Antioxidant Evaluation of Three Adaptogen Extracts

Abstract

Adaptogens are harmless herbs which have pharmaceutical benefits due to their balancing, regulative and tonic functions. However, despite these medicinal effects, the antioxidant potential of adaptogens is rarely mentioned. This study investigated the antioxidant potential of 3 adaptogen extracts, Rhodiola rosea (golden root), Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian ginseng) and Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry, Amla). The results of this study showed that R. rosea had the highest potential for singlet oxygen scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferric reducing, ferrous chelating and protein thiol protection than either of the other 2 extracts. E. senticosis, on the other hand, showed the best potential for hypochlorite scavenging. In addition, the polyphenol content in the 3 adaptogen extracts followed the order: R. rosea, E. officinalis and E. senticosis. Our data suggest that the antioxidant potential of the 3 adaptogen extracts was proportional to their respective polyphenol content. The supplementation of adaptogen extracts containing high levels of polyphenols may not only have adaptogen properties, but may decrease the risk of complications induced by oxidative stress.

The Effects of Adaptogens on the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Chronic Stress

“…Adaptogens help the body to adjust to and positively respond to stress by normalizing cortisol, decreasing fatigue, and improving cognition. Adaptogens contain other beneficial properties such as antioxidant, cardioprotective, immune, analgesic, and energy properties (Chen et al, 2008). Therefore, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Bacopa consumed at standardized dosages may be beneficial for individuals suffering from physical or psychological symptoms of chronic stress.…”

“…These substances elicit, in an organism, a state of nonspecifically raised resistance to a variety of physical, chemical, and biological stressors, allowing them to counteract stressor signals and to adapt to exceptional strain (Chen, Liou, & Chang, 2008;Sato et al, 2006;Wagner, Nörr, & Winterhoff, 1994). The term "adaptogens" was first brought about by Russian scientist Dr. Nikolai Lazarev.…”

“…Rhodiola, also known as Rhodiola rosea, or "golden root," has been used for its antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anticancer properties, and for its resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stressors (Chen et al, 2008;Kelly, 2001). A recent study examined the antioxidant potential of three adaptogen extracts, Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Emblica officinalis.…”

“…A recent study examined the antioxidant potential of three adaptogen extracts, Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Emblica officinalis. The study found Rhodiola had the highest potential for single oxygen scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferric reducing, ferrous chelating, and protein thiol protection (Chen et al, 2008). These protocols and methods measure the antioxidant potential of the substance.…”

“…These protocols and methods measure the antioxidant potential of the substance. Rhodiola also had the highest polyphenol content; polyphenols combat free radical formation and decrease the potentially detrimental effects caused by oxidative stress (Chen et al, 2008).…”