An interesting review by Robert Provino titled “The role of adaptogens in stress management” appears in the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism (2010, 22, 2, pp 41-49).
The author states:
“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.”
“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.”
The author searches peer reviewed journal articles on adaptogens and ends up finding papers on the following 8 (to which I have linked to the Wikipedia articles):
- Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) : Some research indicates a potential ability to decrease anxiety. In a study on memory deficient mice showing neuronal atrophy and synaptic loss in the brain, treatment induced significant regeneration of both axons and dendrites, in addition to the reconstruction of pre and postsynapses in the neurons. Other studies showed a reduction in stress and increase in semen quality.
- Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng): Research indicates that it is effective for chronic stress.
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng): Used by Russian cosmonauts to improve alertness and energy and adapt to the stresses in space. In a study on stressed rats with enlarged adrenal glands, reduced thymus and spleen size and damage to the gastric mucosa it was able to reduce adrenal hypertrophy and adrenal ascorbic acid depletion.
- Schisandra chinensis (schisandra): One study showed that it induced an increase in physical performance which could be due to the stimulatory effect on NO production which adapts the organism to heavy physical exercise.
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice): May help slow cortisol breakdown and allow for a healthy stress response.
- Rhodiola rosea (rhodiola): Appears to improve endurance exercise performance. One study showed that it causes an antifatigue effect that can increase mental performance and the ability to concentrate. May help may decrease the risk of complications induced by oxidative stress.
- Bacopa monniera (brahmi): Can help enhance memory and allow for greater retention of new information.
- Centella asiatica (gotu kola): May be useful in stress management.
The author ends by saying:
“Unfortunately there have been limited human clinical trials conducted to test the efficacy of adaptogens and where they do exist they are usually small scale studies. Most studies on adaptogens have used animal experimental models (particularly rats) and whilst positive benefits have been shown, more large scale human clinical trials are needed.”
The author includes a nice and helpful summary table of the studies and outcomes in the article. You should be able to buy and purchase all of these adaptogens in supplement form from online or local retailers such as VitaCost.