Adaptogens – Nature’s Stress Manager

If you keep up with the wellness world, it’s hard to miss the explosion in plant-based therapeutics. But you may not know as much about the naturally occurring plants and herbs called ADAPTOGENS and NOOTROPICS, commonly called “brain-boosters.” While the two terms are often used interchangeably, their benefits differ: Nootropics enhance brain health and cognitive performance, whereas Adaptogens focus on helping the body react to mental and physical stress.

This post will focus on Adaptogens because… who doesn’t need relief from stress and anxiety these days?! While used for centuries in non-western cultures to help restore balance, growing research in recent years suggests adaptogens can also help to improve mood, balance hormones, fight fatigue, and boost the immune system.

The Market for Adaptogens

According to Euromonitor International, global adaptogen sales jumped 10% in 2020 and 14% in 2021. However, low awareness and consumer confusion still need to be improved: What is a Reishi mushroom? Will I find it near the Cremini mushrooms in the produce section? Is it safe to eat? Should I drink it? Or take a pleasant trip on it while doing laundry?

Understood or not, products are getting more retail distribution, not just at health food stores, but at mainstream grocery stores, pharmacies, and even Target and Walmart. Moreover, while supplements account for the most significant portion of adaptogen products on the market, they’re also expanding in teas, coffees, and functional beverages -- beverages account for 44% of the adaptogen market, and gummies, chocolates, and other snacks.

You’re likely most familiar with Ginseng, Ashwagandha, and Reishi Mushrooms, among the many adaptogenic ingredients. (if you’re an expert, you may have heard of Astragalus, Holy Basil, or Rhodiola.) In addition to being fun, Ashwagandha has increased the most dramatically, according to Euromonitor, along with ginseng, passion flower, and valerian root (not to be confused with valerian steel, GOT fans).

Why are these ingredients on the rise?

What is fascinating about Adaptogens is how well their origins in ancient Indian and Asian cultures and rituals resonate today, given our expanded openness to alternative medicines and holistic treatments to address our wellness needs. Also helpful is the growing body of science supporting their efficacy, which can further encourage consumers to think differently about how they define “medicine.” According to Susie Fogelson, partner and CMO at New York-based communications firm ThroughCo Communication, "People want to take charge of their health with a ferocity that pushes them out of their comfort zone. Brain-power food is the intersection of this more aggressive approach to self-care and signals one’s desire to harness this power to feel and live better from the core."

Here are some fun Adaptogen products we’ve spotted:

Earlier this year, Lululemon and Moment came together to create a mood-enhancement drink for health while incorporating the inclusive ethos of both brands. They combined different Meyer and Spanish lemon flavors with botanicals like honeysuckle, lavender, juniper berries, yuzu, Ashwagandha, and L-theanine, to deliver a delicious sparkling botanical water that reduces stress with a dose of antioxidants and immunity benefits, promising a “glow from within.” The drink will be exclusively at Lululemon Experiential Studios across the country.

London Nootropics offers superior adaptogenic coffee blends in 3 varieties: FLOW Coffee, ZEN Coffee, and MOJO Coffee. FLOW is optimized to support mental clarity and concentration. It features Lions Mane and Rhodiola to boost focus and improve memory, while ZEN promotes peace and tranquility with CBD and Ashwagandha.

Mosh was founded by Maria Shriver and her son Patrick Schwarzenegger and developed with brain health experts and nutritionists. Their Brain Boosting protein bars are formulated with functional ingredients like Ashwagandha, Lion’s Mane mushroom, Omega 3s, and a grass–fed protein blend to help curb cravings and “rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.” In addition, a % of sales goes to support Alzheimer’s research.

As noted above, Adaptogens have still considered alternatives and have not yet been broadly accepted in the medical community. This is probably due to the difficulties in discriminating adaptogenic drugs from immune stimulators, anabolic, nootropic, and tonics. Nevertheless, while human trials have been limited, there is strong evidence through animal studies that these therapeutics modulate the response to General Adaptation Syndrome as developed by Hans Selye.

General adaptation syndrome is a theorized physiological stress response. This theory was developed after experimenting and observing the physiologic responses of animals to stress. For example, Hans Selye observed that animals subject to stress emerged with enlarged adrenal cortex, atrophied thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and other lymphatic structures and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Let’s take the well-known stress hormone of cortisol as our example.

When we put our bodies through severe physical stress, such as chronic illness, or mental/emotional stress, such as a bad job or hostile work environment, the human body ramps up its production of cortisol. This hormone increases heart rate, blood pressure, fatigue, and restlessness and can induce weight gain.

Like any pharmaceutical drug, plant-based adaptogens can have side effects like nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, headaches, and upset stomach. Even when using natural, plant-based remedies, it is essential to work with your doctor or health professional to understand which botanicals are right for you, what your tolerance is, and if there could be any potential interactions with other medications. While not a “cure-all,” adaptogens can be crucial to a balanced wellness routine.

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