Dr. Brekhman was determined to combine the herbs having the greatest benefit into one "elixir." This was a very challenging project. The resulting blend is very stable and has been shown to have a long and useful shelf life.
Analysis of the resulting blend surprised even Dr. Brekhman who expected that the resulting substance would have a greater benefit than the sum of the parts. The laboratory analysis of the stimulating activity shows that the Lera® blend has a biological benefit that is 5.5 times greater than the sum of the parts as measured in a cocktail blend. Brekhman was satisfied with the results and was determined that his research would now contribute to better health and well-being.
The Russian scientist and medical doctor, Dr. Nicolai Lazarev, was mentor to Israel Brekhman. Lazarev and Brekhman coined the name "adaptogen", and set out on a quest to discover which nutritional supplements would accomplish the following:
1) Help one resist the stresses of life and time.
2) Help release the wellsprings of stamina, energy and vitality.
3) Help in banishing fatigue and increase capacity for work and endurance.
4) Help in restoring body balance, mental and physical well-being.
Dr. N. Lazarev offered both a clue and direction for the quest - "Search for the answer in nature".
Dr. Brekhman conducted extensive research for more than 45 years on Adaptogenic herbs and is considered the "Father of Adaptogens". Dr. Brekhman formally gave Adaptogens a functional definition in 1968.
As Head of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology of Adaptation, Israel I. Brekhman worked at the Far East Science Center of the USSR in Vladivostok. Beginning in 1956, Dr. Brekhman and his associates studied the effectiveness of the Adaptogenic plants on the basis of daily and seasonal changes in individuals and under different environmental conditions. The scientific group studied 233 plants, their admixtures, and their biological actions. Dr. Brekhman devised four elaborate computer programs to classify the plants and herbs as to biological and toxic actions and also study the beneficial effects of the herbs. Dr. Brekhman identified a nucleus of ten groups of formulations that had therapeutic and beneficial properties. He and his group are the inventors and holders of 21 international patents relating to his work in developing natural plant substances. He has published 22 monographs, several hundred scientific articles and many books.
The Soviet Union presented Dr. Brekhman with its highest award (The Order of Lenin) in recognition of his scientific work and achievements. His work and formulations were very important and of immense help to the Russian space program and Russia's world class athletes.
The Adaptogen formulations help to:
1) Increase physical capacity and athletic performance. 2) Restore the natural balance of the cosmonauts' physiology to cope with problems of motion, vertigo, weightlessness, enforced inactivity and difficulties in space flight.
