Benefits of Specific Adaptogens



ADAPTOGENS IN LERA



Eleutherococcus



  1. Common Name: Eleuthero, Ginseng, “King of Adaptogens”
  2. Distribution: Primorye, Korea, Japan and China. Native to the Prymoria region of Russia.
  3. Appearance: Thorny bush with many stems. Height 5 – 7 feet.
  4. Gathering: July – September
  5. Chemical Composition: Glycosides, Oleanoloisides Ho, H1,H2, Eleutherosides B, B1,D, E and A
  6. Plant Part Used: Leaves, stems and roots of the plant as each part contains biologically active substances (BAS)

Tonic – Increased work ability.

Stimulated mental work ability.

Increases resistance to heat and cold.

Resistance to infections.

Resistance to tumor formation.

Improves eyesight – color and clarity.

Improves clarity of hearing.

Mild hormonal activity.



Viburnum sargentii



  1. Common Name: Cramp bark, High Bush or European Cranberry
  2. Distribution: Native to north eastern Asia
  3. Appearance: A flowering plant growing to 10 ft tall and broad. A substantial deciduous shrub with 3-lobed, maple-like leaves, often turning red in autumn. Flat white flower heads in early summer, are followed in autumn by globose red berries.
  4. Chemical Composition: Contains saponins, flavonoids, bioflavonoids, anthroquinones, coumarins
  5. Plant part used: Fruit



Viburmum sargentii is a natural plant antioxidant.

High amount of vitamin and complex organic acid.

Stress-protective benefits.

Reduces the toxicity of alcohol.

Recommended as a food supplement for stress

management and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Recommended for prophylaxis of dysfunctions under

conditions of rapidly changing environmental,

climatic and social conditions.

Aids in preventing seasonal diseases such as colds and influenza.

Slows the degenerative processes of aging.



Crataequs oxycantha



Common Name: Hawthorn, Maybush, Whitethorn, English Hawthorn

Distribution: North America, North Africa, Central Europe and Western Asia, also seen in the Himalayas, Central and Southern France and the UK.

Appearance: A spiny bush or small tree with strong-smelling white flowers and bright red spherical fruit containing 1 to 3 nuts.

Chemical Composition: Contains flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, caffeic and chlorogenicacid and triterpenes.

Plant Part Used: Flowers, dried leaves, fruits (Berries)


Crataequs oxycantha is a natural plant antioxidant.

Decreases cholesterol levels blood vessels.

Prevents congestive heart failure by improving the

contractions of the cardiac muscles, very similar to the

prescription medication Digitalis.

Lowers blood pressure.

Promotes a regular cardiac rate and rhythm.

lmproves general circulation.




Sorbus aucuparia



  1. Common Name: Mountain Ash, rowan
  2. Distribution: Native to most of Europe and parts of Asia, and northern Africa. The range extends from Madeira and Iceland to Russia and northern China. It is not native to Japan.
  3. Appearance: A deciduous tree or shrub in the rose family with slender trunk with smooth bark and a loose and roundish crown. Its leaves are pinnate in pairs of leaflets on a central vein with a terminal leaflet. It blossoms from May to June in dense corymbs of small yellowish white flowers and develops small red pomes as fruit that ripen from August to October and are eaten by many bird species.
  4. Chemical Composition: the fruit contains carotenoids, citric acid, malic acid, parasorbic acid, pectin, provitamin A, sorbitol, tannin, and vitamin C. The seeds contain glycoside.
  5. Plant Part Used: Fruit, flowers, and leaves



Reduce the lipids in the liver and cholesterol in blood.

Possess cholagogue and diuretic properties influencing

urolithiasis in the kidneys and urinary tract, and

also possesses anti-inflammatory, haemostatic,

aids capillary-tonic activity.

Vitamin, astringent, easy laxative, sudorifico action.

Helps to lower blood pressure, raise coagulability of

blood, and is used as an agent for lowering the fat content

in the liver and cholesterol in blood.

Treatment of headaches.



Rhaponticum carthamoides



  1. Distribution: Southern Siberia, Eastern Kazakhstan, Altai Mountains and Western Sayani
  2. Appearance: Perennial herbaceous plant 18-36” tall. Rhizome is horizontal. Roots are hard. Flowers are violet in color
  3. Gathering: August & September
  4. Process: Air dried at low temperatures, rhizomes are cut transversely into small pieces
  5. Plant Parts Used: Root



Tonic and stimulant for mental activity.

Tonic and stimulant for physical activity.

Combats physical fatigue.

Combats impotence.

Improves the brain’s blood supply.

Lowers cholesterol in animal studies.

Normalizes some oxidative processes.

Increases work performance.



Rhodiola rosea



  1. Common Name: Rhodiola, Golden Root
  2. Distribution: Russian Far East, Altai, Ural and Irkutsk.
  3. Appearance: Perennial herbaceous plant reaching 50 cm in height.
  4. Gathering Period: August & September.
  5. Chemical Composition: Glycosides, salidroside, thyrasol.
  6. Process: Roots and rhizomes are cut and air dried. Alcohol soluble.
  7. Plant Parts Used: Root, rhizomes



Increases endurance for static and dynamic work loads.

Anti-metastatic.

Combats impotence.

Improves cardiac activity.

Hypotonia.

Effective in treatment of neurosis (Tomsk Medical University).



Schizandra chinensis



  1. Common Name: Schisandra, Chinese Magnolia Vine
  2. Distribution: Prumorye, Southern Khabarovsk region, Amurian district, Sakhalin Island, Northern China and Japan.
  3. Appearance: Perennial woody plant with string branches. Yellow flowers bloom in late May. Fruit ripens in August & September.
  4. Gathering Period: September & October.
  5. Chemical Composition: Ether oils, aldehydes and ketones. Schizandrin, -schizandrin & schizandrol.
  6. Plants Parts Used: Seeds, fruit



Anti-atherosclerotic activity.

Improves eyesight.

Combats effects of physical and mental over exertion.

Combats sleeplessness.

Improves sexual activity.

Neurasthenia.

Widely used in Japan, China and Russia to combat fatigue.



Aralia mandshurica



  1. Distribution: Prymorye and Northern China
  2. Appearance: Tree like plant growing to 18 feet tall with large thorns and very large leaves. Blooms in 5th year. Small white flowers. Fruit is spherical.
  3. Gathering Period: Spring and late Fall
  4. Processing: Roots are air dried at low temperature
  5. Chemical Composition: Sapponins A,B, C, Aralosides A,B & C
  6. Plant Parts Used: Roots



Aralia has a bitter taste but is a powerful adaptogen.

Stimulates central nervous system.

Increases oxidative-restorative processes.

Strong antitoxic action.


Folk Medicine uses:

Stomatitis

Grippe

Cold

Nocturnal enuresis



    Glycyrrhiza uralensis



    1. Common Name: Chinese Licorice, Licorice.
    2. Appearance: Perennial herbaceous plant with powerful root system. Horizontal sprouts.
    3. Gathering Period: All year.
    4. Chemical Composition: Liqueraside, glycyrrhizinic acid, glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, flavonol.
    5. Plant Part Used: Roots, rhizomes



    Adrenocorticotrophic activity.

    Anti-inflammatory.

    Expectorant.

    Anti-allergenic.

    Estrogenic.

    Anti-cancer action.


    Folk Medicine Uses:

    ​Lung disease

    Ulcers

    Cancer



    Inonotus obliquus



    1. Common Name: Chaga, Clinker
    2. Distribution: Russia, Japan, China, Korea, Eastern and Northern Europe, northern areasof the United States, Alaska, in the North Carolina mountains and in Canada.
    3. Appearance: A fungus that prefers living on the Birch tree as a parasite. The sterile conk is irregularly formed and has the appearance of burnt charcoal. It is not the fruiting body of the fungus, but a sclerotia or mass of mycelium, mostly black because of the presence of massive amounts of melanin. The fertile fruiting body can be found very rarely as a resupinate fungus on or near the clinker, usually appearing after the host tree is dead.
    4. Chemical Composition: Contains over 200 phytonutrients, B complex vitamins, various minerals, fiber and protein.
    5. Plant Part Used: Mushroom body



    Inonotus obliquus is a nontoxic type of mushroom (fungi).

    Used to treat blood disorders, bronchitis, liver damage,

    hypertension, tumors and other antibacterial or antiviral.

    Used for centuries as a cure for cancer,

    diabetes and stomach infection.

    Stimulate the central nervous and neurohumoral systems.

    Improves metabolism including activation of

    metabolism in cerebral tissue.

    Regulates the activity of cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

    Stimulates the homogeny (increase the level of leukocytes).

    Acts as an over-all strengthening means.

    Increases the resistibility of the body to infectious diseases.

    Possesses antipyretic properties during internal and local application.

    Strengthens the cytostatic activity of anti-tumorigenic preparations.

    Inhibits the increase of tumors, causing their gradual

    regression and slow down the development of metastases,

    i.e. possesses cytostatic action.

    Helps to restore the natural resistance processes of the

    organism and increases its protecting mechanisms

    directed towards the fight with malignant tumors.

    Normalizes the activity of the gastro-intestinal tract

    and intestinal micro flora.

    Healthy life energy balance ("Chi').

    Preserves youth, promotes longevity, and boosts the body's immune system to fight viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic maladies.



    Additional Herbs Classified As Adaptogens



    Ashwagandha
    (Withania Somnifera)



    Distribution: Native to the dry regions of India, northern Africa, and the Middle East, also grown in mild climates, including the United States.Appearance: Plump shrub with oval leaves and yellow flowers. It bears red fruit about the size of a raisin.Chemical Composition: Chemical constituents for the roots, fruits, seeds, and stem include withanone withaferin A withanolides A, D, an G and sitoindosides IX, X, VII, VIII.Plant Parts Used: Root and berry. Root extract is the preferred form.
    Ashwagandha is used to help alleviate the symptoms of stress, fatigue, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating.

    Protects the immune system.Helps combat the effects of stress.Improves learning, memory, and reaction time.
    Reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness.Anti-anxiety effect is synergistic with alcohol.Helps reduce brain-cell degeneration.Stabilizes blood sugar.Helps lower cholesterol.Offers anti-inflammatory benefits.Contains anti-malarial properties.Enhances sexual potency for both men and women. Provides neuroprotection.Anti-cancer effects.


    Cordyceps sinensis



    1. Distribution: From Asia (notably Nepal, China, Japan, Bhutan, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand)
    2. Appearance: Elongated fruit body that grows two to four inches long and only about a half inch wide. It is generally club shaped, but may be cylindrical, branched, or of complex shape with a top that is wider than the base. It is orange in color and bland in taste
    3. Chemical Composition: Polysaccharide components and cordycepin



    Promote anti-aging.

    Lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and raise good

    (HDL) Cholesterol levels.

    As a general well-being tonic.

    Increase athletic performance.

    Increase strength and stamina.

    Increase blood circulation.

    Protect the liver and kidneys.

    Improve liver function in people with hepatitis B. Enhance the working of the immune system.

    Treat respiratory problems.

    Dilate the lung’s airways providing increased

    oxygen to the blood.

    Enhance energy levels.

    Treat asthma, bronchitis and cough.

    Increase the body’s natural killer cells.

    Regulate blood pressure.

    Help build lean muscle.

    As a powerful antioxidant.

    Help promote deeper sleep.

    Sedative action.

    Treat fatigue and weakness.

    As an aphrodisiac.

    Lower cholesterol



    Tribulus terristrus



    1. Common Name: Tribulus, puncture vine
    2. Distribution: an annual plant in the Caltrop Family (Zygophyllaceae) widely distributed around the world, that is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. Native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World in southern Europe, southern Asia, throughout Africa, and Australia.
    3. Appearance: A fruit-producing Mediterranean plant that's covered with spines. Stems radiate from the crown to over 3 ft, often branching. They are usually prostrate, forming flat patches. Lemon yellow flowers bloom from April through October In Southern California. A week after each flower blooms, it is followed by a fruit that easily falls apart into five nutlets or burs. The nutlets are hard and bear two to four sharp spines.
    4. Chemical Composition: Contains saponins, lignin amides, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides.
    5. Parts Used: Fruit, leaf and root



    Tribulus terristrus is used to propel urinary stones and lessen

    symptoms of angina.


    It is used as a tonic to enhance athletic performance,

    treat certain sexual problems, and infertility.



    Ajuga turkistanica



    1. Common Name: Ajuga, bugleweed, ground pine, carpet bugle, bugle
    2. Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but also two species in southeastern Australia.
    3. Appearance: Perenial plant, six to nine inches tall and as wide, with opposite leaves. Produces profuse blue flower spikes about six inches tall in spring with sporadic blooms throughout summer into fall. It is a creeping herbaceous evergreen ground cover that grows as a series of ground-hugging rosettes with spatula shaped leaves.
    4. Chemical Composition: Contains phytoecdysteroids, which include alpha-ecdysone, 2- desoxyecdysterone, ecdysterone, sileneoside A, and turkesteronePlant
    5. Parts Used: Leaves and shoots



    Ajuga turkistanica is used as treatment of heart disease, muscle aches, stomach aches, staunching blood flow, coughs.



    Phytoecdysteroids are anti-inflammatory and can decrease cellular stress.


    Ajuga turkestanica extract activates carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis stimulating an increase in muscle mass.



    Asphaltum bitumen



    1. Common Names: Mumijo, shilajit, mumio, mineral pitch, mineral wax, black asphaltum
    2. Distribution: Found predominately in mountain regions of Himalaya,Tibet, Caucasus, Altai and Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan
    3. Appearance: Mumijo is a solid mass of a thick, sticky, tar-like substance with a colour ranging from white to dark brown or black, with a shiny surface and bitter taste. It originates from plant and animal sources, which seeps over long periods of time through certain rocks, under the influence of spring water, emerging as a resin type substance.
    4. Chemical Composition: There are about 28 chemical elements, 30 macro and micro-nutrients, as well as 10 different metal oxides, 6 amino acids, including zoomelanoidion, a number of vitamins, essential oils, resins and retinoid agents in Mumiyo. Also there is bee venom, humic substances and other matter, which is not investigated yet. In addition, the inorganic part comprises about 30 rare trace elements: rubidium, cesium, barium, strontium, tin, chromium, antimony.
    5. Plant Parts Used: Pitch


    Mumijo is neither a plant nor an animal substance, but is a mineral pitch that exudes from the rocks. For years and years, humus and organic plant material are compressed within the rocks of the mountains. And during summer, a gluey extract oozes out of these rocks which is Mumijo or Shilajit. It is popular for treating diabetes, urinary tract diseases and sexual dysfunctions. It has great rejuvenative powers able to increase longevity.



    Maintains physical and mental efficiency.

    Immuno-stimulating painkiller increases mineral metabolism and accelerates the healing of bone fractures and wounds.

    Moderate anti-tumor activity.

    Restores the deficiency of micro and

    macro- elements in the tissues.

    Stimulates skin regeneration processes.



    Astragalus membranaceus



    1. Distribution: Native to the northern provinces of China and cultivated in China, Korea, and Japan.
    2. Appearance: Astragalus roots are sold as long pieces, which have a tough, fibrous skin with a lighter interior. The untreated root has a sweet, licorice-like taste. Chemical Composition: Contains the saponin cycloastragenol. Constituents of the roots (Radix Astragali) include polysaccharides, triterpenoids (astragalosides), as well as isoflavones (including kumatakenin, calycosin and formononetin) along with their glycosides and malonates.
    3. Parts Used: Root, root extract


    Astragalus exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, especially beneficial for the kidneys and has been researched for its cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and longevity effects.


    Astragalus supplementation has been shown to reduce the metabolic and physical complications of aging, however, there are currently no studies that show an actual increase in lifespan.

    Used to treat:

    Common cold.

    Upper respiratory infections.

    Allergies.

    Fibromyalgia.

    Anemia.

    HIV/AIDS.

    Strengthen and regulate the immune system.

    Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

    Kidney disease.

    Diabetes.

    High blood pressure



    Ocimum sanctum



    1. Common names: Holy basil, tulasi (sometimes spelled thulasi) or tulsi. Plant is revered as an elixir of life.
    2. Distribution: Native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics.
    3. Appearance: An erect, many-branched sub-shrub, 12–24" tall with hairy stems. Strongly scented leaves, either green or purple, are simple with a slightly toothed margin. The purplish flowers are placed in close whorls on elongated stems.
    4. Chemical Composition: Some of the active chemical constituents of tulsi are: oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, β-caryophyllene (about 8%). Tulsi essential oil has been found to consist mostly of eugenol (~70%) β-elemene (~11.0%), β-caryophyllene (~8%) and germacrene (~2%), with the balance being made up of various trace compounds, (mostly terpenes).
    5. Parts Used: Leaves, stems, and seeds


    Used to combat stress and enhance mental clarity and memory. Used long-term, it can reduce the risk of age-related mental disorders.


    A powerful antioxidant with demonstrated antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.



    Protects against infection in treat wounds.

    Lowers blood sugars.

    Lowers cholesterol.

    Eases inflammation and joint pain.

    Increases stomach’s defense.



    Additional herbs classified as "near Adaptogens"



    Alstonia scholaris



    Distribution: Native to the Indian subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia, Australia.Appearance: An evergreen tropical tree growing from 50 to 80 feet high, has a furrowed trunk, oblong stalked leaves up to 6 inches long and 4 inches wide, dispersed in four to six whorls round the stem, their upper side glossy, under side white. Its fragrant flowers bloom in October.Chemical Composition: Its bark contains three alkaloids, Ditamine, Echitamine or Ditaine, and Echitenines, and several fatty and resinous substances - the second is the strongest base and resembles ammonia in chemical characters.Plant Part Used: Bark, seeds, milky exudates, leaves
    Used in homoeopathy for its tonic bitter and astringent properties useful to purify blood and relieve respiratory disorders. It is a cytotoxic herb which is used to stop cancerous growths.
    Used to relieve intermittent and remittent fevers.Bowel complaints: Relieves bowel dysfunctions.Catarrhal Dyspepsia: The powdered bark is beneficial to relieve this ailment. It helps in relieving indigestion and balances the mucous content in the body.Diarrhea and dysentery: The plant is effective in cases of chronic dysentery and diarrhea.Skin disorders: the extract from the tree is helpful in relieving acne, ringworm and eczema.


    Anacyclus pyrethrum



    1. Distribution: It is found in North Africa, the Mediterranean region, the Himalayas, North India, and in Arabian countries.
    2. Appearance: A spring-blooming, low-water ornamental. It produces mats of grey-green, ferny foliage and single daisy-like white flowers.
    3. Chemical Composition: Some Studies suggested that Akarkara root contains alkaloid PELLITORIN (PYRETHRIN) and ALKYL AMIDES. ALKYL AMIDE in the Akarkara roots is made of TYRAMINE amides and ISOBUTYLAMIDES. ALKYL AMIDES have libido stimulant and neuroprotective properties. The aerial parts of Akarkara plant contain ANACYCLIN. Other active constituents are INULIN, SESAMIN and HYDROCAROLIN.
    4. Plant Part Used: Root



    Used to treat:

    Loss of Libido.

    Impotency and erectile dysfunction.

    Toothache.

    Pyorrhea.

    Common Cold.

    Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and

    delayed speech development

    Epilepsy and seizures