Adaptogen Herbs: Evidence, Medicinal Benefits, & More

Stress is something we all experience regularly. When we don't manage stress, it can be harder for our bodies to adapt, which might affect our overall well-being. Stress and inflammation are common factors that may contribute to various health issues. This includes cardiovascular concerns, blood sugar imbalances, mood changes, memory challenges, and blood pressure fluctuations.

While lifestyle changes and stress management techniques are often suggested to address stress, adaptogens may help support the body's response. Natural health traditions have long used adaptogenic herbs to promote vitality and a sense of well-being.

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What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are non-toxic botanicals that may help the body adapt to stress and support overall health. They are sometimes used by integrative practitioners to help individuals manage stress, support immune function, maintain balanced cortisol levels, promote relaxation, support restful sleep, and maintain a healthy inflammatory response.

These compounds can be found in tinctures, capsules, powders, or whole form and can be added to recipes and teas as part of a balanced diet.

Current evidence suggests adaptogens may support the stress response through their influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and antioxidant protection of the mitochondria.  

What Qualifies an Herb as An Adaptogen?

1. It must be non-toxic when taken at normal doses.

2. It should support the body's ability to cope with stress.

3. It should help the body return to a state of balance regardless of how the body has changed in response to stress.

10 Most Common Adaptogens & Their Potential Benefits

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a small shrub that has been used in Ayurvedic practices for centuries. Traditionally, it has been used to support overall health. It is considered a powerful adaptogen that may help the body cope with stress by supporting balanced cortisol levels, promoting relaxation, supporting sleep, and maintaining a healthy inflammatory response.

Stress and Inflammation

A 2008 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study suggested ashwagandha may help support balanced cortisol levels in adults experiencing stress. This same study also suggested potential improvements in cardiac risk ratios and decreases in levels of CRP, a blood marker for inflammation. Preclinical studies have also suggested it may have an anxiolytic effect (anxiety-relieving) through its potential influence on GABA receptors.

Sleep Support

Ashwagandha's species name is derived from the Latin term "somnifera" (sleep-inducer) because it is traditionally known to promote sleep. In this 2020 study, subjects took 120mg of ashwagandha once a day for six weeks and reported over 70% improvement in sleep quality.  

Asian Ginseng

Asian ginseng is also known as Korean ginseng, Panax ginseng, Red ginseng, or Chinese ginseng. This herb has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries as a nourishing and medicinal agent. Empirical evidence points to its potential benefits coming from saponins called ginsenosides and its polysaccharide content.  

Research on Asian ginseng suggests it may have significant anti-stress effects and could help manage chronic fatigue and support the body's response to stress by the HPA axis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng is also used to support physical stamina, focus and memory, immune support, and healthy aging.

Fatigue

One explanation for its potential to support fatigue management is believed to be its strong antioxidant capabilities. A study of 71 postmenopausal females taking 3 grams of red ginseng for 12 weeks suggested it may help decrease oxidative stress through increasing antioxidant enzyme activity.

Immune Support

Ginseng has been found to support both cellular and humoral immune responses. It has been concluded that Asian ginseng has "natural potential" to support the immune system. A 2014 study suggested a ginseng extract may help support lung cell health during viral challenges.  

An 8-week study showed that taking 2 g of Korean red ginseng per day may support immune function by significantly increasing T cells, B cells, and white blood cells.

Brain and Heart Support

In a 14-day study, ginsenoside-Rd was found to have beneficial effects on acute ischemic stroke. A 2018 study of 6,422 suggested that regular consumption of ginseng by older adults for at least five years might support cognitive health later in life. Asian ginseng has also shown positive effects in individuals with memory challenges when used alongside medication to support cognitive function.

Astragalus

Astragalus, also called Huang qi or milk vetch, comes from a bean or legume. This herb has been used as an adaptogen in Chinese medicine for mental and physical stresses for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese medicine also uses astragalus to support respiratory health, digestive comfort, and energy levels. Astragalus is also promoted to support overall vitality and well-being.

Immune Support

The research on astragalus's immunostimulant properties provides evidence of significant benefit. In particular, the polysaccharides found in astragalus are known to influence immune cell proliferation, cytokine release, and secretion of immunoglobulin. A 2009 clinical trial resulted in 65.5% of patients with chronic viral hepatitis experiencing complete resolution of their fatigue, anorexia, abdominal distention, and jaundice.  

Cardioprotective Support

A 2020 meta-analysis of the effect of astragalus on myocarditis concluded astragalus is a candidate for a cardioprotection drug. This systematic review of 28 clinical trials involving 2,522 participants showed a significant reduction in serum myocardial enzymes and cardiac troponin I levels compared to controls.  

Eleuthero

Eleuthero is commonly known as Siberian ginseng. This small shrub is native to southeastern Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. Other names include Acanthopanax senticosus, Devil's shrub, shigoka, touch-me-not, wild pepper, and Kan Jang.

Immune Support

Different than Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng's active components are called eleutherosides. It also contains complex polysaccharides. Both components play a role in supporting immune function. When combined with another herb, Andrographis paniculata, eleuthero has been shown to be an effective treatment for the common cold.

Fatigue Support

As an adaptogen, it may serve to combat fatigue. A randomized controlled trial of 96 participants with chronic fatigue showed a significant reduction in fatigue severity and duration after two months of treatment.

Heart Health Support

A 2002 trial determined eleuthero was able to reduce cardiovascular responses to a stressful cognitive task due to a reduction in participant's heart rate and systolic blood pressure.

Physical Stamina and Mental Alertness

Eleuthero may be able to maintain aerobic exercise longer and recover quicker due to its ability to improve the use of oxygen by muscles.

Research has also shown eleuthero's ability to increase mental acuity and physical endurance without the crash associated with caffeine.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola has a long history of traditional use by the Vikings, Northern peoples, and in middle Asia for physical strength, endurance, fatigue, and immune support.

Stress and Fatigue Support

Over 140 compounds have been isolated from its roots and rhizomes. Rhodiola claims properties that improve memory and act as an antioxidant and an adaptogen. As an adaptogen, Rhodiola has been shown to reduce stress-related fatigue. A clinical trial showed significant effects of Rhodiola on Pines' burnout scale and decreased cortisol response to awakening in burnout patients with fatigue syndrome.

Mood and Brain Support

Studies show that Rhodiola can improve symptoms of depression, mood instability, and sleep disturbances. There is also evidence that Rhodiola benefits mental function and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The human studies on Rhodiola are preliminary. However, there is promising research on its ability to act as an antidepressant and its effect on neurodegenerative disease, diabetes type II, and cardiovascular disease.

Reishi

Reishi is also called the "king of mushrooms" and the "mushroom of immortality." Reishi is an edible mushroom found mostly in Asian countries. For thousands of years, reishi has been used traditionally for promoting longevity, reducing stress, liver protection, blood sugar regulation, and immune support.

Heart Health Support

There are over 400 nutrients found in reishi mushrooms, including beta-glucans and triterpenoids. These compounds have been associated with supporting healthy blood pressure, maintaining balanced blood sugar, and supporting heart health.

Immune Support

Currently, the most significant claim of reishi's benefit is how it boosts the immune system. Further investigation is needed, but the available data suggests reishi to be an acceptable health food supplement for patients undergoing cancer therapy. A 12-week study of 34 patients with advanced-stage cancer showed a significant increase in immune activity and improved inflammatory markers after taking the polysaccharide extracts of reishi mushrooms.

Neurasthenia

Similarly, the reishi mushroom extracts were tested on 132 patients with neurasthenia, a condition that involves aches, pains, headaches, dizziness, and irritability. After eight weeks, patients reported significantly lower fatigue levels and improved well-being.

Cordyceps

Though now primarily produced in laboratories, cordyceps is a delightfully odd adaptogen that comes from a fungal parasite that lives on caterpillars in the high-altitude mountains of China. Through centuries of Chinese medicine, it has been used to boost energy and improve well-being. As an edible fungus, cordyceps contains a high nutrient profile that includes proteins, fats, essential amino acids, minerals, and flavonoids.  

Since antiquity, it has been known for its ability to revitalize organ systems. Clinical research indicated that cordyceps benefit the immune system, detoxify, and increase energy levels.

Immune Support

A 2015 clinical trial showed cordyceps to be safe and effective for enhancing cell-mediated immunity in healthy adults. By taking 1.5 grams daily, an improvement was observed in the immune system markers NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation.  

Cardiovascular Support

In a 1995 study, 64 patients with chronic heart failure were treated with Cs-4 (a cordyceps extract) in addition to the basic therapy for heart failure. There was a significant reduction in heart rate, cardiac stroke volume, and cardiac index. The shortness of breath-fatigue index also significantly improved.

A smaller study on patients with ischemic heart disease showed taking Cs-4 for eight weeks caused a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides. Patients also experienced a clinical improvement in their chest distress and palpitations.

Lung Support

Cordyceps has well be known to be used to "open the lungs" in Traditional Chinese medicine. Due to its medicinal benefits, many studies have been done.

One randomized controlled trial was conducted at Xuanwu Hospital from January 2014 to December 2015. The results showed that Cordyceps improved the patient's quality of life by reducing asthma-related symptoms and onset frequency and severity. At the same time, it significantly attenuated asthma-induced inflammation during the 3-month intervention period, as demonstrated by decreased expression of inflammatory biomarkers.

Schisandra Berry

Schisandra is a beautifully bright red berry that comes from the Chinese magnolia vine. This adaptogen was initially used in traditional Russian and Chinese medicines for weakness, insomnia, and mental health. Its traditional uses also supported the digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Research by Russian scientists in the 1960s found Schisandra to improve physical stamina in athletes and labor workers. In addition to its adaptogenic activity, Schisandra has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties.

Mood and Brain Support

A study of 200 patients with nervous disorders showed an increase in well-being and a decrease in sleepiness and exhaustion. A Russian study of 95 patients with neurasthenia showed that 15 drops of a Schisandra tincture over 25-28 days almost completely removed their symptoms of weakness, poor sleep and appetite, irritability, and headaches.

A 2010 review of the research on Schisandra concluded that Schisandra is beneficial for mood, fatigue, and appetite, as well as a tonic for healthy people experiencing fatigue.  

Liver Protection

Schisandra has been used to protect the liver from toxins. It can also be used as a treatment for hepatitis through its ability to reduce serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase levels. A 2012 study showed a combination of Schisandra with sesame proved to have antioxidant effects on the liver and improved liver function.

Holy Basil

Holy basil is native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the mint family. Sometimes referred to as tulsi, holy basil gets its hallowed name from being considered sacred Ayurvedic medicine. Traditional uses include as an antioxidant as well as a way to lift brain fog.

Stress Support

Holy basil is primarily known for its ability to help the body adapt to stress. A 2012 clinical trial showed participants were 39% more in control of their stress symptoms. Health scores also decreased in areas of forgetfulness, sexual problems, exhaustion, and sleep issues. Researchers speculated that holy basil's adaptogenic effects could result from neuroprotective, immunostimulant, free radical scavenging, nonspecific resistance inducing, and plasma cortisol lowering.

Brain Support

Holy basil has been associated with improved brain function and reduced anxiety. Studies show that taking a holy basil extract of 500 mg twice daily for 60 days decreased depression, anxiety, and stress in participants with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Immune Support

Holy basil has long been used to support the immune system. It has antimicrobial properties to kill bacteria such as MRSA and E. Coli. It also can increase T cell activity, an important marker for immune function.

Maca

This adaptogenic root comes from the Andes mountains in Peru, where it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Maca is a rich source of 19 amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamin C, and minerals (i.e., zinc, copper, calcium). Traditionally, maca boasts benefits for sexual health and improved energy.

Libido and Fertility Support

In the 12-week study, 45 women experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction were given 3,000mg of maca root per day. The results showed that the women's remission rates of sexual dysfunction were higher than the placebo group. A 2010 systematic review of healthy menopausal women and healthy adult men suggested maca has a "significant positive effect" on sexual dysfunction or sexual desire.

Maca may have fertility-enhancing benefits in men. After a 12-week trial, sperm motility and concentration increased despite any increase in hormone levels. Another 12-week study showed 2g of maca per day significantly improved sperm concentration.

Menopause Support

During menopause, there is a natural decline in estrogen, which may initiate symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and sleep disturbances. Maca may help reduce the discomfort related to changes in female hormones.

Summary

When stress and unexpected challenges are a fact of life, adaptogens offer a way to maintain balance and minimize the effects of stress. Though adaptogens are generally considered safe to support your response and recovery from stress, check with your healthcare provider for possible interactions with your condition or medications.