ADAPTOGEN- THE LATEST HERBAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENT FOR LIFESTYLE STRESS

Dr. Dolan Das*

ABSTRACT

Ayurvedic treatment was very popular as the oldest healing system in the world. The success of using certain plants containing pharmacologically active compounds, in healing and good health and to resist stressful environments of modern life, a class of herbs known as ―adaptogens‖ have come to be regarded as among the most highly celebrated of these plants. Though the word adaptogen is quite new, they have been used for centuries by several different cultures and traditions. Adaptogens can be offered as supplements as they work at the molecular level to stabilize hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which is human body’s stress response system. Adaptogenic herbs are strongly effectual plants, enabling the body to better deal with stress and harmonize the bodily humours. For this reason adaptogens are so profoundly relied upon in its use of herbal medicines. This herbal group of supplements act as challengers and mild stressors.

Keywords: Adaptogen, Stress, Ayurvedic treatment, Herbs, Food.