ADAPTOGENS: NATURAL REMEDY TO STRESS

By: PRABHAT

KHAREAsst. Professor

INTRODUCTION Stress and stress-related

disorders are a significant cause of disease in modern times.

Multiple approaches to coping with stress, including pharmaceutical drugs, exercise, and relaxation techniques.

Treatment with above methods produce mixed results. Also certain drugs have several adverse effects.

In our fast-paced, stress filled world, adaptogens can provide significant benefits to help relieve the negative impact of constant worry, overwork, inadequate sleep, and unsustainable lifestyles.

Sources of Stress

Adverse environmental conditions, particularly high heat and humidity, but also very cold or windy weather.

Dust & pollution (Noise/Air etc) Long-distance travel i.e. trips lasting longer than

8-10 hours) Insufficient rest between various routine work. Lack of sleep e.g. late night events / Television

shows New job / training Removal from familiar environment and social

group Changes in daily routine. Family & Social problems

Stress indicators Lower than expected

performance. Increased susceptibility to

infections, and prolonged recovery time

Gradual weight loss / gain Loss of "bloom" or “vigor” Increase in the frequency or

intensity of repetitive behaviors

ADAPTOGENIC HERBS

Adaptogenic herbs are plants that contain substances which improve the body's ability to handle stress and resist disease.

Stabilization of physiological processes and promotion of homeostasis.

In other words, adaptogens enhance the body's adaptive response to a wide variety of stressful events.

How it differs……??

General properties of adaptogens

Stimulate the immune system (e.g. increase in number and potency of WBC’s).

Act as antioxidants. Have a protective effect on the heart

muscle. Improve the sense of well-being. Stabilize blood glucose levels. Optimize glucose utilization by various

tissues, including muscle. Optimize lipid metabolism (utilization of

fats for energy production).

Some classical examples…… Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng,

Araliaceae) Panax means "all-heal" in Greek. It moderates the stress response,

increases resistance to heat stress, stimulates bile production, and has some anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity.

Included in small amount in energy drinks or herbal teas, such as ginseng coffee.

Roles as an aphrodisiac , stimulant, & Type-II diabetes.

It also found in hair tonics and cosmetic preparations.

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera, Solanaceae)

It stimulates a moderate increase in beta-endorphin levels i.e. improves the sense of well-being.

increases attention span, decreases mental fatigue and situational anxiety.

decreases the release of adrenaline (Stress hormones) during stress.

In Ayurveda, the berries and leaves are applied externally to tumors, tubercular glands, and ulcers.

Along with ginseng it use to improve the function of the adrenal glands, especially in the body’s response to stress.

Helps protect the liver from viral and chemical injury.

Beneficial effects on digestion and healing of gastric ulcers, and has some anabolic(tissue-building) activity.

For sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and infections.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Fabaceae  )

Some Nervine Adaptogens Oat (Avena sativa) Poaceae It nourishes the tissue,

restoring normal function and vitality.

It is a slow acting tonic remedy that calms shattered nerves, relieves emotional instability.

Reduces the symptoms of drug withdrawal.

Restore a sense of peace and tranquility to over-stressed, angry, and chronically upset people.

Brahmi (Bacopa monniera,Plantaginaceae) Shows antioxidant and cell-protective effects.

It was found to have significant antidepressant activity & have a role in stress management.

Is a herb known for memory enhancement for reversal of memory

Few more examples………….

THANK

YOU