Adaptogen and Other Plant Based Medicinals

Adaptogens are a powerful class of herbs and natural substances known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress, improve resilience, and support overall well-being. However, their effectiveness depends on how they are used, as not all adaptogens work the same for everyone. Factors like individual health conditions, stress levels, lifestyle, and potential interactions with medications must be carefully considered.

As a provider trained in adaptogens, I have the expertise to assess your unique needs, guide you to the most effective adaptogens for your specific situation, and determine the right dosage and form for optimal results. Without this personalized approach, you risk taking an adaptogen that may not suit your needs, or worse, one that could exacerbate existing health issues.

Buying adaptogens online or from a store can be tempting, but it often comes with risks. The quality and purity of supplements can vary widely, and some products may not contain the active ingredients at therapeutic levels. Ascend Psychiatry will only recommend high-quality, reliable products and will monitor your response to adaptogen treatment to ensure safety and efficacy.

By working with Ascend Psychiatry, you gain a tailored treatment plan designed to address your specific goals, whether reducing stress, boosting energy, or supporting immune health, maximizing the adaptogens' benefits while minimizing potential side effects.

* While Kava, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian Root are not classified as adaptogens, they offer significant benefits for mental health through their anxiolytic, antidepressant, and sedative properties.

Here are some commonly used adaptogens along with their descriptions and relevant research citations:

Rhodiola Rosea

Also known as golden root or arctic root, is an adaptogen known for its ability to reduce fatigue, enhance mental performance, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Uses:

Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Rhodiola is noted for its potential to reduce stress and anxiety by modulating cortisol levels.
Improved Cognitive Function: It can enhance cognitive function, particularly under stress.
Alleviating Depression: Some studies suggest it may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate depression.

Research Citations:

Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress—protective activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188-224.
Shevtsov, V. A., et al. (2003). A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine, 10(2-3), 95-105.
Darbinyan, V., et al. (2000). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 54(4), 234-242.

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Also known as Indian ginseng, is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote physical and mental health, improve vitality, and enhance longevity.

Uses:

Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Known for its calming effects, it helps in reducing anxiety and stress.
Improving Sleep: It can promote better sleep quality, which is crucial for mental health.
Cognitive Enhancement: Ashwagandha is also believed to improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention.

Research Citations:

Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255-262.
Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 901-908.
Khyati, B., Rajiv, K., Shubhini, A., & Pracheta, J. (2019). Neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera against stress induced oxidative damage. Research Journal of Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences, 5(3), 457.

Bacopa Monnieri

Also known as Brahmi, is an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.

Uses:

Cognitive Enhancement: Bacopa is known for its potential to improve memory and cognitive performance.
Anxiety Reduction: It may also help in reducing symptoms of anxiety.
Neuroprotection: Bacopa has neuroprotective properties that can help in maintaining brain health.

Research Citations:

Stough, C., Lloyd, J., Clarke, J., Downey, L., Hutchison, C. W., Rodgers, T., & Nathan, P. J. (2001). The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology, 156(4), 481-484.
Calabrese, C., Gregory, W. L., Leo, M., Kraemer, D., Bone, K., & Oken, B. (2008). Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6), 707-713.
Roodenrys, S., Booth, D., Bulzomi, S., Phipps, A., Micallef, C., & Smoker, J. (2002). Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory. Neuropsychopharmacology, 27(2), 279-281.

Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum)

Also known as Tulsi, is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote mental balance and resilience to stress.

Uses:

Stress Relief: Tulsi is widely known for its stress-relieving properties.
Anti-Anxiety Effects: It can help in reducing symptoms of anxiety.
Cognitive Function: Holy Basil is also believed to support cognitive function and mental clarity.

Research Citations:

Cohen, M. M. (2014). Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), 251-259.
Mondal, S., Varma, S., Bamola, V. D., Naik, S. N., Mirdha, B. R., Padhi, M. M., & Mahapatra, S. C. (2011). Double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 174720.
Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. M. (2017). The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 9217567.

Kava (Piper methysticum)*

Kava is a plant native to the Pacific Islands known for its sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Uses:

Anxiety Reduction: Kava is widely used to reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Sleep Aid: It can also promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Muscle Relaxation: Kava has muscle-relaxant properties, making it useful for alleviating tension.

Research Citations:

Sarris, J., et al. (2013). Kava for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (K-GAD): a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 33(5), 643-648.
Werneke, U., Turner, T., & Priebe, S. (2006). Complementary medicines in psychiatry: review of effectiveness and safety. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 188(2), 109-121.
Lakhan, S. E., & Vieira, K. F. (2010). Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review. Nutrition Journal, 9(1), 42.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)*

St. John’s Wort is a flowering plant used for its antidepressant properties.

Uses:

Depression Treatment: It is commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression.
Mood Improvement: It helps in improving mood and reducing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Anxiety Reduction: St. John’s Wort can also help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Research Citations:

Linde, K., et al. (2008). St John’s wort for major depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4).
Ng, Q. X., Venkatanarayanan, N., & Ho, C. Y. X. (2017). Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 210, 211-221.
Apaydin, E. A., et al. (2016). A systematic review of St. John’s wort for major depressive disorder. Systematic Reviews, 5(1), 148.

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)*

Valerian Root is an herb known for its sedative properties and its use as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia.

Uses:

Sleep Aid: Valerian Root is commonly used to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
Anxiety Reduction: It can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Muscle Relaxation: Valerian has mild muscle-relaxing effects, which can help with tension and stress.

Research Citations:

Bent, S., et al. (2006). Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), 1005-1012.
Fernández-San-Martín, M. I., et al. (2010). Valerian for sleep disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10).
Andreatini, R., Sartori, V. A., Seabra, M. L., & Leite, J. R. (2002). Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Phytotherapy Research, 16(7), 650-654.