Adaptocrine™ (K02) is a broad spectrum herbal adaptogen product used to support healthy adrenal feedback loop function. Adaptogens are plant compounds that seem to have a normalizing impact on the Hypothalmus Adrenal-Pituitary (HPA) axis under times of stress. An “adaptogen” was defined in 1957 by the Russian pharmacologist I.I. Berkman as a substance that fulfills three criteria. First, it must be innocuous and cause minimal disorders in the physiological functions of the organism. Second, it must have a non-specific action to increase resistance to adverse influences by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biochemical factors. Third, it has a normalizing action irrespective of the direction of the pathologic state.1 Adaptogens seem to be useful during both adrenal hyper stress as well as adrenal hypo fatigue. By definition, an adaptogen implies the capability for bi-directional or normalizing effects. The most important adaptogens for the adrenals include Panax Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Rhodiolia, Boerhaavia Diffusa, and Holybasil Leaf Extract.

PANAX GINSENG is also known as Korean ginseng and is probably one of the most recognized stress adaptogens. It appears that ginseng enhances fatty acid oxidation during prolonged exercise by sparing muscle glycogen.2 The utilization of fatty acid metabolism over glycogen metabolism is an important role panax ginseng plays in adrenal stress syndrome. If metabolism is shifted into a state that can conserve glycogen levels by mobilizing fatty acids, tremendous stress is taken off the adrenals and blood sugar metabolism. Panax Ginseng apparently supports metabolism so that an adequate supply of oxygen is available for working muscles which will make non-esterfied fatty acids the preferential form of energy over glycogen. Panax Ginseng has the ability to improve stamina, energy, and physical performance. Apparently, the compounds in Panax Ginseng improve the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) feedback loop as well as reduce the suppression caused by cortisone on the immune system.

SIBERIAN GINSENG, also known as eleutherococcus senticosus, is an adaptogen. Most of the studies on Siberian ginseng were conducted in the Soviet Union. These studies demonstrated enhanced athletic performance in animals as well as the ability to optimize HPA axis performance under stress. Studies have also demonstrated that Siberian ginseng has the ability to enhance work output under stressful conditions and to improve mental and physical responses under stress. 10

ASHWAGANDHA is also known as withania somnifera and Indian ginseng.It is a very popular herbal adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine. Many animal studies have beenpublishedonthisadaptogen. Itapparentlyhasadaptogen-likeglucocorticoid activity which makes it so helpful in adrenal stress syndromes.11 Studies have found that ashwagandha has similar adaptogenic activity to Panax Ginseng. It also had the ability to counteract some of the adverse physical responses to stress such as changes in blood sugar management.