The ability to adapt to a given habitat is a distinctive feature of all living organisms. An individual who can adapt easily to any changing situation (physical, mental, microbial, chemical, etc.) such as long hours or stress at work, a bacterial infection, industrial pollution, or simply insufficient sleep is resistant to disease and stays healthy. Whereas someone with lower immunity and adaptive power falls sick easily. Adaptogenic agents can prevent disease and maintain good health. As adjuvant to other specific treatments, Adaptogens can also help in “altering the course of the disease”. Disease and normal wear and tear of the body cause the body to age leading ultimately to death. The term ‘Adaptogen’ was coined by the Russian scientist, Lazarev, only 50 years ago. But Indian physicians practicing Ayurveda recognized the contribution of Rejuvenating (Rasayana) Herbs 5000 years ago in revitalizing the human body and rewinding the aging process.

Herbal Adaptogens have been sold in all the major markets as modern nutraceuticals or traditional medicine but under the labels of “Anti-ageing”, “Antioxidants”, “Immunity Boosters”, “Anti-stress” formulas. To the best of our knowledge, the product category of ADAPTOGEN would have a clear USP over the other popular categories. After extensive search of the modern and traditional literature on this subject we are proud to present this range of Adaptogenic Herbs from India that can slow down the ageing process if consumed as per directions. Two such herbs are highlighted in this issue.

Tinospora cordifolia

Ayurveda refers to Tinospora cordifolia as 'Amrita' or the Nectar (of Immortality!). The term 'Amrita' is attributed to this drug in recognition of its ability to impart youthfulness, vitality and longevity. This is not an exaggerated claim by any means as there is ample clinical and animal evidence to support the claim of adaptogenic and immunomodulatory activities of Tinospora.

Asparagus racemosus

Shatavari, botanically known as Asparagus racemosus is commonly found Indian Herb. It is believed that Shatavari taken during pregnancy can lead to the birth of a “super baby” in terms of physical and mental abilities. Well-established pharmacological properties of Asparagus racemosus include immunostimulation, uterine relaxation, anticancer, antiulcer, and antimicrobial etc.

Scientific Evidence

According to modern Ayurvedic pharmacology Adaptogens, produce an increase in the power of resistance against multiple (physical, chemical or biological) stressors.

A series of experiments to evaluate the mechanisms of adaptogenic activity of these two adaptogenic herbs using various stress and immunostimulatory models are reported in the literature few of which are as sited below.

Biological stressors

Asparagus racemosus and Tinospora cordifolia both reduced mortality in immune suppressed mice or rats due to single or mixed abdominal infections induced using various pathogenic organisms. Observations attributed this effect to adaptogenic activity of these herbs, mediated through increase in white blood cell count and activation of phagocytic and killing capacities of polymorphonuclear cells and monocyte- macrophage system the potent arms of immune system.

Physical stressors

In another biological stress model involving cold immobilization studies, extracts of Asparagus racemosus and Tinospora cordifolia provided significant protection against stress-induced gastric mucosal damage.

Yet another stressor study demonstrates that these extracts provide significant protection against cisplatin induced alterations in intestinal motility complying with definition of an adaptogen.

Chemical stressors

Asparagus racemosus and Tinospora cordifolia both have also been found to provide protection to a greater extent against leucopenia (decreased WBC count) and bone marrow suppression caused due to cyclophosphamide- a cytotoxic drug used in cancer chemotherapy.

Tinospora cordifolia administered concomitantly with the hepatotoxic agent, CCl4 offered protection against hepatic damage caused by it.

Both these Rasayana Herbs reduced lung fibrosis induced by Bleomycin.

Thus studied proves that these plants are capable of protecting when exposed to a variety of stressors. Thus the herbal supplements are considered the most important tool of medicine in the new millennium.

Some other potent adaptogens are listed below:

• Withania somnifera
• Picrorrhiza kurroa
• Ocimum sanctum
• Momordica charantia
• Terminalia chebula
• Piper longum
• Emblica officinalis
• Centella asiatica
• Andrographis paniculata