Table 2.

Summary of characteristics of adaptogens

Definition: Adaptogens are natural compounds or plant extracts that increase adaptability, resilience, and survival of organisms to stress.

Chemical class: Various, predominantly tetracyclic triterpenes, phenethyl‐and phenylpropanoids glycosides, stilbenes, lignans, etc.

Pharmacological activity/health claims: adaptogenic

Mechanism of action: Multitarget effects on neuroendocrine‐immune system including:

(i) Triggering of intracellular and extracellular adaptive signaling pathways that promote cell survival and organismal resilience in stress

(ii) Regulation of metabolism and homeostasis via effects on expression of stress hormones (corticotropin and gonadotropin‐releasing hormones, urocortin, cortisol, neuropeptide Y, heat shock proteins Hsp70) and their receptors.

Indications for use: Stress‐induced fatigue, mental and behavioral disorders, aging‐associated diseases.