Adaptogens

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are substances that have a normalizing effect on the human body. They have the ability to increase the body's stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption. Taking adaptogens is associated not only with a better ability of the body to adapt to stress and maintain/normalize metabolic functions, but also with better mental and physical performance. There are two main classes of adaptogens. The first class includes plant adaptogens, and the second includes synthetic adaptogens, also called actoprotectors. In our offer, of course, you will find adaptogens of plant origin.

What does the name adaptogens mean?

The term adaptogens is now widely used and is becoming more and more popular. And did you know that it was implemented in the scientific lexicon in the middle of the 20th century in the Soviet Union? The classic definition of adaptogens is related to their ability to increase the body's resistance to stress factors ("stressors"). These stressors are of different nature: chemical, physical or otherwise. Examples of such stress factors may be, for example, unfavorable atmospheric temperature or intense physical activity. According to the definition, adaptogens should not only protect the body from damage caused by stress situations/factors, but also should not increase oxygen consumption and interfere with normal body functions. The definition of adaptogens is constantly being updated to include an increasing amount of scientific evidence related to understanding their mechanisms of action. Importantly, the term adaptogen refers to a physiological process - adaptation to environmental challenges, which is a multi-step process involving various mechanisms of extracellular and intracellular interactions. The renewed definition of adaptogens is supported by the results of recent research on the molecular mechanisms of action of adaptogens in various regulatory systems from the cellular level to the whole organism:

• adaptogens are stress response modifiers that increase the body's non-specific resistance to stress by increasing its ability to adapt and survive;
• abotanical adaptogens are metabolic regulators that increase survival by increasing adaptability under stress;
• adaptogens are natural compounds or plant extracts that increase the adaptability and survival of living organisms under stress conditions.

Terms that are associated with adaptogens are stress, homeostasis, immunity, adaptation

Homeostasis is a complex dynamic equilibrium/steady state maintained by coordinated physiological processes in the body. In other words, homeostasis is the ability of a living organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium despite changes in the surrounding conditions, while stress is the temporary inability to maintain this state of equilibrium. So stress is a state of threatened homeostasis. Resilience, in turn, is the ability to maintain or quickly return to a stable physical and mental balance despite experiencing stressful events. Adaptation as an active process of responding to challenges that involves behavioral, physiological, structural and genetic changes to environmental influences that fall outside biologically adequate ranges. Adaptability is the ability of an organism to change itself or its response to changed circumstances or the environment.

What plants have adaptogenic properties?

The action of plant adaptogens is related to the complex of biologically active compounds contained in them. Plant adaptogens have a very rich phytochemical composition. The most important plants with adaptogenic properties include: ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola rosea), ginseng (Panax ginseng), Schizandra chinensis, eleutherococcus prickly (Eleuterococcus senticosus), gotu kola ( Cenella asiatica), Bacopa monnieri, maca (Lepidium meyenii), mace (Tribulus terrestris).

Ashwagandha, one of the most famous adaptogens

Ashwagandha, botanically known as Withania somnifera Dunal, is a member of the Solanaceae family. It is commonly known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The literal meaning of the word "Ashwagandha" is "horse smell". The herb is so named for two reasons. One reason is that the fresh roots of the herb give off a horse odor. The second reason is the common belief that a person consuming extracts from the herb can develop horse-like strength and vitality. This herb occupies a central and significant place in the Ayurvedic tradition. Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, where it has been used for over 3000 years, e.g. to cope with stress, increase energy and improve cognitive functions.

The biologically active chemical constituents of Withania somnifera include alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins) and saponins. What properties does ashwagandha have? Here's what this plant is famous for:

• Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties; helps maintain physical and mental fitness in case of weakness, exhaustion, fatigue and loss of concentration;
• supports in periods of mental and nervous tension and anxiety; contributes to optimal relaxation; supports relaxation, mental and physical well-being; contributes to emotional balance and general well-being;
• helps maintain optimal endurance, feeling of energy and vitality, physical and mental well-being; helps to support the body's vitality; contributes to the body's resistance to stress; helps to increase energy;
• supports falling asleep as well as learning, memory and recall.

Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogen from mountain peaks

Rhodiola rosea is a relatively rare and valuable medicinal plant that grows at high altitudes in arctic and mountainous regions throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Rhodiola rosea is also known as "arctic root" or "golden root". Rhodiola contains salidroside, flavonoids, terpenoids, sterols, tannins and many other compounds. Usually this plant is standardized to specific levels of rosavin and salidroside (or both). Many studies suggest that rhododendron, among others. improves cognitive functions, relieves symptoms of mental stress and reduces mental fatigue. Rhodiola rosea is a plant known for:

• helps maintain the proper functioning of the circulatory system, thus providing cells with oxygen and nutrients;
• normalizes the work of the digestive tract;
• helps the body adapt to emotional stress, physical exertion, supports the stimulation of the nervous system;
• ia plant-based antioxidant to protect cells; an adaptogen that protects during physical stress;
• contributes to optimal mental and cognitive activity.

Tribulus terrestris, an adaptogen popular among men

Tribulus terrestris is a plant that is found primarily in South Africa, Australia, India and Europe. It usually grows in dry climates and sandy soils and grows up to one meter in height. The name Tribulus comes from the Greek word "tribolos", which means prickly fruit. The traditional use of the mace has been in Chinese, Indian (Ayurveda) and south-eastern European cultures since ancient times. Many compounds with different biological properties and chemical structures have been identified in the Tribulus terrestris extract, especially steroidal saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, polyphenol carboxylic acids and alkaloids. The composition of the extract from this plant depends on various factors, such as the method of extraction and whether roots, leaves or fruits are used. Among the different types of ingredients, steroidal saponins and flavonoids are considered the most important metabolites with different biological activities. For centuries it was believed that tribulus has an aphrodisiac effect and supports the vitality of the human body. Tribulus terrestris is a plant that:

• promotes sexual desire and sexual performance;
• supports the health and comfort of the urinary system;
• soothes the nervous system (fruit);
• helps maintain body and muscle tone and energy levels (fruit).

Adaptogens from 6PAK Nutrition

Would you like to supplement your diet with one of the plant adaptogens, but you don't know which one would be right for you? Get to know our adaptogens - here's a short download 😊

• Effective Line Ashwagandha - supplementation in a convenient form of capsules. Ashwagandha extract is standardized for the content of withanolides - as much as 10 mg in each serving. Excellent offer!
• Effective Line Rhodiola Rosea - Rhodiola rosea extract standardized for the content of salidroside in the form of tablets. Simple supplementation when you want to supplement your diet with rosary.
• Effective Line Tribulus Terrestris - Tribulus Terrestris extract containing as much as 90% of saponins. This is what you might need! The perfect choice, especially if you are a man who trains intensively.

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