INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF ADAPTOGENS

Adaptogens are natural substances that have been used for many years for their therapeutic properties. The Soviet Union was the first to research these components. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union was interested in finding a capsule to improve the intellectual and physical performance of its soldiers. The first study conducted was with Schisandra, one of Superlativa Botanicals' favorite active ingredients, as all products in the Goddess Collection contain it (1).

The term adaptogen was first introduced into the scientific literature by Russian toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev in 1957. He was the first to name the concept adaptogen to describe components that could increase the state of resistance to physical and emotional stress (1).

WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?

In herbal medicine, natural adaptogens are a non-toxic class of restorative herbs and mushrooms that boost immunity and support the body's adrenal function, a key component of achieving hormonal balance and its effects on the body's metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response, among other functions.

Compounds with adaptogenic properties (usually botanical, although there are exceptions) increase vitality and control internal and external damage caused by stress.

It is important to highlight that the term adaptogen is related to a physiological process: adaptation. to external challenges and the increase in state of resistance, which is a multi-step process involving various mechanisms of extracellular and intracellular interactions.

For a component to be considered an adaptogen it must meet the following 3 requirements:

1. It must act on the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis , which is responsible, among other things, for controlling the response to stress.
2. They produce a normalizing effect on the body and improve tolerance to any stressor (physical, chemical, biological or psychological).
3. Adaptogens by definition cannot be toxic.

THE 5 BENEFITS OF ADAPTOGENS

Natural adaptogens can affect different tissues and organs and adjust each of these parts to achieve homeostasis, that is, the general balance of the organism (1).

The most important benefits are the following:

1. They increase our body's ability to resist the harmful effects of stress.
2. They balance our hormonal system.
3. They reduce the inflammatory component.
4. They strengthen our immune system.
5. They enhance mental clarity and reduce fatigue.

ADAPTOGENS AND STRESS

Continued stress levels can have serious consequences for our bodies . The adrenal glands are responsible for responding to physical and emotional stress by increasing the secretion of cortisol. If the body chronically secretes high levels of cortisol, it can affect the adrenal glands' ability to secrete sufficient hormones, and the body can suffer a series of serious reactions. When the adrenal glands cannot meet the demands of continued excessive pressure, what is known as adrenal fatigue occurs (1).

Numerous studies indicate that adaptogens can increase the effectiveness of adrenal gland secretion, thus abolishing excess hormonal production (1).

Specifically, Ashwagandha root extract has been clinically proven to be one of the effective adaptogens for stress management (2).

CLASSIFICATION - ACCORDING TO THEIR THERAPEUTIC FUNCTIONS

Below we've listed the benefits of each so you know which one to start with, depending on what you're looking for.

Table 1. Adaptogens according to their therapeutic functions

WHAT IS AN ADAPTOGENIC PRODUCT?

Natural adaptogens can be consumed in powder form, mixed into beverages such as teas or smoothies, and in capsule form. Each has its own unique benefits, but capsules are the most widely available.

WHERE TO BUY THEM?

Superlativa Botanicals has created the Goddess Set , designed to achieve overall balance. It reduces stress, protects your immune system, restores focus, improves the appearance of your skin, strengthens hair and nails, and improves your hormonal balance. Not only that, but it will also help strengthen your immune system.

All Superlativa products contain adaptogens in clinically effective amounts. They are herbal adaptogenic capsules so you can take them and get all the benefits without worrying about any preparation.

Keep the list of adaptogens in mind so you know which one is right for you.

HOW LONG SHOULD THEY BE CONSUMED?

In general, adaptogens are very safe and can be used continuously. At Superlativa Botanicals, we recommend using them for at least three months to obtain satisfactory results.

Below, we've included an explanatory video on adaptogens. Don't miss it!

We'd love to help you learn more about your well-being. If you have any questions or nutritional concerns, feel free to contact us at our dedicated email address:

consultas@superlativabotanicals.com

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LITERATURE

1. Liao LY, He YF, Li L, Meng H, Dong YM et al. A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chin Med. 2018 Nov 16;13:57.
2. Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019 Dec 25;11(12):e6466.
3. Gonzales GF, Villaorduña L, Gasco M, Rubio J, Gonzales C. Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp): a review of its biological properties. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2014;31(1):100-10.