The rapid rhythm of modern life makes a person adapt to increasing loads. Often adverse conditions, having a physical, chemical or biological nature, seem to test our body for strength.
Adaptogens possess the ability to help a person quickly
restore strength and increase resistance to external negative factors. Preparations, the list of which consists of mono-ingredients and combined
biologically active substances (elixirs, vitamins, balms, energy tonics and others), can be of plant, animal and mineral origin. Synthetic adaptogens also exist (for example, Trekrezan tablets).
Mechanisms of action
General-tonic (adaptogenic) agents are distinguished by insignificant specific effects on the functioning of the central nervous system, normalize endocrine processes, accelerate metabolic reactions, and cause the body to adapt to unfavorable factors. Practically without changing the normal functioning of all human systems and organs, tonic agents and adaptogens significantly increase mental and physical performance, promote better tolerance of loads, maintain the stability of our immunity in conditions of heat, cold, thirst, hunger, oxygen deficiency, the threat of infections, psychoemotional stresses and other adverse factors.
These natural herbal remedies noticeably reduce the time of adaptation without negative consequences for humans. The neuroregulatory effect of various doses of adaptogens varies depending on their size: small ones inhibit nervous processes and have a relaxing effect, medium ones tone the body and moderately increase the general tone of the central nervous system, and high ones mobilize it as much as possible. However, even very large doses of adaptogens that cause overexcitation of the body do not lead to malfunctions and serious disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems, and overexcitation, insomnia, and excessive irritability disappear due to drug withdrawal. These tonic substances are rapidly absorbed in the digestive tract in full, and then distributed to all organs and systems. Adaptogens are secreted mainly in the urine, only a small part of them can leave the body along with feces.
Indications
First of all, adaptogens and their treatment are prescribed for those patients who experience great physical exertion (workers and athletes), as well as people working in hazardous industries in difficult climatic conditions. General-toning remedies also help to maintain good spirits for any person with emotional stress, increased fatigue (chronic fatigue syndrome, apathy, seasonal mood swings) and acclimatization, with hypotension or anorexia. During mental or physical overload, adaptogens improve their adaptability without loss of muscle or brain activity.
In what cases are adaptogens (drugs) still indicated? The list can be replenished with the prevention of colds, the restoration of health during the rehabilitation period after acute infectious diseases, as well as with hypofunction of the sex glands or decreased libido.
Types of adaptogenic drugs and agents
The classification of adaptogens depends on the category of the main active substance obtained from various sources: the plant or animal world, the mineral environment, or created in chemical laboratories. Features of these components determine the type of effect of the drug on the human body. Adaptogens of plant origin, the most popular of which are ginseng root and lemongrass, aralia and pink radiola, ginger and eleutherococcus, sea buckthorn and echinacea, sterculia and leuzea, were presented to man by mother nature.
They are produced by manufacturers in the form of tinctures and liquid extracts prepared from a single plant. Balms - “Vigor” and “Monomakh”, elixirs - “Grail” and “Svyatogor”, “Antistress” (female and male formulas), “Vitastim” (complex tincture), as well as energy-tonics: “Ginseng royal jelly” and "Yansheng Hubao" - refers to combined tonic agents for the production of which recipes from many components are used. Adaptogens of plant origin, which contain several natural elements, can have different effects on an organism. Therefore, phytotherapists recommend contacting specialists who select special mixtures of soothing or tonic herbs to solve individual problems of the patient.
In the world of fauna, you can also find sources of adaptogens. They serve to effectively influence the biochemical processes in the human body, the synthesis of proteins, to strengthen the intercellular connections, which help to increase the resistance and endurance of the immune system, improve the response to infectious attacks, and also prevent the occurrence of cancer. Their list includes: pantocrine (extract from young maral antlers), Rantocrinum, pantohematogen, rhino horn and musk (secretion of musk deer glands), lipocerebrin obtained from brain tissue of cattle, powder from bone tissue of bears and tigers, muscles of snakes, hedgehogs, and also extracts and powders from snails, crickets, other insects and reptiles. Generally tonic agents from beekeeping products (bee bread and pollen, royal jelly (with ginseng), honey with adaptogens (Rhodiola rosea, ginseng or lewzea) are widely known. General strengthening energizers from marine and oceanic mammals - maize - are also gaining popularity. , sea lions and other animals: scallops, mussels, sea turtles. Of the mineral adaptogen preparations, the mummy is in demand, of the synthetic - Trekrezan tablets.
Contraindications and side effects
Even absolutely natural remedies, such as biologically active adaptogens (drugs), the list of contraindications is quite impressive. They should not be taken by people with increased nervous irritability and insomnia, in the acute phase of myocardial infarction and with hypertension, with acute infectious diseases and high fever. Pregnancy, breast-feeding, as well as children's age of the patient (up to 16 years) are also reasons for refusing adaptogens.
In healthy people, tonic dietary supplements practically do not cause side effects. The drugs are not toxic even in large doses. Occurring sometimes, such phenomena as insomnia or individual intolerance, allergies or increased tone of the myometrium disappear immediately after discontinuation of the drug.
How to take adaptogens
Preparations, the list of which most often includes general tonic and restorative tinctures, are available without a prescription in any pharmacy today. However, the dosage and feasibility of their use must be agreed with the doctor. There is no need for constant use of general tonic drugs, usually people drink their courses in the off-season (autumn and spring) to strengthen their immunity. It is better to take adaptogens in the morning or in the morning to avoid sleep disturbances.
Old "grandmother's recipes" could recommend lemongrass, eleutherococcus, ginseng and Rhodiola rosea to drink in the morning, and soothing - mint, valerian, oregano or motherwort - before bedtime. The appointment of the dosage, which is very important when choosing adaptogens, is best entrusted to the doctor. If lemongrass excites the central nervous system from about five to six drops, then ginseng works already from two to three.
Important to remember…
The optimal amount of tonic drugs is calculated experimentally. If the minimum dose, for example, tinctures of aralia (6 drops) helps the patient to increase working capacity during the day, to feel a surge of strength and energy, then it is sufficient. If after its administration no effect was observed, then increase by 1 drop until the effect is achieved. The maximum possible amount is 15 drops, then it is necessary to reduce the intake of aralia tincture gradually, decreasing by 1 drop per day.
Adaptogens (drugs): list for athletes
Adaptogens are widely used in sports, they are especially popular in the field of bodybuilding. General-tonic drugs are prescribed for athletes (both during competitions, and for recovery after serious stress and stress). They make it possible to increase the reserves of energy necessary for intensive training and better digestibility of protein.
The best adaptogens of this species are ginseng root, Schisandra chinensis
, Rhodiola rosea, Eluterococcus. As a result of a two-four-week course, they help increase efficiency, effectively fight overtraining of the body, and increase the concentration of testosterone in the blood. In addition to these three drugs, athletes are popular: zamani, sterculia, aralia, leuzea and eleutherococcus. Unique drugs are alternated to achieve maximum effect.
Features of the use of tonic for athletes
Adaptogens for strength sports are a real “multi-tool”: they help to make the training process more effective, increase testosterone production, which helps activate anabolic processes in the body, accelerate metabolic processes and improve concentration, as well as build muscle and feel comfortable under heavy physical exertion. The surge of energy and the desire to work that occurs after taking adaptogens allow you to successfully solve competitive problems and show the best results. At the same time, tonic agents are not doping. Adaptogens are taken to increase testosterone only in the form of tablets, capsules or powder, alcohol tinctures, extracts or balms are excluded.