Recent Perspectives on the Medicinal Potential of Plant-Based Adaptogens

Abstract

Traditional medicine, Indian and otherwise, can give numerous accounts of plant-based adaptogens: agents that can trigger a shield of non-specific resistance against chemical/biological/physical stressors, allowing molecular and physiological adaptations to survive under stress. The plant-based adaptogen can be a purified natural compound or an herbal extract, conferring the previously listed benefits. Historically, Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera have numerous endorsements as adaptogens in various stressors; however, in recent times, the arena of adaptogens has expanded to include adaptogens against a wide range of stressors—drug-induced toxicity, immunomodulators, exposure to cold/hypoxic environments, neuro-preservative and cognition boosting, etc. The new adaptogens conferring the enlisted benefits, such as Bacopa monnieri, Emblica officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Rhodiola rosea, Cordyceps sinensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Tinospora cordifolia are discussed in this chapter in terms of their adaptogenic effects, reported molecular mechanisms and their commercial form available in the market.