From Proyar Laboratory, we want to share with you the 2nd part of an exclusive article for our clients, written by Dr. Jorge Alonso, MD, MN 67,640, Director of the Postgraduate Program in Phytomedicine at U.B.A., and President of the Latin American Society of Phytomedicine.

Adaptogenic Plants (Part 2) See first part

Panax ginseng

Regarding this species, the compounds responsible for its activity have been identified as triterpenoid saponins referred to in medical texts as ginsenosides, but currently known as panaxosides. In early studies by Brechman with humans, it was observed that Russian soldiers who had taken ginseng achieved the best times in a 3 km race in Vladivostok. Some of these panaxosides have opposing effects on each other, indicating a regulatory action on the body. Several animal studies showed an increased response to stress conditions in groups treated with ginseng.
For example, we have tests showing prolonged floating time in water-filled cubes and increased duration of animals staying on electrified floors or in environments with extreme temperatures.
Adaptogenic activity is determined by the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing the secretion of adrenaline and cortisol through the stimulation of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), even in the presence of dexamethasone (an immunosuppressant). The anti-stress activity appears to depend more on the adrenal gland than on the pituitary gland, as hypophysectomized animals resisted stress conditions better than adrenalectomized animals. Memory capacity and reflexes are also greater in groups that took ginseng compared to placebo groups.
Proof of this is the higher performance observed among telegraph operators in the 1960s, who showed lower error rates and fatigue in their transmission work. At the geriatric level, a study involving 540 patients hospitalized in nursing homes, divided into two groups, found better adaptation to hospitalization in those who had consumed ginseng extracts. In a similar trial conducted at the Cantonal Hospital of Basel, the response rate was higher in the groups that consumed ginseng, but only in patients over 40 years old, indicating selective activity according to the biological age of the individuals.
In addition to saponins, the polysaccharides in ginseng also have an immunomodulatory effect, preventing the depletion of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) reserves in the adrenal glands of animals subjected to stress. In vitro, they have been shown to produce four times more interferon than the body’s normal production.

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Known as Siberian ginseng, this species forms extensive forests in northern Russia covering nearly 10 million hectares. It is also found, although to a lesser extent, in the Amur region (Russia), Japan, South Korea, and China (provinces of Shanxi and Hebei). Among the active ingredients responsible are a series of compounds known as eleutherosides, isolated over 30 years ago at the Institute of Biologically Active Substances in Vladivostok (former USSR).
In tests of performance and physical endurance, administration of eleuthero to high-level athletes resulted in better adaptation to hypoxemia conditions, with reduced consumption of glycogen, phosphocreatine, and ATP, accompanied by a decrease in lactic acid accumulation in striated muscle. Prolonged use promotes carbohydrate mobilization and greater utilization of macro-energetic phosphate compounds. Additionally, taking 8 ml daily of an eleuthero extract by workers in a city with an average temperature of -5ºC led to a 40% reduction in illnesses and work absences.

Withania somnifera

Known in India as Ashwagandha (due to its characteristic smell of horse urine), it is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic and energizer. It is found not only in India but also in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Studies conducted by H. Wagner and colleagues in the 1980s demonstrated the adaptogenic qualities of this species, showing that its administration to monkeys under stress prevented cortisol depletion at the adrenal level.
Its administration to cancer patients has shown immunostimulant effects and a reduction of the toxic effects of cisplatin. In rats, it reduced the number of ulcers caused by stress or aspirin. In rabbits, its administration prevents an increase in lipid peroxidation triggered by stress. Among its active ingredients are compounds known as sitoindosides and withanolides, which exert tonic-stimulating activity somewhat less than ginseng. Tablets of Withania somnifera sold in India and the USA as adaptogens generally contain 300 mg of standardized root (with an assay of 4.5 mg of withanolides).

Echinacea spp

Echinacea is native to the central and southwestern United States. It grows wild in dry areas, prairies, and forests. Today, it is cultivated in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and China. The name Echinacea comes from the Greek *echinos* = hedgehog, referring to the shape of the pointed bracts on the floral receptacle. The mucopolysaccharides present in the root have been shown to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious (especially on the respiratory tract), and antioxidant activities (due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds). The increase in properdin levels caused by its administration is a nonspecific indicator of the body’s resistance level. Due to its nonspecific immunological effect, this species should not be administered during autoimmune processes or diseases. Its use during pandemics (avian flu, swine flu, COVID-19) helped improve consumer immunity, which was confirmed in several scientific publications.

Astragalus membranaceus

Belonging to the Fabaceae family, astragalus is native to northern China and Mongolia, currently being cultivated in several countries. The plant has a long tradition of use in China as an invigorating and energizing agent. It contains active principles such as saponins, polysaccharides and flavonoids. It does not have the number of scientific studies reported for the species indicated above, but its ancestral use in China and its safety at therapeutic doses (3-6 g of dried root) make it a good resource as an adaptogen. In the U.S. it is among the most demanded dietary supplements.

Rhodeola rosea

Another interesting plant with immunostimulant properties. With effects similar to astragalus. Widely used by students for reducing nighttime fatigue.

Other species

While no definitive evidence exists, there is currently a strong current of scientific opinion to revalue the South American species Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianesis (known as cat's claw), Tabebuia impetiginosa (lapacho), Lepidium meyenii (maca) and Pfaffia paniculata (fafia) as adaptogens. Their activity in the immunological area and their energizing contribution make them species to be highly considered as future sources of adaptogenic molecules. A separate chapter is deserved by coca (Erythroxylum coca) which for some is also an adaptogenic plant, although there is no scientific evidence supporting an immunomodulatory effect. Finally, mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, reishi, lion's mane, coriolus, etc.) are considered adaptogens due to the benefits provided by their polysaccharides with 1,3-1,6-beta glucan structure, especially as immunomodulators, and adjuvants to chemotherapy in oncological processes. They are consumed culinarily or in the form of capsules or tablets.