INTRODUCTION:

Stress is a multifaceted physiological and psychological reaction influenced by environmental, psychological, and chemical variables. The HPA axis is activated and cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine are released, which trigger the ‘fight-or-flight’ response.¹ ‘Acute stress’ is a quick, transient response to a perceived or actual threat.^2,3 Additionally, ‘anxiety’, which is anticipatory, characterized by worry and fear, and stemming from perceived future threats, can be triggered by extreme stress.⁴ One important sign of dysregulation brought on by stress is anxiety.⁵ Stress reactions are strongly influenced by major life events, including divorce, moving, caring for others, chronic illness, and exams.^6–11 Effective stress reactions aid in coping, but long-term activation (allostatic load) interferes with HPA axis function and is linked to diseases like depression, PTSD, and heart disease.^12–15

The prevalence of anxiety disorders, which affect 126.9 out of 1000 people, increased by 105% in Spain between 2016 and 2021. Additionally, the use of psychotropics, especially anxiolytics, which account for 9.1% of all medications, increased during this time¹⁶. Considering the adverse effects of pharmaceutical treatments, this is concerning.¹⁷

A significant percentage of people who only receive psychotherapy fail to experience complete remission.^18,19 Examining methods to lessen the effects of stress is beneficial for society because of its obvious role in both physical and mental health. The significance of gut microbes in controlling emotion, thought, and behavior is being highlighted by new research.²⁰ This process is significantly influenced by the human gut microbiota, which is made up of bacteria, yeasts, and archaea.^21–23 Bidirectional communication via endocrine, neurological, and immune pathways is made possible by the gut–brain axis²⁴ and it is crucial to comprehend how microbiota affect the HPA axis and cortisol release.^25,26 Anxiety-related disorders and other emotional disorders are associated with dysbiosis, or altered gut microbiome composition.²⁷ Changing the microbiome, especially with adaptogens and psychobiotics, may improve mental health. The effects of adaptogens vary; ashwagandha, for instance, has both calming and energizing qualities.²⁸

Exploration of the mechanism of action:

Adaptogens have the ability to alter particular physiological reactions to various stressors. They serve as a tangible foundation for the body's interactions with the outside world and have the potential to impact the stress-response system and immune system, as shown in Fig. 1. A non-specific response, especially hormonal, arises when homeostasis is not the main driver, and excessive neurosecretory activity can become detrimental if hormone levels exceed critical thresholds.^29,30 The CNS, particularly the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons connected to CRH, AVP, brainstem adrenergic nuclei, the HPA axis, and the peripheral nervous system, is part of the human stress-response system.³¹ The sympathetic nervous system and HPA axis are the main effector limbs of a central coordinating system that is made up of CRH neurons, AVP neurons, catecholaminergic neurons, and related cell groups that respond to external stressors.³²

The structure and operations of the SNS and HPA systems are intimately related, and catecholamine neurons interact with CRH. During reactions to external stimuli, these systems interact on several levels; for instance, catecholamines can trigger the HPA axis by encouraging the release of CRH, and hormones derived from HPA can alter SNS activity.³³ Rapid physiological reactions to environmental stress are made possible by the SNS. In addition to catecholamines, ATP, nitric oxide (NO), and other neuropeptides can be released by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.³⁴ Key effects of adaptogens include improved resistance, increased and regulated energy circulation, decreased perception of external pressure, improved mental focus, and facilitated deep sleep when the HPA axis is adjusted.^29,30,35 Adaptogens do not raise NO or cortisol levels in response to acute physiological demands.³⁶ According to recent research, the SNS adapts to stress by adjusting to the inhibitory and then stimulatory effects of long-term overexpression of endogenous glucocorticoids. The stress response also includes angiotensin, cytokines, and arachidonic acid metabolites. External stressors cause an increase in the release of CRH and AVP, which in turn stimulates the secretion of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormones. By regulating cortisol and NO release in saliva and plasma, plant-derived adaptogens, like Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, can support adaptation to higher loads and help the body withstand stress. Following ingestion, exercise causes cortisol and NO levels to fall relative to pre-exercise levels rather than rise. Adaptogens may therefore increase messenger molecules that both activate and inhibit stress (cortisol and NO). They improve the stress-response system's capacity to process powerful environmental cues in both healthy and dysregulated conditions. The main area of difference between adaptogens and conventional metabolic regulators may be in how they stimulate the central nervous system. There are structural similarities between active adaptogen constituents and substances like catecholamines and adrenal cortex hormones, according to new biochemical evidence.³⁷

3.1. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha, commonly known as “Indian Ginseng” or “Indian Winter Cherry,” is derived from the dried roots of Withania somnifera Dunal (Solanaceae).⁴² Its active constituents include alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins), and saponins, and it is native to India, Africa, Sri Lanka, the Mediterranean region, and Pakistan.^43,44In a randomized study, Shenoy et al. reported that elite Indian cyclists who consumed 0.5 g ashwagandha root capsules twice daily for eight weeks showed significant improvements in aerobic capacity, including increased VO₂max, compared with placebo.⁴⁵ VO₂max is a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness and athletic performance.⁴⁶ Similarly, Wankhede et al. demonstrated that ashwagandha root extract enhanced muscle strength and growth in resistance-trained young men.⁴⁷

3.2. Astragalus: Astragalus L. is the most prominent genus in the Leguminosae family (subfamily Papilionideae, tribe Galegeae). In addition to the highlands of Africa and South America, it is widespread across the subtropical area, namely in Asia, Europe, and North America.⁴⁸One of the most important flowering plant genera, Astragalus L. (Fabaceae family) has over 2500 different species.⁴⁹ Exercise training in conjunction with AM administration improved endurance capacity and raised muscle and hepatic glycogen levels. After an acute challenge, AM also decreased blood lactate and ammonia brought on by exercise. All things considered, AM supplementation decreased fatigue and increased performance without any negative side effects, suggesting that it could be a helpful ergogenic aid during training.⁵⁰

3.3. Cordyceps : It grows naturally on caterpillars, this rare and expensive mushroom is known in traditional Chinese medicine as Dongchongxiacao (winter-worm summer-grass).^51,52 Cordycepin, polysaccharides, mannitol, ergosterol, and adenosine are among the bioactive substances that have been isolated from ‘C. sinensis’ and contribute to its wide range of biological activities.⁵³In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Savioli et al. gave two grams of “Cordyceps sinensis” per day to thirty amateur marathoners. According to the study, supplementation increased aerobic performance after 12 weeks and decreased heart rate at moderate-intensity exercise after 8 weeks, indicating that the participants had a greater capacity for endurance.⁵⁴

3.4. Ginseng: Ginseng is a general tonic and adaptogen used to maintain homeostasis, enhance resistance to stress, and improve physical, sexual, and overall vitality. It has been used for thousands of years in East Asian traditional medicine, mainly as an anti-aging and anti-fatigue agent.⁵⁵ The most commonly used species include Panax ginseng (Korean), Panax notoginseng (Chinese), Panax quinquefolius (American), and Panax japonicum (Japanese). Its main active compounds are triterpenes, saponins, and ginsenosides.⁵⁶ P. ginseng roots exhibit pharmacological effects in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, stress reduction, immune enhancement, CNS stimulation, and antioxidant defense.⁵⁷ A randomized, double-blind, crossover study by Souza et al. showed that P. ginseng increased muscle activation, reduced perceived effort, and improved force recovery in trained athletes.⁵⁸

3.5. Holy basil: Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Tulsi) is a medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family, native to the eastern tropics, and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. It exhibits anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anticancer, adaptogenic, and radioprotective properties. ⁵⁹ Tulsi contains several bioactive compounds, including oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, eugenol, linalool, carvacrol, caryophyllene, and germacrene. ⁶⁰ Maity et al. reported that a high dose of Ocimum sanctum extract increased swimming time, suggesting CNS-stimulating and anti-stress effects. ^[61] Known as the “queen of herbs,” tulsi promotes vitality, supports physical and mental health, and, due to its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, aids muscle recovery and helps maintain physiological homeostasis in athletes.^62–64

3.6. Rhodiola Rosea: Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae), sometimes referred to as "roseroot," "golden root," or "arctic root," has long been used to treat infections, fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, and to increase longevity, productivity, endurance, and resistance to high-altitude sickness.⁶⁵ This perennial with yellow flowers grows naturally along the eastern coasts of North America and in the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia (primarily Siberia). It thrives at high elevations in dry sandy soil, sea cliffs, and mountain rock fissures.⁶⁶ Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are efficiently eliminated by phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, and phenyl ethanol/benzyl alcohol derivatives found in rhodiola, a traditional medication with potent antioxidant qualities.⁶⁷ Parisi et al. assessed 28-day Rhodiola rosea supplementation in 14 trained male athletes in a placebo-controlled study. Blood lactate, plasma creatine kinase, and plasma free fatty acids were significantly lower (p < 0.05) while HR Max, Borg Scale, VO₂max, and test duration remained unchanged, indicating an improved adaptogenic response to exercise.⁶⁸

3.7. Schisandra: Schisandra chinensis (SC), also known as magnolia berry or five-flavor fruit, is a vine native to Russia, Korea, and Northern China and has long been used in traditional Asian medicine for various ailments. It exhibits immunomodulatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-aging, anticancer, and CNS-regulating properties.^69,70 Its main bioactive constituents include lignans, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and triterpenes, with lignans being primarily responsible for its health benefits.⁷¹In a 12-week placebo-controlled study, Park et al. reported that 1 g/day SC extract significantly improved quadriceps muscle strength and reduced fatigue indicators in postmenopausal women.⁷² Similarly, Cho et al. found that 12 weeks of SC extract supplementation enhanced skeletal muscle strength, though not muscle mass, in adults over 50 performing low-intensity exercise.⁷³

3.8. Turmeric: Native to Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and India, turmeric (*Curcuma longa* Linn) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Turmeric, a well-known medicinal herb with pharmacological qualities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-protozoal, anti-venom, anti-microbial, anti-malarial, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, and anti-aging effects, is frequently used to add color and flavor to mustards and curries⁴⁴. Curcumin and essential oil are found in its rhizome; the volatile oil contributes to its scent, while curcuminoids give it its vivid yellow hue.⁷⁴

McFarlin et al. investigated how oral curcumin supplementation affected inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) during eccentric-only dual-leg press exercise (EIMD), muscle soreness, and activities of daily living (ADL) as well as creatine kinase (CK). When compared to a placebo, curcumin significantly decreased increases in CK (48%), TNF-α (25%), and IL-8(21%); however, there were no discernible changes in quadriceps soreness, IL-6, or IL-10. According to these results, curcumin may improve functional performance and hasten recovery in subsequent exercise sessions by lowering biological inflammation during EIMD recovery.⁷⁵

CONCLUSION:

Adaptogenic herbs offer a promising, natural approach to managing stress in today’s fast-paced world. Unlike conventional medications that often target symptoms, adaptogens work holistically by supporting the body’s innate ability to resist physical, emotional, and environmental stressors. Scientific studies suggest that herbs such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Holy Basil may help modulate cortisol levels, improve energy balance, and enhance resilience to chronic stress. These benefits can translate into improved mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being. However, while research is growing, it is important to recognize that adaptogens are not a panacea; their effects may vary depending on individual physiology, dosage, and lifestyle factors. Integrating adaptogenic herbs into a broader stress management strategy—including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and adequate sleep—can optimize their efficacy. Moreover, consulting with healthcare professionals before starting any herbal regimen ensures safety, especially for individuals with existing medical conditions or those taking medications. Ultimately, adaptogenic herbs represent more than just a trend—they reflect an age-old understanding of the body’s interconnected systems and the potential of natural remedies to support resilience in the face of modern stressors. By embracing both ancient wisdom and contemporary research, individuals can cultivate a more balanced, resilient approach to stress management, fostering long-term health and emotional well-being.

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Received on 19.11.2025 Revised on 10.03.2026

Accepted on 29.05.2026 Published on 06.07.2026

Available online from July 20, 2026

Asian J. Pharm. Res. 2026; 16(3):334-340.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5691.2026.00049

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.

Sr No	Adaptogen	Biological Name	Action	Caution/side effect
1	Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera	Improves muscle strength, endurance, and quality of life	Rhinitis, constipation, decreased appetite
2	Astragalus	Astragalus membranaceus	Improves endurance and muscle recovery	It is immunomodulatory, so persons with autoimmune diseases cannot use it
3	Cordyceps	Ophiocordyceps sinensis	Improves endurance and energy	Dry mouth, nausea, and diarrhea
4	Ginseng	Panax ginseng	Enhances muscle strength, endurance, and muscle recovery	Mild insomnia, hot flushes, and dyspepsia
5	Holy Basil	Ocimum sanctum/ Ocimum tenuiflorum	Muscle recovery	Mild nausea
6	Rhodiola Rosea	Rhodiola rosea	Enhances physical strength, endurance and	Dizziness, dry mouth, or unrestrained saliva production
7	Schisandsra	Schisandra chinensis	Improve muscle strength, endurance, and overall physical performance	May interfere with CYP-450 isoenzyme
8	Turmeric	Curcuma longa	Protects against inflammation and enhances muscle recovery	In some cases, diarrhea, headache, and rash

Fig. 1 The mechanism of action of plant-originated adaptogens on human body29

Fig. 1 The mechanism of action of plant-originated adaptogens on human body²⁹