An adaptogen is a drug, mainly of plant origin, exhibiting general tonic properties that affect the activity of the main organs and systems. They contribute to the overall strengthening of the body under adverse conditions and in stressful situations, contribute to the speedy recovery after overwork and heavy physical exertion. Let's look at the main adaptogen plants, materials of animal origin, as well as drugs produced on their basis.
The most common plants from which adaptogens are derived
The most typical representative of plants of this group is Schisandra - adaptogen, from which tinctures and liquid extracts are prepared, as well as ginseng and Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus, and Leuzea. In addition to these plants, Echinacea, which has long been used as a medicine of this group, deserves special attention.
Most of the above plants grow in Europe, but a plant such as aralia is high, or sika deer or deer antler extracts are also excellent raw materials for making the adaptogen. List of the most popular drugs:
- Apilak.
- "Mummy."
- "Ginseng tincture."
- "Eleutherococcus extract."
- Pantocrine.
- "Tincture of Rhodiola rosea."
The mechanism of action of adaptogens
It is difficult to single out any specific mechanism of action for the adaptogen due to the multicomponent nature of tinctures and extracts. However, the main mechanisms of their action are:
- activation of the processes of synthesis of ribonucleic acids and proteins, which contributes to the development of reparative processes (this contributes to the speedy healing of wounds and restoration of body weight);
- antioxidant effect, aimed at reducing the number of free radicals and reducing the processes of peroxidation (which contributes to increased resistance when exposed to toxic substances or ionizing radiation);
- reduction of biochemical disorders when exposed to stress;
- normalization of the function of the hypothalamic-adrenal and immune systems.
These mechanisms of action are generalizing in nature, since it is difficult to study and describe the effect of each of the components of adaptogens on the whole organism.
Pharmacodynamic characteristics of adaptogens
After taking adaptogens, they increase physical and mental performance, exercise tolerance, reduce fatigue and reduce the feeling of fatigue, eliminate appetite disorders and help restore circadian rhythms of the body. They help increase the body's resistance to adverse environmental factors (high and low temperatures, exposure to various poisons and toxic or poisonous substances).
Against the background of taking such drugs, an increase in specific and nonspecific immunity is observed, blood circulation, respiration and perception of information are improved with the help of auditory and visual analyzers. Adaptogens help to improve hematopoiesis and have a protective effect on the liver and heart.
Adaptogen release forms
Due to the fact that such products are most often made from materials of plant origin, their main dosage form is tincture. Also often drugs of this drug group are found in the form of liquid extracts. Adaptogens in tablets are quite rare.
General indications for use
Admission of adaptogens is indicated in case of physical overwork, to increase the general resistance of the body, for the treatment of asthenic syndrome, during the recovery period after infectious diseases. Due to the anti-inflammatory effect, they are widely used in dental practice for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity. However, each individual drug has its own spectrum of indications for use.
Side effects
When taking adaptogens, an increase in blood pressure, neuropsychic arousal, and an increase in the level of potassium in the blood can be observed. It should not be prescribed to take such drugs in the evening and before bedtime.
Apilak
This drug is a biogenic stimulant. Dry matter of native royal jelly is the main active ingredient of Apilak. The price of this drug ranges from 200 to 350 rubles and depends on the pharmacy network.
Apilak is widely used in pediatric practice for the treatment of eating disorders, neurotic disorders. The drug is also effective to restore the normal lactation during breastfeeding, as well as in the postpartum period for the formation of lactation. In dermatological practice, Apilak is also used to treat seborrhea. The price of the drug is affordable, which determines its widespread use.
Mumiye
Adaptogen is a medicine not only of plant origin. Mumiye is an adaptogen of animal origin. In essence, these are the excrement of bats, which absorbed the mineral substances of rocks. In appearance, the mummy is a viscous resinous mass of dark brown or black color, hardening with time.
It is a biogenic stimulator of a wide spectrum of action. Mummy in tablets, solution or applications has a strong biostimulating effect with inhibition of mutation processes. The drug is indicated for injuries of the musculoskeletal system, ulcers of the intestinal tract, purulent and inflammatory diseases, for inflammatory and allergic processes, periodontal disease and other diseases. Mumiye is recommended as a prophylactic to increase the body's overall resistance during flu epidemics.
In addition to high efficiency, the uniqueness of the drug is due to the absence of side effects (with the exception of cases of individual intolerance) and the possibility of use in pregnant women and during breastfeeding.
During the appointment and administration of the Mumiye drug, it is necessary to take into account drug interactions, since it interacts with almost all drugs. Poisoning and overdose are rare, accompanied by intestinal disorders.
The drug is available in the form of an ointment, applications or solution, in addition, the mummy is available in tablets. Apply Mumiye twice a day: half an hour before meals in the morning and two hours before bedtime.
Eleutherococcus
Among the stimulants of the central nervous system and adaptogens, Eleutherococcus occupies a special place. Indications for the prescription of this drug include situations where it is necessary to increase mental and physical performance, as well as it is taken as a restorative and tonic.
Eleutherococcus is produced in the form of an alcoholic extract. Take the drug 20-30 drops 30 minutes before meals for 25-30 days. In addition, for the Eleutherococcus preparation, indications for use include asthenic syndrome, overwork, chronic fatigue syndrome. The drug has been successfully used to treat diabetes, prevent cancer and improve vision.
Tincture of Rhodiola rosea
Another representative of plant adaptogens is tincture of Rhodiola rosea. The price of this drug ranges from 150 to 200 rubles. Alcohol tincture due to the content of a large number of active substances has a pronounced tonic and adaptogenic effect. Rhodiola rosea increases the body's resistance to adverse environmental factors, temperature extremes, stress factors. The drug increases physical performance, reduces mental stress, improves the condition of patients with vegetovascular dystonia. In addition, an antiarrhythmic effect was noted with the use of rhodiola tincture.
Apply tincture orally, previously dissolving the required amount of the drug in a small volume of water. For maximum therapeutic effect, you should drink tincture 10-15 minutes before eating, while taking the drug should be carried out in the morning. If you drink the medicine in the afternoon, side effects can occur due to stimulation of the nervous system - insomnia, high blood pressure, headaches.
The drug is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to it, as well as in individuals with high blood pressure. In order to treat asthenic syndrome in children, the drug should be prescribed only after the age of twelve.
"Pantocrine"
Adaptogen is an indispensable tool for increasing daily performance. "Pantocrine" is made by extracting biologically active substances from the antlers (antlers) of sika deer, deer or red deer. The active substances of the drug have a pronounced stimulating effect on the activity of the nervous and cardiovascular system. "Pantocrine" in its composition contains a large number of trace elements in the proportions that are necessary for humans, and amino acids and phospholipids take an active part in the restoration of cell membranes and normalization of metabolism.
"Pantocrine" is widely used to treat neurasthenia and neurosis, overwork, asthenic conditions after previous inflammatory or infectious diseases, arterial hypertension, metabolic disorders and digestive disorders. In addition, the drug has been successfully used to restore impaired sexual function in men.
Apply "Pantocrine" inside of 20-40 drops, previously dissolved in a small amount of water. The frequency of administration depends on the condition of the patient and averages 2-3 times a day. Like most other adaptogens, in order to prevent the occurrence of side effects, Pantocrine should be taken in the morning (maximum - 4 hours before bedtime).
Ginseng tincture
Ginseng root tincture belongs to the group of adaptogenic and tonic agents. The active ingredients of the tincture are essential oils and glycosides, pectins and saponins extracted from the root of the plant. The drug is effective for the treatment of asthenic conditions, fatigue during increased mental and physical exertion, in the recovery period after serious illness, and also as a tool for the complex treatment of psychogenic sexual dysfunction.
Like other adaptogens, ginseng tincture should be taken in the morning for 30-40 drops, diluted with a small amount of water.
Conclusion
An adaptogen is a drug whose main effect is to increase the mental and physical performance of a person. If the feeling of tiredness and fatigue has been a constant companion lately, then it's time to start taking these medicines. OTC leave, the widespread presence in the pharmacy network and the low cost of this group of stimulants make them indispensable in the treatment of asthenic syndrome. It is important to remember one thing - the reception should be lengthy and necessarily systematic.