Rhodiola rosea Root Extract†
Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogenic
botanical due to its ability to increase resistance to a variety of
stressors.[1] Rhodiola has been studied extensively and is
widely used in Eastern Europe and Asia to help support
the nervous system, mood regulation, mental clarity, work
performance and the sleep cycle.[1] Within the central nervous
system, Rhodiola has demonstrated an ability to preserve
levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and
norepinephrine. In a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled
study examining the effects of Rhodiola on fatigue
and stress, 161 patients aged 19 to 21 years received Rhodiola
twice daily resulting in a significant reduction in fatigue. [2] An
additional study using Rhodiola extract in students showed
significant improvements in mental performance, greater
mood stability and improved sleep patterns. [3]
Eleuthero Root Extract†
Eleutherococcus senticosus has been identified as a strong
adaptogenic botanical and is widely used in China to support
general health, memory and endurance. [4] In addition to its
ability to improve stress resilience and fight fatigue, Eleuthero
has exhibited immune supporting effects. [5] In a double -blind
study, 45 healthy volunteers received Eleuthero or placebo for
30 days. A cognitive challenge test was given to assess stress
response, and heart rate. Unlike placebo, subjects receiving
Eleuthero demonstrated a 40% reduction in heart rate in response to the stressor. [6] Eleuthero has also been shown to
improve performance in runners. In a study on performance
athletes, Eleuthero extract (2 or 4 mL) given 30 minutes
prior to a race significantly reduced race time (48.7 minutes)
compared to the control group (52.6 minutes). [7]
Schizandra Berry Extract†
Schizandra berry extract is an adaptogenic botanical that has
been used for centuries in China and Russia to help support
mental clarity, stress response and emotional wellness. In a
double-blind, placebo-controlled study, athletes who were
given an adaptogenic blend including Schizandra chinensis
extract or placebo, had increased concentrations of nitric
oxide, a molecule which causes the blood vessels to expand
resulting in increased circulation, increased blood flow and
nutrients throughout the body and healthy blood pressure. [8]
The researchers concluded that Schizandra berry enhances
physical performance in athletes. [8] Schizandra berry has also
been shown to support learning and memory and may have a
protective effect on brain health. [9]
Licorice Root Extract†
The primary components in licorice root that support adrenal
health include glycyrrhetic acid and glycyrrhizin. Licorice has
also been shown to block 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase,
the enzyme responsible for the conversion of cortisol to the
inactive cortisone. [10] When taken in small doses, licorice root
extract can be used to maintain cortisol levels, an important
factor for individuals that need to support adrenal hormone
production and maintain healthy inflammatory pathways. [10]
Adrenal Concentrate†
For thousands of years, glandular concentrates have been used
in medicine to supply key nutrients to support the body. The
concept of glandular therapy states that similar organ extracts
from animals will support the same organ within humans by
stimulating its activity. Adrenal bovine concentrate allows for
rejuvenation of the adrenal stress system in a balanced and
efficient manner.
Micronutrient Blend†
Adrenal gland function, as well as the synthesis of cortisol,
is dependent on an adequate supply of several vitamins.
Vitamin C plays a major role in neurotransmitter production
and supports general health of the adrenals. [11] Under stressful
conditions, vitamin C and B complex vitamins are readily
used and excreted from the body. [10] Within the B vitamin
family, pantothenic acid breaks down into Coenzyme A,
which is essential for the production of energy from ingested
carbohydrates, fats and proteins. [12] In a study evaluating
the effects of pantothenic acid and glutathione production,
pantothenic acid was found to increase CoA levels in the body,
leading to increased ATP production. [12] Niacin also plays a
vital role in many metabolic functions in the body, including
supplying energy to cells and assisting in the production of
adrenal hormones. [10]
References
1. Rhodiola rosea. Altern Med Review 2002;7 (5):421-423.
2. Shevtsov, VA, Zholus BI, et al. A randomized trial of two
different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus
placebo and control of capacity for mental work.
Phytomedicine 2003; 10(2-3):95-105.
3. Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov, et al. A double blind,
placebo controlled pilot study of the stimulating
and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on
the fatigue of students caused by stress during an
examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen.
Phytomedicine 2000;7:85-89.
4. American Botanical Council. American Botanical Council.
Eleuthero root. http://www.herbalgram.org. 2002.
5. Eleutherococcus senticosus. Altern Med Review 2006;(11):2.
6. Facchinetti F, Neri I, Tarabusi M. Eleutherococcus
senticosus reduces cardiovascular response in healthy
subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Stress
Health 2002;18:11-17.
7. Halstead BW, Hood LL. Eleutherococcus
senticosus /Siberian ginseng: An introduction
to the Concept of Adaptogenic Medicine. Long Beach, CA:
Oriental Healing Arts Institute; 1984:28.
8. Panossian AG, Oganessian AS, et al. Effects of heavy
physical exercise and adaptogens on nitric oxide
content in human saliva. Phytomedicine 1999; 6(1):17-26.
9. Kang SY, Lee KY, et al. ESP-102, a standardized combined
extract of Angelica gigas, Saururus chinensis
and Schizandra chinensis, significantly improved
scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.
Life Sci 2005; 76(15):1691-1705.
10. Guilliams TG, Edwards L. Chronic Stress and the HPA Axis.
The Standard 2010;9(2).
11. Patak P, Willenberg HS, Bornstein SR. Vitamin C is
an important cofactor for both adrenal cortex
and adrenal medulla. Endocr Res 2004; 30(4):871-875.
12. Slyshenkov VS, Dymkowska D, Wojtczak, L. Pantothenic
acid and pantothenol increase biosynthesis of
glutathione by boosting cell energetics.
FEBS Lett 2004; 569 (1-3):169-172.
