Adrenal Pro Contains Nine Adaptogens:
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is considered the foremost adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine.
Bacopa (Bacopa Monnieri), also known as water hyssop, it has been used for several thousand years, especially in India, as a rejuvenation herb.
Holy Basil, also known as tulsi, has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Studies reveal that it moderates the effects of a variety of stress responses as well as decreases cholesterol and increases endurance.
Cordyceps (a medicinal mushroom) has been used as a therapy for the accelerated strengthening and revitalization of the body after exhaustion or lengthy illness.
Jiaogulan is a plant that grows wild in China and other countries throughout Asia. Its chemical composition is similar to ginseng but superior and is often referred to as the "Immortality" herb since it contains many antioxidant and adaptogenic effects purported to increase longevity.
Schisandra is one of the oldest Chinese herbal medicines. Studies indicate it has adaptogenic, antioxidative capabilities and a liver protective effect.
Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years as an adaptogen, meaning it is thought to help protect the body against various stresses including physical, mental and emotional stress.
Noni is the new rage among adaptogens. It is known to act as an antioxidant, relieve stress and fatigue, antinociceptive (reducing sensitivity to painful stimuli), prevent/curb effects of noxious stimuli and anti-inflammatory.
Licorice contains many active compounds such as isoflavonoids, glycyrelizin, chalcones, coumarins, sterons, amino acids and lignans.
These compounds have been shown to have cortisol sparring properties, estrogen modulating properties and anti-inflammatory properties.
Stress Explained
Chronic negative stress triggers a number of critical changes throughout the body. These stressors act along multiple biochemical pathways, including the endocrine, nervous, and immune system. It has been estimated that 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are now related to the effects of stress1. Possibly more alarming is that stress shortens our telomeres (the so called DNA
molecule longevity cap on the end of our chromosomes) which in turn leads to accelerated aging. As long as stress levels are low, the effect of stressors are modulated by homeostasis. Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain harmonious equilibrium by constantly readjusting its physiological processes. However, when stress is severe, chronic or multilayered, biochemical changes have the potential
to overwhelm the body's natural homeostasis process. Neuroscientists have termed "Stress" to mean: "Conditions where an environmental demand exceeds the natural regulating capacity of an organism, in particular situations that include unpredictability and uncontrollability"
As a result of demand exceeding capacity, harmful effects can persist long after the stressful situation has been normalized. Biochemical changes can have long lasting effect and this can result in "homeostatic imbalance". First, within seconds of a stressful event, various biochemicals called neurotransmitters and hormones such as cortisol are released into the bloodstream. These chemicals launch our fight-or-flight response and other stress adaptation responses such as rises in blood sugar (glucose), constriction of blood vessels, heart
rate increases with blood being diverted away from the digestive system.
This response may last for several hours, days, weeks or longer as the effect of stress are activated along specific biochemical pathways. If the body cannot restore the equilibrium quickly, the likelihood of permanent damage is increased due to homeostatic imbalance.
These Biochemical effects can be complicated and diverse and can include: obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, gastric ulcer, cancer, gastrointestinal complaints, skin issues, neurological disorders, sexual response and dysfunction, physiological problems, cognition and memory problems, inflammation issues ( cyclooxygense
or COX enzymes), lipid peroxidation ( hepatic issues), cortisol ( steroid hormone), Neurotransmitter issues ( noradrenalin, dopamine, serotonin, acetycholine and GABA), hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal ( HPA) axis regulation, antioxidant issues, energy issues (ATP) and immune issues.
The Good News
Scientists have long known that homeostasis can be supported through the use of nature's extracts called Adaptogens. But to be effective
they need to be combined in such a way that they would complement the body response and each other and help to naturally modulate the
multiple pathways involved in stress issues. Adaptogens are a group of pharmalogical compounds that support the ability of an organism
to respond appropriately to stress, preserve structure and functions from the damaging effect of stress and hasten faster
recovery of normal body processes ( homeostatsis ). Adaptogens main activity is to increase a heat shock protein known as Hps70.
Hps70 plays a key role in cell survival and apotosis (programmed cell death). Each adaptogen works among different pathways and
when combined together properly they have the potential to modulate multiple pathways, bringing about improved mental and physical
health and reduced incidence of chronic diseases and increased longevity.
Recommend Usage for Adrenal Pro
- One to two capsules per day for general adrenal support and stress.
- For more therapeutic application, take four capsules per day in individual doses.
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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - Adaptogen
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng is considered the foremost Adaptogen in Auurvedic medicine. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha
has the ability to help the body recover from the energy loss and mood- altering effects of chronic stress in a double blind study of 98 chronically stressed men and women.
That study used three levels of Ashwagandha:
- 125 mg once a day
- 125 mg twice a day
- 250 mg twice a day
- Plus placebo
Stress levels were assessed for 60 days using a modified Hamilton anxiety (mHAM-A) scale. Additional biochemical values were measured such as cortisol and blood pressure.
A reduced score on the Hamilton Scale indicates fewer symptoms of:
- fatigue
- feeling of impending doom
- inability to concentrate
- palpitations
- flushing
- perspiration
- dry mouth
- loss of appetite
- sleeplessness
- headache
- forgetfulness
- muscle pain
- irritability
Results of Ashwagandha After 10 Days
125 mg daily group:
Had significantly reduced mHAM-A anxiety scores. An addition a significantly reduced level of C-reactive protein
(a measure of inflammation) pulse rate and blood pressure as well as balanced levels of serum cortisol.
The higher dose (250 mg) group:
Also showed greater, dose dependent responses in the same anxiety and chemical pathways but
researchers found that the higher dose subjects showed significantly reduced mean fasting glucose serum lipid
profiles and cardiac risk ratios.
Scientists have found that Ashwagandha modulates stress including changes to homeostasis in the areas of:
- Neurotransmitters (effecting depression and anxiety)
- Blood Sugar
- Cortisol
- Lipid
- Antioxidant activity
- HPA Axis Activity
- Inflammation
- Gastric Ulceration
Bacopa (Bacopa Monnieri) - Adaptogen
Also known as water hyssop, it has been used for several thousand years, especially in India, as a rejuvenation herb. Research has indicated
that it has an Adaptogenic effect on systems related to cognition, motivation, sensory and motor function18,19. It has been additionally
been shown to promote significant decreases in stress related anxiety, mental fatigue, memory loss and stress-triggered disruptions in
homeostasis such as:
- Cortisol
- Neurotransmitters
- Antioxidant activity
- Lipid peroxidation
- Cognition and memory
- Amyloid
Double Blind Placebo-controlled Study
- 18 study participants Age 60-75
- 300 mg once a day (Equivalent to 220 mg of New Spirit more concentrated standardized Bacopa extract used in Adrenal Pro™)
- Length of study - 4 months
Results:
- 30% improvement in mood, particularly depression
- 24% improvement is aspects of learning and memory
- 23% improvement in focus and attention
- 15% improvement in performance measures of intelligence
- The study's most compelling findings was the trend to do better on tests of attention, processing speed and working memory.
Bacopa has been shown to act on serotonin 5HT1a receptors which are responsible for higher order cognitive processes such as memory and mood.
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) - Adaptogen
Holy Basil, also known as tulsi, has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Studies reveal that it moderates the effects of a
variety of stress responses as well as decreases cholesterol and increases endurance.
Holy Basil has been shown to help maintain internal equilibrium by normalizing specific stress-induced, homeostatic imbalances in the area of:
- Blood sugar
- Antioxidant activity
- Inflammation
- Gastric ulceration
- Cholesterol levels and lipid peroxidation
- Plasma creatine kinase (an enzyme)
Double Blind Placebo-controlled Study
Scientists analyzed a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which the patients took 1200 mg. a day of Holy Basil and 79 others took a placebo. Various cognitive and energy-related symptoms on stress were measured using a standardized analysis (RMANOVA) at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks.
Scores showed substantial improvement for all stress related symptoms measured including forgetfulness, sexual problems of recent origin, frequent feelings of exhaustion and frequent sleep problems of recent origin.
Overall stress-management scores were found to have improved by an additional 39% for the Holy Basil group over the placebo group. Surprisingly, this was observed in only six weeks!
Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis) - Adaptogen
Research has established cordyceps (a medicinal mushroom) as a therapy for the accelerated strengthening and revitalization of the body after exhaustion or lengthy illness.
Additional studies show that Cordyceps normalizes stressed induced homeostatic imbalanced in the following areas:
- Blood sugar
- Antioxidant activity
- Inflammation
- Lipid peroxidation
- ATP41
- Sexual functions
- HPA axis activity
An area of interest in the study of cordyceps has been the effects of chronic stress on reduced libido. In a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study of 189 men and women with decreased sex drive scientists found surprising results:
Over 66% experienced improvement in sex drive in just 40 days. Not only did it support continual sex drive in healthy participants, it reversed previously assessed libido loss.
The study was conducted using a dosage of 3 grams daily. This translates to 750 mg. of the special standardized Cordyceps that Adrenal Pro™ contains as it is a 4:1 concentrate.
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) - Adaptogen
Jiaogulan is a plant that grows wild in China and other countries throughout Asia. It functions both as an adaptogenic herb and as a antioxidant.
It is sometimes called "southern ginseng". Its chemical composition is similar to ginseng but superior and is often referred to as the "Immortality" herb since it contains many antioxidant and adaptogenic effects purported to increase longevity. One report comes from a village near Faning Mountain in Guizhou province, where inhabitants drink Jiaogulan tea instead of the more common green tea.
As a result, many people living there have a history of unusual longevity. (History of Jiaogulan, Chapter II, China's Immortality Herb,
Michael Bulmert)
Jiaogulan is known to contain many active components known as saponins, triterpenoids and gypenosides. In fact, 82 saponins
(gypenosides) have been identified in jiaogulan as compared to 28 (ginsenosides) found in Panax ginseng.
Jiaogulan is knows as a adaptogenic which is an herb reputed to help the body maintain optimal homeostatsis. Adaptogenic effects include
regulating blood pressure and the immune system, improving stamina and endurance.
Jiaogulan has been found to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is a powerful endogenous cellular antioxidant. Studies have
found it increases the activities of macrophages, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells and that it acts as a tumor inhibitor.
Numerous clinical studies in Chinese medical literature have shown that jiaogulan lowers serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL
while raising HDL, with reported effectiveness rates ranging from 67%-93%.
Schisandra (schisandra chinesis) - Adaptogen
Commonly referred to in Chinese as "five flavor berry" since the berries possess all five basic flavors: Salty, Sweet, Sour, Spicy and Bitter. Schisandra is one of the oldest Chinese herbal medicines with references written in Chinese medical books in the first century. It is considered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as one of the 50 fundamental herbs. It is one of the few herbs that is said to contain the "Three Treasures" known as Jing, Shen and Qi (Chi).
Studies indicate it has adaptogenic, antioxidative capabilities and a liver protective effect.
Schisandra chinesis first gained recognition as an adatpogen in the official medicine of the USSR in the early 1960's – principally as a result of the large number of pharmacological and clinical studies carried out by Russian scientists in the preceding two decades. Schiscandra is now included in the National Pharmacopeia of the USSR and in the State Register of Drugs.
Pharmacological studies have shown that schisandra increases physical working capacity and afford stress protection against a broad spectrum of harmful factors including heat shock, skin burn irradiation and heavy metal intoxication. Schisandra increases endurance and accuracy of movement and mental performance.
In Chinese Medicine: Schisandra rejuvenates the body, increase in the vital energy (Qi), cures cough, fatigue, acts as sexual tonic
(similar to maca root powder). Used mainly in the treatment of lung and kidney disease. Relieves excessive sweating, has healthy benefits
in the treatment of urinary and reproductive systems and helps generate body fluids and alleviate thirst.
As an Adaptogenic: Known for its stimulatory effect on the nervous system without the effect of excitement like amphetamines or caffeine. The higher degree of exhaustion the greater the stimulating effect.
As an Anti-fatigue: Can improve performance, increase strength and reduce fatigue while improving concentration . Lends to quicker and stronger reflexes. Also has beneficial effects on eyesight and hearing as well as increased field of vision and improved adaptation to darkness.
For Immunity: Active components in schisandra helps prevent inflammation, protects the liver and stimulates the immune system (similar to Cordyceps sinensis and Hericum erinaccus).
Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficiency of schisandra in asthenia, neurologic and psychiatric (neurosis, psyhogenic, depression, asthero-depressive states, schizophrenia and alcoholism) disorders, in impaired visual functions, hypertension and cardiotonic disorders, in epidemic waves of influenza, in chronic sinusitis, otitis neuritis, otoselerosis and in pneumonia.
Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus) - Adaptogen
Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TEM) for thousands of years as an adaptogen, meaning it is thought to help protect the body against various stresses including physical, mental and emotional stress.
Current western applications of Astragalus are primarily restoring and strengthening the immune response, enhancing cardiovascular function and increasing vitality. Indications supported by clinical include impaired immunity adjunctive cancer treatment, and viral infections including the common cold and cervical erosion associated with Herpes Simplex. (Thorne Research Inc. Alternative
Medicine Review Vol. 8, Number I, 2003)
Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains antioxidants which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals – by products of cellular energy.
In the United States, researchers have looked at Astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, Astragalus supplements seem to help people recover faster and live longer (University of Maryland Medical Center, Astragalus , 2003)
Noni (Morinda citrifoli) - Adaptogen
Noni is the new rage among adaptogens. It is known to act as an antioxidant, relieve stress and fatigue, antinociceptive (reducing sensitivity to painful stimuli), prevent/curb effects of noxious stimuli and anti-inflammatory.
But based on normal studies and clinical practice, it is widely believed that polysaccharide-rich substances found in noni attack abnormal cells and abnormal growth by stimulating the body's immune system. In some limited animal cancer studies, noni treatments reduced the formation of abnormal cells in the heart, liver and kidneys and prolonged the life span of mice by more than 75%.
Noni is known to contain certain phytonutrients that are believed to be responsible for its beneficial effects such as:
- Anthraguinones (Damna Canthol)
These stimulate the immune response to cancer by activating the body's T cells or "cancer cells".
- Glycosides
Newly discovered compounds that help prevent cancer and scavenge free radicals.
- Scopoletin
It is anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-fungal and antibacterial. It helps regulate serotonin, the body's "feel good" hormone, which helps ward off anxiety and depression.
It also serves as a vasodilator and lowers blood pressure. It binds to melatonin and helps regulate sleep, hunger and body temperature.
Licorice (Glycyrrhizin Glabara) - Adaptogen
Licorice contains many active compounds such as isoflavonoids, glycyrelizin, chalcones, coumarins, sterons, amino acids and lignans. These compounds have been shown to have cortisol sparring properties, estrogen modulating properties and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycyrrhizin has the ability to down regulate the enzyme 11-Beta-Hydroxylase which is responsible for converting active cortisol into a less active glucocorticoid cortisone. Glycyrrhizin and lignan also exhibit estrogenic action when estrogen levels are too low. When estrogen levels are too high, it has the ability to inhibit estrogenic action. This activity is important in the adrenal exhausted male or female patient since they usually suffer from altered estrogen metabolism.
Licorice has shown anti-viral properties due to its ability to increase interferon production and inhibit viral RNA replication. Licorice also has
anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic activity. These properties are very helpful with the adrenal exhausted patient because they are usually prone to allergies and sensitivities.
