Adaptogens

Question 1

Adaptogens

Answer 1

Adaptogens are used for herbal remedies, drugs, or other compounds that increase the ability to adapt to physical, biological, and chemical stressors while promoting normal balanced functioning of the body. Adaptogens (herbs and other substances that have been shown to help the body to adapt to stress) can also be helpful.

Question 2

CHAGA (INONOTUS OBLIQUUS)

Answer 2

Chaga mushroom has the highest ORAC value (measure of antioxidant capacity) of any other food. Polysaccharides from the chaga mushroom’s fruiting body (PFIO) have been shown to effectively promote macrophage activation through the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, which regulate the immune system function.

Question 3

REISHI (GANODERMA LUCIDUM)

Answer 3

Reishi contains a huge variety of bioactive polysaccharides, beta-glucans and over 120 different triterpenoid compounds. It increases overall well-being, raises HDL-cholesterol, activates the immune system (CD3 and CD4 lymphocytes, NK cells), decreases TNF-alpha and reduces fatigue

Question 4

SHIITAKE MUSHROOM (LENTINULA EDODES)

Answer 4

Regular shiitake mushroom consumption has been shown to improve immunity (improved cell proliferation and activation and increased sIgA production) in a randomized dietary intervention in young adults.

Question 5

TURKEY TAIL (CORIOLUS/TRAMETES VERSICOLOR)

Answer 5

Turkey tail has been shown to fight against leukemia cells in vitro and improve the immune system of people getting chemotherapy. It contains 35 different phenolic compounds and flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and baicalein, which are strong antioxidants. Turkey tail also contains other substances, such as Polysaccharide Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP), which activate macrophages and modulate immune response.

Question 6

ASHWAGANDHA

Answer 6

Based on animal studies, an adaptogenic herb ashwagandha has been shown to possess immunomodulatory effects (upregulating Th1 and macrophages). In human studies, aswhagandha has been shown to lower stress and hence balance the function of the immune system. In a very small human study (n=5), ashwagandha was shown to upregulate the expression of CD4 and CD3+ T-cells after 96 hours of consumption

Question 7

Difference between Adaptogens and Stimulants?

Answer 7

Adatogens build your reserves and resiliency while stimulants are more of a “borrowed energy”.