Adaptogens – mental performance and health

Adaptogens are natural substances that increase the body’s resistance to stressful situations, anxiety, fatigue and changes in external conditions. The origin of this term dates back to 1947, but the plants with these effects have been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for millennia. The most famous adaptogenic herbs include Siberian ginseng, Asian ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, Chinese magnolia vine, Ashwagandha, Brahmi and others. [1]

Adaptogenic effects

Plants that we consider adaptogens are able to help our body resist and respond to short-term and chronic physical or mental stress. Research has shown that adaptogens also fight fatigue, increase performance and relieve depression. Beside to these benefits, they do not interfere with the normal functioning of the body more than necessary. If necessary, they can stimulate and encourage, or conversely suppress and calm. These redeeming qualities of adaptogens help the body to achieve the balance. [1],[2],[3]

How adaptogens work when under stress

Stress is a specific reaction of the body to any impact which the organism is exposed. When we face mental or physical stress, our body secretes a stress hormone and we have an increased ability to concentrate and pay attention to a specific task. At this stage, we feel charged with energy because our body gives us support in the fight against the stress factor. Subsequently, the body enters the phase of exhaustion. Adaptogens help us to stay longer at the stage of resistance, through a stimulatory effect, which removes exhaustion. Instead of failing in the middle of a stressful situation, we can achieve balance and perform better. [1],[4]

Adaptogens used in NUGOSU supplements

SCORE and SETUP products contain 4 types of adaptogens. Due to the daily influx of toxins in our environment and food, we care about the honest composition of our products. We choose safe, natural compounds that are beneficial and effective for the body.

Siberian ginseng

Siberian ginseng, also called eleuthero, is a herb that has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. The name eleuthero is used to avoid confusion with Asian ginseng, although the health effects and benefits of Siberian ginseng are very similar. This plant acts as an adaptogen and helps the body better manage and adapt to stress. It also acts as a stimulant and increases the function of the nervous system. [5,][6],[7]

Benefits of Siberian ginseng

Energy supply
Eleuthero improves mental and physical endurance and helps to overcome exhaustion. Due to its significant effects, this plant is used by athletes to improve performance, others use it during physically demanding working days. [5],[6]

Improving cognitive functions
Siberian ginseng has positive effects on the human cardiovascular system and improves blood flow to the brain. As a result, mental functions such as memory and concentration are improved. In combination with other adaptogenic herbs, it promotes speed, accuracy and mindfulness. [6],[8]

Strengthens the immune system
Antioxidant effects
Prevention of nerve damage
Promotes restful sleep
Stabilizes blood sugar levels

Chinese Magnolia Vine (Schisandra chinensis)

In traditional Chinese medicine, Schizanda is considered a panacea. Its fruits contain, in addition to vitamins C and E, a biologically active substance – lignans. It is the lignans that are responsible for the adaptogenic effects and the increase in physical and mental performance. Chinese schizandra is used for several health problems. There is scientific data on the anti-inflammatory and liver protective effects. [9],[10]

Positive effects of Schizandra on diseases

Alzheimer disease
The berries of the Schizandra plant contain bioactive chemical compounds – Schizandrins A, B and C. Studies show that Schizandrin B is effective in fighting Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and protective effect on microglial cells in the brain. [9]

Liver disease
Schizandra is involved in the protection and regeneration of the liver. Schizandrin C has been shown to be effective in people with both acute and chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. [9]

Stress
Schisandra is known for its adaptogenic properties and ability to help the body resist anxiety, stress and strengthen the body’s defenses against diseases. [9]

Depression
It suppresses depression during stress and exhaustion. [9]

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that grows in mountainous areas of Europe and Asia. Its root contains more than 140 active ingredients, and this is the reason why the plant is used to call “golden root”. Despite the age-old knowledge of natural healers, modern science has only begun to verify the benefits of Rhodiola in recent years. We can mark it as a most popular plant used for mental health, neurological function and mental performance. [11],[12]

Scientifically based health benefits of Rhodiola

Reduce stress
Rhodiola has long been known as an adaptogen, a natural substance that increases the body’s resistance to stress in a non-specific way. It has also been shown to moderate symptoms of burnout that occur in everyday stress. [11]

Fights fatigue
Thanks to its adaptogenic effect, it can fight fatigue caused by insufficient sleep, anxiety and tension. [11]

Relieves symptoms of depression
Depression is a serious illness that affects a person’s feelings and actions. Rhodiola can balance neurotransmitters in the brain, which improves emotional stability and insomnia. [11],[12]

Improves brain function
The active compound in Rhodiola protects against neurotoxicity, which promotes brain health. It also stimulates the central nervous system and supports the development of brain cells. [12],[13]

May have anti-cancer properties
May help control diabetes

Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monnieri is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered a powerful antioxidant, which means that it provides protection against oxidative damage and effectively fights free radicals. It has a positive effect on human cognitive functions and improves memory and reaction time. Traditional and best-known reason for using brahmi is reducing stress. According to studies, it can significantly improve mood and reduce the level of stress hormone – cortisol. [14],[15],[16]