What is an adaptogen?

An adaptogen is a safe, natural botanical that balances multiple body systems and supports the body in its response to stressors. Adaptogens act in nonspecific ways to strengthen resistance without disrupting normal biological processes. They work with the body to balance stress reactions and improve energy production. It improves long-term health and performance without causing negative effects or dependence.

In 1969, the following formal definition of adaptogens was published by Israel Brekhman and Igor Dardymov.

Adaptogens: Cause nonspecific responses, ie. an increase in resistance to several stress factors, including physical, chemical and biological factors. Have a normalizing impact on physiology, irrespective of the direction from which the stressor acts. Does not interfere with the normal functioning of the organism more than is necessary to increase nonspecific resistance.

"A substance that acts in nonspecific ways, to increase resistance without disturbing normal biological functions." - Dr. Andrew Weil

Brekhman II, Dardymov IV: New Substances of plant origin which increase nonspecific resistance. Annu Rev Pharmacol. 1969; 9:419-30

Davydov M, Krikorian AD: Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. (Araliaceae) as an adaptogen: a closer look. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Oct; 72(3):345-93.