STRESS
CONTROL using
NATURAL ADAPTOGENS
large proportion
of all illness (perhaps 70-80%) is believed to occur
because of stress - because the level is too high, and/or too long-term.
High-stress modern living is probably the main factor causing chronic
disease. Fortunately Mother Nature has an answer to this challenge - a
unique class of herbal products called "adaptogens". Adaptogens
have the most broad-spectrum healing properties of any herbal medicines,
but their unique value is that they specifically relieve stress.
How do you feel?
The main effects of adaptogens are an increased availability of energy
during the day, a reduction of stress feelings, increased endurance, greater
mental alertness, and deep and restful sleep. Also, adaptogens significantly
accelerate the recovery process after illness.
I know from personal experience how powerful they are. I was ill for many
years, and became weaker and weaker, despite trying a variety of medicines
and supplements. I went through so much mental and physical trauma that
I thought I was going to die. Doctors could not diagnose my illness, but
eventually I found it was an autoimmune disorder, with too many symptoms
to name. One day I discovered adaptogens and, after some trial
and error, I found they worked better than anything else I had tried;
and they increased the effectiveness of other supplements as well. I decided
to search the literature to find out more about this amazing class of
herbal products.
According to modern science adaptogens are natural plant products that
increase the body's ability to cope with internal and external stress
factors, and normalize the functions of the organism. They help maintain
the stable internal environment inside the organism known as homeostasis.
An important characteristic is that they are safe, possessing few known
side-effects.
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Rhodiola
Rosea
Rhaponticum
Carthamoides
Shitake Mushroom
Schisandra
chinensis
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History
Adaptogens were discovered in 1947 by the Russian scientist Dr. Nicolai
Lazarev, who in fact coined the name "adaptogen". Dr. Lazarev
was also the mentor of Dr. Israel I. Brekhman, who conducted extensive
research on adaptogenic herbs. Dr. Israel I. Brekhman's first major
focus was the now well-known Panax Ginseng, also called Korean or Chinese
Ginseng. This worked, but unfortunately it has a few drawbacks that
have since become evident. It sometimes has side-effects such as causing
over-excitement or constipation, and when taken it can be too heating
and stimulating to some people. Dr. Israel I. Brekhman soon moved on
to other herbs and became recognized as the world's leading expert
on adaptogens. Since then more than a thousand experimental and clinical
studies on adaptogens have been done – most of them in Russia and
Germany. Most of these studies have shown the outstanding stress-protective
and immune-system enhancing capacities of adaptogens.
You may be familiar with the names of what are now called "first-generation"
adaptogens: Panax Ginseng, American Ginseng, and Japanese
Ginseng. But in this article I want to tell you about adaptogens
of the "second generation". The most promising adaptogenic
herbs today are probably Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian
Ginseng), Rhodiola rosea (Golden root) and Rhaponticum
carthamoides (Leuzeae).
But before describing these three invaluable herbs, let's say a few
words about stress itself.
The three phases of stress progression
1) Alarm phase – When
some new stress factor strikes the organism it causes a sudden release
of internal stress-hormones – corticosteroids and catheholamines.
If the stress is very intense it can damage the regulatory systems of
the organism permanently and at once (for example in case of exposure
to high levels of nuclear radiation); but if you are lucky, or if you
are taking adaptogens, you will smoothly progress further to the "adaptation
phase".
2) Adaptation phase –
If the stress factor continues (for example, in sport it might be heavy
athletic training) our body learns to tolerate the stressful stimulus
– "adapt" - and increases its resistance to the stress
factor. The "adaptation phase" is usually a safe period. The
more we can stay in the "adaptation phase", the better.
3) Finally, the exhaustion phase
appears, when the organism fails to fight stress any more and simply
gives up. In this "exhaustion phase", disease symptoms rapidly
appear and get worse.
Diseases associated with stress may appear in the first "alarm
phase", but they mainly appear in the third "exhaustion phase"
when the organism cannot fight stress any more. This third phase usually
develops after a period of months or years. Everything depends on the
duration of the "adaptation phase". Sometimes the organism
may be lucky and escape this third phase altogether, provided that it
can keep the stress under control. We can help to achieve this by taking
adaptogens; they can help us to stay in the "adaptation phase"
for as long as possible.
Three promising "second-generation"
adaptogens.
1. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)
This herb actually has as many beneficial properties as common Ginseng,
but without being as stimulating. This herb has become very popular
in Russia and in the U.S.A. It has been extensively researched and tested
on humans, and has proved to be very effective and safe. Eleutherococcus
shrubs grow up to 9 feet tall; they have rough-edged arrays of leaves,
and small white flowers which give dark blue fruit. Siberian Ginseng
contains seven active substances, referred to as eleutheroside A,
B, C, D, E, F and G. Total eleutheroside content
of the root is up to 2%. Certified potency Siberian Ginseng extract
is standardized for a minimum content of eleutheroside B of 300 mcg,
and eleutheroside D - 400 mcg per 100 mg (One tablet may typically contain
100mg – 250mg of extract). These active ingredients are specific
to Eleuthero and are not present in the Panax species
(American, Chinese, Korean or Japanese Ginseng). Eleutherococcus
has numerous clinically-proven beneficial properties, such as relief
of insomnia, various types of neuroses, hypertension, hypotension, acute
pyelonephritis (kidney problems), chronic bronchitis, and even of cancer.
In numerous clinical trials it has been shown that Siberian Ginseng
can increase the ability of humans to withstand many adverse physical
conditions such as extra workload, motion, noise, or heat. It increases
mental alertness and work output, improves the quality of work produced
under stressful conditions, and improves athletic performance.
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Taking
adaptogens,
you will be able to cope with stress better
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The
initial "alarm
phase" will smoothly progress
to the "adaptation phase".
Adaptogens can help you to stay in the safe "adaptation
phase" for a much longer time
or even permanently, so preventing your organism from proceeding
further to the extremely dangerous "exhaustion
phase".
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2. Rhodiola rosea (Golden root)
This is a perennial plant with red, pink, or yellowish flowers. It is
no biological relation of the "common" rose, but due to its
similar fragrance it has been used as a substitute for Attar of Roses.
One of the greatest things Rhodiola does is enhance mental and physical
performance. Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen herb, it reduces corrisol
levels and improves the mood. It has been widely used by Russian athletes
to increase energy. Rhodiola is cardio-protective, normalizing the heart-rate
immediately after intense exercise. It improves nervous system and mental
functions such as memory by increasing blood-supply to the muscles and
brain, and also increases protein synthesis, (1,2,3). Rhodiola rosea has
extraordinary pharmacological properties as an anti-mutagen and anti-depressive
agent. In this respect Rhodiola rosea is much more powerful than other
adaptogens. In one study done by O.M. Duhan and colleagues, the anti-mutagenic
activity of Panax Ginseng and of Rhodiola rosea were compared (4). It
appeared that the extracts of Rhodiola rosea have the higher capacity
to counteract gene mutations induced by various mutagens (up to about
90% inhibition in some cases). The anti-depressive and anti-stress activity
of Golden root is higher than that of St. John's Wort, Ginkgo
biloba and Panax Ginseng. In one clinical trial 150 individuals
suffered from depression took Rhodiola rosea extracts for a period of
one month. At the end of that period two-thirds of them had full remission
of clinical manifestations of depression, and had become more active and
more sociable. Daytime weakness and general weakness disappeared. Furthermore,
Rhodiola rosea is four times less toxic than Panax ginseng. The
main active components that are responsible for the extraordinary
potency of Rhodiola rosea are rosavin, salidroside, rosin, and
rosarin. Quality Rhodiola rosea extract should contain at least
2% rosavin and 0.8% salidroside. More information
here.
Rhodiola rosea and immunity
Rhodiola
enhances fitness and well-being under stressful conditions. Rhodiola rosea
stimulates the immune system in two ways: FIRST - by specific direct stimulation
of immune defence (stimulates one of the most important type of immune
cells - Natural Killer Cells, NK-Cells seek and destroy the infected cells
on our bodies). Rhodiola rosea normalises the immune system by improving
T-cell immunity (6) Rhodiola has been shown to increase the body's resistance
to toxins that may accumulate during infection development. SECOND - by
making a person less susceptible to stress. Scientists found out that
stress suppresses immunity and destroys our resistance to various forms
of bacterial or virus attack. Due to the natural killer cell's effect
on tumours Rhodiola rosea may enhance B cell immunity by preventing the
suppression of B cell immunity, which can occur during stress. Being under
stress, a great portion of the body's energy is expended for nothing.
When we are chronically exposed to stress that continually robs energy
from other systems. The general effect is a lowered immune response and
decreased health.
3. Rhaponticum carthamoides (Leuzeae)
Leuzea is a perennial herb of the Compositae family,
which grows mainly in mountain regions in Siberia, Altai, and Western
Sayani. Its height is approximately 2-3 feet, and its single-headed flowers
are purple. Rhaponticum derives its traditional name Maral Root
from the famous Mongolian, Dzhamtsyn, who spoke about a plant that imparted
strength to the maral deer who fed on it.
Rhaponticum is an old folk medicine for fatigue. It has been traditionally
used as a stimulant, for overcoming impotence, and to assist convalescence
from long illness. Russian and Eastern researchers have found that Rhaponticum
has a beneficial effect on memory and learning, and can help break addictive
behaviors. It increases working capacity in tired skeletal muscles, relieves
neurosis, and benefits anabolic and adaptogenic processes (5). It enhances
speed, strength, and functioning of the muscle system. Rhaponticum
carthamoides has been used by Eastern Bloc athletes as a natural anabolic,
adaptogen, and bio-stimulant. An important compound in Rhaponticum
carthamoides is Ecdisterone.
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Rhodiola
Radience
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Poem
By
Yerevan S. Yacoubian
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Rhodiola
is a Russian herb
And virtuous perennial
It's good medicine for the disturbed
For problems both physical and mental
Also
referred to as Arctic Root,
Rhodiola is adaptogenic
It makes a person calm and alert
A tonic that's non-toxic
Rhodiola Rosea is used by athletes
So they recover quickly
Enabling them to run the streets
With great efficiency
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Many
fellows take Rhodiola
To keep their equipment above par
But some get mad when their spermatazoa
Travel very far
Tests have shown this herb to be
Protective of the heart
Changes were made significantly
When taking Rhodiola extract
Rhodiola helps immunity
In addition to the nervous system
It has anti-aging properties
And urges repair mechanisms
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Rhodiola
minimizes stress
The Eskimos would agree
It lets you learn in the process
Of reaching your work capacity
If you should have a tumor
Rhodiola can help get rid of it
While also improving on the liver
Which is proven by experiments
Hopefully you can remember all this
But take Rhodiola to be sure
The number of things you recall will increase
Overall making you much happier
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Pharmacological
activity – quality matters!
There are many products on the market that contain Siberian Ginseng,
Rhodiola rosea or Rhaponticum carthamoides. But unfortunately these
products often have only limited, or even no biological activity. Common
reasons for these deficiencies are incorrect species of plant, wrong
climatic region, harvesting at the wrong season, over-drying, or use
of an inferior extraction method. The manufacturing process is a key
factor in the preparation of a high quality adaptogenic extract, as
is the selection of high quality raw materials using proper assay methods.
Adaptogens
and sport
Adaptogens help you cope with stress-related situations so you can
train harder, recover more quickly, and achieve more of your body's
full performance potential. Leuzeae has a marked anabolic effect,
and aids the body in the synthesis of muscle protein. Its extract, when
included in the diet, has a pronounced tonic effect and has abilities
to protect the bodily system from environmental stress. It may help
the body to re-build damaged muscle tissue. Adaptogens such as Leuzeae
are often prescribed to elite athletes by sports physicians in order
to replenish the depleted mental and structural reserves exhausted during
hard training. After taking Rhaponticum carthamoides extract
an increase in muscle component and a decrease in fat tissue have been
observed in scientific studies (5).
Conclusion
Adaptogens are now slowly but surely becoming more widely accepted.
In today's culture of hustling and bustling, with chaos coming from
every direction, I do not think we can afford to ignore nature's medicine
any longer. It is in our interest to take advantage of these powerful
herbs if we want to survive the demands modern life imposes on us. One
does not have to be a professor or scientist to research herbs and educate
oneself on how they work. The motivation depends on how much one desires
to improve one's quality of life. Since life is so short, my advice
is: don't wait until you have a day off, maybe next week. Why not take
adaptogens as soon as possible, so your week will be more productive?
By
Yerevan S. Yacoubian
Selected References:
1 Maslova L.V. et al. (1994) "The
cardioprotective and antiadrenergic activity of an extract of Rhodiola
rosea in stress" Eksp Klin Farmakol 57(6): 61-63
2. Germano, C. et al. "Arctic root. The powerful new ginseng
alternative" Kensington Publ.Corp. 1999
3. Petkov, V.D. et. al. (1986) "Effects of alcohol aqueous extract
from Rhodiola rosea L. roots on learning and memory"
Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg 12(1): 3-16
4. Duhan, O.M. et al. (1999) "The antimutagenic activity
of biomass extracts from the cultured cells of medicinal plants in the
Ames test" Tsitol Genet Nov-Dec 33(6):19-25
5. Gadzhieva, R.M. et al. (1995) "A comparative study
of the anabolic action of ecdysten, leveton and Prime Plus, preparations
of plant origin" Eksp Klin Farmakol Sep-Oct 58(5): 46
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