Glossary

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are inherently metabolic stabilizers and help the body maintain optimum balance. Most spices used in Indian cooking are adaptogens such as ginger, turmeric, cinnamon etc. interestingly the less talked about five ‘thanda masalas’ (cool spices) of the traditional Indian cuisines are also adaptogens  along with the more popular natural phytosupplement  like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Bael, Tulsi, Shatavari, Giloy, etc. 

The term “Adaptogen” was coined in 1947 by Russian scientist N.V. Lazarev who was interested in substances that helped the body adapt to physical and emotional stress. Lazarev thought that adaptogens should:

  • Produce a nonspecific (total body) response that increases resistance against harm from physical and emotional stress (disease, anxiety, etc.)
  • Have a normalizing effect, improving the function of many body systems
  • Be nontoxic, causing no significant side effects

Subsequently, the term adaptogen has been generalized to include herbal remedies (Phytomedicines) that do not necessarily boost energy or counteract stress, but still have a number of benefits including enhanced immune function, antioxidant action and physiological normalization. Unfortunately, in Western medicine the concept of adaptogens is still not widely known nor accepted. As the idea remains controversial because the West is not used to the concept that one drug — or herb — can have a broad range of physical and mental health benefits. But when you consider that stress has been linked to a host of other disorders, including depression, heart attacks, hypertension and increased susceptibility to infection, it is easy to understand how one herb can have an all-encompassing, tonic effect.

Some Important Adaptogens (Phytomedicines)

 1. Tulsi is the most sacred herb of India. A powerful adaptogen/anti-stress agent, it is helpful in preventing and reducing mental, emotional, physical and environmental stress.

2. Meshashringi is a powerful herb that helps in regulating sugar level in the blood, maintaining the right level of glucose in the body. It is also anti-inflammatory, and useful in improving digestion and boosting the liver condition.

  1. Shatavari is a versatile traditional plant used in a variety of serious diseases. A tonic for both genders, it is used more specifically as a female reproductive tonic.
  2. Brahmi improves creative intelligence, imagination, learning, concentration and memory.  It improves circulation and is effective in the treatment of herpes simplex. By improving the functioning of the central nervous system, Brahmi complements modern treatment of Alzheimer’s diseases and paralysis.
  3. Ashwagandha (also known as Winter cherry and Indian ginseng) is a staminator, reduces chronic fatigue and exhaustion. It is rich in antioxidants and is a powerful adaptogen/anti-stress agent.
  4. Amalaki is outstanding in its ability to nourish and rejuvenate the body and mind. Amalaki is considered to be a primary cooling rejuvenator in Ayurvedic medicine.
  1. Bael (Aegle marmelos), a plant indigenous to India like others, has been used by the inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent for over 5000 years. Bael fruits are also used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and peptic ulcers, as a laxative and to recuperate from respiratory affectations in various folk medicines. 
  2. Neem is a unique tree and its leaves are the most complex on the planet. The Neem tree has over a hundred different biologically active compounds. When consumed regularly it can act as preventive for cancer.
  3. Shilajit was described as a yoga vahi, meaning that whatever is taken with it will be enhanced due to Shilajit’s ability to bring any nutrient into solution and drive it into the cell
  4. Arjuna promotes effective cardiac functioning and regulates blood pressure. It tones the heart and reduces stress and nervousness. Lowers LDL, raises HDL.
  5. Giloy boosts immunity, improves digestion, treats diabetes, reduces stress and anxiety, fights respiratory problem, treats arthritis, improves vision and reduces signs of aging.
  6. Noni packs an amazing antioxidant punch. Fights pain associated with tumors. Combats inflammation and boosts immunity. Helps reduce cholesterol. Provides cellular repair and prevents parasitic disease.

Since adaptogens are part and parcel of our recommended diet, it is imperative to reduce the cost of the product to increasing affordability thereby improving acceptability by the end user.  Presently, adaptogens are mostly priced around Rs. 2.50–3/- per capsule/tablet. The only way to achieve affordability is to increase volume and that can only be achieved by changing the present-day packaging of 60 capsules/tablets per bottle to strips of 10 capsules/tablets. This will make it easier to retail the product at grassroot-level ‘kirana stores’ and will also be easier to even mail by post to retail consumers. Until such time, ‘Adaptogens’ will always have the notorious reputation of being an elitist option of an over-the-counter drug for the affluent. It would also help the price sensitive AYUSH system of medicines if the 5% VAT presently applicable is reduced to the tax-free category.