supplementation-with-schisandra-muscle-mass-as-you-age.html

25. Pharmacology of Schizandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine.: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18515024

26. Odashima, Nakayabu, Honjo, et al., “Induction of phenotypic reverse transformation by ginsenosides”; S. J. Fulder, C. Hallstrom, and M. Carruthers, “The effects of ginseng on the performance of nurses on night duty,” in Proceedings of the 3rd International Ginseng Symposium, 81–85; Kim, Moon, Jung, et al., “Effects of ginseng saponin”; C. H. Choi, G. Kang, and Y. D. Min, “Reversal of P-glycoproteinmediated multidrug resistance by protopanaxatriol ginsenosides from Korean red ginseng,” Planta Medica 69(3) (2003): 235–40; and Oh, Pae, Choi, et al., “20(S)-protopanaxatriol.”

27. Huang, The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs.

28. S. P. Agarwal, R. Khanna, R. Karmarkar, et al., “Shilajit: A review,” Phytotherapy Research 21(5) (2007): 401–5.

29. A. A. Altamyshev and B. K. Kortshubekow, What We Know about Mumie (Moscow: Raduga Publishers, 1989).

30. Bhaumik, Chattopadhyay, and Ghosal, “Effect of shilajit on mouse peritoneal macrophages.”