Submit manuscript...
International Journal of
eISSN: 2381-1803

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Research Article Volume 10 Issue 1

Effects of an Adaptogen-Based Supplement on Stress Parameters in Healthy Volunteers

Mohd Shara,1 Eyad Kakish,2 Sidney J Stohs2

1Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
2Creighton University Medical Center, USA

Correspondence: Mohd Shara, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Chair, King Abdullah University Hospital and Clinics, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Iribd 22110, Jordan, Tel 962-79-753-7770

Received: November 20, 2017 | Published: December 12, 2017

Citation: Shara M, Kakish E, Stohs SJ (2017) Effects of an Adaptogen-Based Supplement on Stress Parameters in Healthy Volunteers. Int J Complement Alt Med 10(1): 00321. DOI: 10.15406/ijcam.2017.10.00321

Download PDF

Abstract

The effects of an adaptogen–based dietary supplement on stress indicators and stress perception were evaluated in health volunteers using a double–bind, placebo–controlled protocol. Seventy–seven healthy 24–60 year old male and female participants were enrolled, with 74 completing the study. Participants were given a 28–day supply of the supplement or the corresponding placebo and instructed to take 1 oz each morning 30 min. before breakfast. The supplement was a proprietary blend of 10 adaptogens including Eleurtherococcus, Schizandra and Rhodiola extracts, plus B vitamins. On the morning of enrollment, the participants completed a stress perception survey, had blood samples drawn for a highly sensitive C–reactive protein (HS–CRP), cortisol and homocysteine, and returned to the clinic after 28 days to repeat the stress perception survey and blood tests. A 40% reduction (p <0.05) in the number of participants with abnormally elevated HS–CRP in the supplement group compared to the placebo group was observed. Furthermore, there was a 30% reduction in levels of HS–CRP in the supplemented group relative to the placebo group. Only one of the 5 subjects (20%) with abnormal (elevated) serum homocysteine levels remained elevated after 4 weeks of supplementation. In contrast, 4 of the 6 (66%) subjects in the control group remained elevated after 4 weeks. Five stress perception parameters were significantly reduced (10–20%) in the supplemented group compared to two parameters in the placebo group. The results of this study indicate that the adaptogen/vitamin blend is effective at reducing subjective (perception survey) and objective (HS–CRP) stress measures compared to the placebo.

Keywords: adaptogens, stress, c–reactive protein, homocysteine, b vitamins

Introduction

According to the American Institute of Stress, over 70 % of people regularly experience physical and/or psychological symptoms caused by stress. The primary causes of stress in decreasing order of occurrence are: job pressure, money, health, relationships, poor nutrition, media overload, and sleep deprivation.1 Persistent stress leads to fatigue, irritability, insomnia, weakened immune system, and increased susceptibility various diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Annual cost to employers associated with missed work and stress–related health care in the USA is estimated to be over three billion dollars.1

The role of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation in cardiovascular disease is well known.2 Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation help identify patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.3 although there is not a single biomarker that can estimate absolute risk of future events. Biomarkers exist for assessing oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, pro–inflammatory cytokines, anti–inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines.3

Oral nutrition in the form of dietary supplements is consumed by70 % of the general population on a daily basis, including the use of supplements for the management of stress. Studies indicate that approximately 70–90 % of health care professionals including physicians and nurses recommend dietary supplements.4,5 while 64–69% of the general population use dietary supplements.6

Adaptogens are defined as herbal extracts or preparations that increase tolerance to stressors, enhance attention and mental endurance, increase tolerance to mental fatigue and physical exhaustion, and reduce stress–induced disorders related to the immune and neuro–endocrine systems.7–9 Examples of plants that have been studied for their anti–stress activities include Rhodiola, Schizandra, Eleutherococcus, Withania, Emblica and Glycyrrhiza.7,9–13

Historically, the term “adaptogen” was introduced into the scientific literature by N. Lazarev in 1957 who referred to plant–derived substances that increased “the state of non–specific resistance”. For detailed historical reviews see Panossian and Wagner.8,9 Because the pharmacological profiles of plants used for their adaptogenic properties vary widely, combinations of plant extracts are commonly used in the preparation of adaptogenic products.9,14,15 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an adaptogen/vitamin–based supplement on stress perception and stress indicators in healthy volunteers after 28 days of supplementation vs. placebo.

Material and methods

The study was double–blinded and placebo–controlled. A total of 77 healthy 24–60 year old male and female participants were enrolled of which 74 completed the study. The protocol was approved by the Creighton University Institutional Review Board, Omaha, NE USA. Prospective subjects were recruited through advertisements in the local paper and on the Creighton University campus.

The supplement consisted of a liquid formula composed of B vitamins, betaine, and a proprietary water/ethanol extract blend derived from 10 adaptogenic plants including Eleutherococcus sensicosus, Schizandra chinensis, Rhodiola rosea, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Crataegus oxyacantha and Aralia manchurica (AdvoCare International, Plano, TX). A one ounce serving of the extract contained 2 grams of the extract standardized for its total polyphenolic content. The composition of the formulation is presented in Table 1. The placebo contained the same appearance, flavor and all ingredients except the vitamins, betaine and adaptogen blend.

 

Amount Per Serving

% DV

Calories

15

 

Total Carbohydrates

3g

1 %

Sugars

3g

 

Riboflavin

3.4mg

200%

Niacin (as niacinamide)

40mg

200%

Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl)

4mg

200%

Folic acid

800mcg

200%

Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin)

500mcg

8333%

Pantothenic acid (as calcium pantothenate)

20mg

200%

Betaine

100mg

 

Proprietary blend of Eleutherococcus senticosus
(leaf, stem, root), Schisandra chinensis (seed),
Aralia manchurica (flower), Crataegus oxyacantha
(leaf), Viburnum sargenti (leaf, berry), Glycyrrhiza
uralensis (root), Rhaponticum carthamoides (root),
Rhodiola rosea (flower), Sorbus aucuparia (whole
plant), Iconotus obliquus (root)

Other Ingredients: purified water, fructose, natural flavors. Beet root extract, citric acid, glycerin, potassium sorbate (as preservative), sodium benzoate (as preservative), xanthan gum, and sucralose.

2g

 

Table 1 Liquid adaptogen-vitamin formula supplements facts

All participants completed a stress perception survey (Table 2) on the morning of enrollment and blood samples were drawn for highly sensitive C–reactive protein (HS–CRP), cortisol and homocysteine. The analyses of these biomarkers were conducted by Physicians Laboratory, a commercial laboratory (Omaha, Nebraska USA). The participants were randomized into two groups, and were given a 28–day supply of the supplement labeled either A or B, and instructed to take one ounce of the product each morning 30 min before breakfast. After 28 days, the participants completed the same survey and provided blood samples for the same three analytical tests.

1

Things must be perfect

1 2 3 4 5

2

I must do it myself

1 2 3 4 5

3

I feel more isolated from my family or close friends

1 2 3 4 5

4

I feel that people should listen better

1 2 3 4 5

5

I am not where I want to be in life

1 2 3 4 5

6

I must not fail

1 2 3 4 5

7

When overworked, I cannot say “no” to new demands
without guilt

1 2 3 4 5

8

I avoid being alone

1 2 3 4 5

9

I feel increasingly cynical and disenchanted

1 2 3 4 5

10

I am unable to laugh at a joke about myself

1 2 3 4 5

11

I avoid speaking my mind

1 2 3 4 5

12

I have trouble getting to sleep

1 2 3 4 5

13

I automatically express negative attitudes

1 2 3 4 5

14

I seem further behind at the end of the day than
when I started

1 2 3 4 5

15

I forget deadlines, appointments and personal possessions

1 2 3 4 5

16

I am irritable, short-tempered, disappointed in the people
around me

1 2 3 4 5

17

Sex seems like more trouble than it’s worth

1 2 3 4 5

18

I consider myself exploited

1 2 3 4 5

19

I feel dissatisfied with my personal life

1 2 3 4 5

20

I feel unrested.

1 2 3 4 5

Table 2 Stress level survey

All data were analyzed for statistical significance between the groups receiving the placebo versus the adaptogen/vitamin supplement for 28 days using a paired 2–tailed t–test. Data are expressed as the mean with the standard deviation. Differences with a p<0.05 are considered significant.

Results

The effects of 28 day supplementation with the adaptogen/vitamin formulation on blood levels of HS–CRP, homocysteine and cortisol are presented in Table 3. Daily supplementation for 28 days significantly reduced the HS–CRP by approximately 30 % as compared to the placebo control group. Daily use of the adaptogen/vitamin formulation resulted in a non–significant 8 % decrease in blood homocysteine levels and no effect on blood cortisol.

Group

HS-CRP

Homocysteine

Cortisol

Treated

Pre-

4.81±7.56

8.87+2.40

11.71±5.13

Post-

3.40±5.42

8.16±1.97

14.64 ±4.91

% Change

Post-

30%↓30%↓

8%↓8%↓

25%↓25%↓

Placebo

Placebo

4.81±7.56

8.87+2.40

11.71±5.13

Post-

5.70±8.21

9.15±3.18

13.48±4.42

% Change

Post-

< 18%↓18%↓

3.2%↓3.2%↓

15%↓15%↓

Table 3 Effect of 28 day adaptogen/vitamin supplement vs placebo on blood HS-CRP, homocysteine and cortisol levels

The data are also expressed based on the change in the number of participants with abnormal laboratory values before and after 28 day treatment with the supplement or placebo control. As can be seen in Table 4, a 40 % decrease occurred in the number of participants with elevated HS–CRP after treatment as compared to pre–treatment with the adaptogen/vitamin formulation. An 80 % decrease occurred in the number of treated subjects with elevated homocysteine after 28 days of treatment while a 33 % decrease occurred in the placebo group. No changes occurred in the number of participants with elevated blood cortisol after treatment with the adaptogen/vitamin supplement or in the placebo group.

Number of Elevated/Abnormal Laboratory Values

Group

HS-CRP

Homocysteine

Cortisol

Treated

Pre-

10

5

2

Post-

6

1

2

% Decrease

Post-

40%

80%

0%

Placebo

Pre-

17

6

1

Post-

16

4

1

% Decrease

Post-

5.90%

33%

0%

Table 4 Effect of 28 day adaptogen/vitamin supplementation on number of participants with elevated lab values

A stress perception questionnaire was administered on day 0 and day 28 of the study (Table 5). Five stress perception scores (questions 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10) were significantly decreased (10–20 %) in the participants supplemented with the adaptogen/vitamin product while two parameters were significantly reduced in the placebo group (questions 6 and 10).

Survey Parameter Mean Score

Group

 

Q3

Q6

Q7

Q9

Q10

Treated

Pre-

2.6

3.7

3.4

2.9

2.5

Post-

2.2*

3.3*

2.9*

2.3*

2.0*

% Decrease

Post-

15.4%

10.8%

14.7%

20.7%

20.0%

Placebo

Pre-

2.3

3.7

3.7

2.9

2.5

Post-

2.2

3.3*

3.2

2.5

2.0*

% Decrease

Post-

4.30%

10.8%

13.5%

13.8%

20.0%

Table 5 Effects of 28 day adaptogen/vitamin supplement vs. placebo on stress survey
*denotes statistically significant reduction in survey score

Discussion

The most remarkable finding of this study was the 30 % reduction in HS–CRP blood levels in response to adaptogen/vitamin ingestion for 28 days relative to the placebo control (Tables 3), while a 40 % decrease occurred in the number of treated subjects with elevated HS–CRP (Table 4). Furthermore, the survey findings indicated that the adaptogen /vitamin preparation reduced stress perceptions to a greater extent than the corresponding placebo (Table 5). Elevated HS–CRP is strongly associated with an increased incidence of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.2,12,16–19 and the combination product used in this study significantly reduced these levels.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and is also believed to be a marker of pathological oxidant stress.20 The administration of the adaptogen/vitamin blend resulted in a non–significant decrease in blood homocysteine levels (Table 3), although the number of subjects with elevated homocysteine levels at the start of treatment decreased by 80 % after 28 days of product ingestion (Table 4). Ingestion of B vitamins as vitamin B12, folate and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) as present in the product used in this study have been shown to result in decreased blood homocysteine levels.21 As a consequence, it is not clear whether the decrease in homocysteine in the current study was due to the B vitamins or the adaptogen blend.

Cortisol levels are another indicator of stress.22 and decreases in serum cortisol are believed to be produced by at least some adaptogens.23 For example, the adaptogen ashwagandha (Withania) significantly reduced stress in adults and significantly decreased serum cortisol levels after 60 days of treatment.24 The reason for the lack of an effect of the adaptogen/vitamin product on cortisol levels after 28 days of treatment is not known. The product did not contain ashwagandha.

A rapidly growing body of research literature supports the concept that inflammation plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.2,12,16–18,25 The anti–inflammatory and stress protective effects of adaptogens are believed to be associated with the homeostatic regulation of several different pathways and mechanisms including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the neuro–endocrine–immune complex, and key stress response mediators.11,23,26 The pharmacological profile of adaptogens has been summarized by Panossian & Wagner.9

Up–regulation of the stress sensor heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 by adaptogenic substances results in the inhibition of the expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthase while concurrently enhancing mitochondrial antioxidant activity, glutathione synthesis, and ATP generation.23,26 Hsp 70 also interacts directly with glucocorticoid receptors and controls key mediators of stress as Jun N–terminal protein kinase (JBK1), and the transcription factor forkhead box O (FOXO). A more recent study by Panossian et al.15 has shown that an adaptogenic blend of extracts from Eleutherococcus, Shizandra and Rhodiola, constituents present in the adaptogenic blend used in this study, stimulated the expression of the stress hormone neuroprotein Y (NPY) and heat shock protein (Hsp) 72. The net result of these mechanistic effects is an increase in mental and physical performance and possibly longevity.11,23,26 The chemical substances believed to be responsible for adaptogenic properties include phenylpropanoids, phenethylamines and tetracyclic triterpenoids.9,11 Because of the widely diverse chemical nature of adaptogens and their equally wide distribution throughout the plant kingdom, combinations of adaptogenic plant extracts (Table 1) are commonly used in order to ensure a broad incorporation of active constituents.9,11,14,15

Conclusion

The use of the adaptogen/vitamin product for 28 days resulted in a significant objective decrease of the stress biomarker HS–CRP, a non–significant decrease in homocysteine, and decreases in the numbers of subjects with elevated HS–CRP and homocysteine. Furthermore, significant subjective decreases in stress were observed in response to the adaptogen/vitamin blend based on a perception survey.

Acknowledgments

None.

Conflicts of interest

This study was supported by a grant from AdvoCare International, Plano, TX. SJS has served as a consultant for AdvoCare. MS and EK have no perceived conflicts of interest.

Funding

None.

References

  1. Anon Stress statistics 2017.
  2. Siti HN, Kamisah Y, Hamisiah J. The role of oxidative stress, antioxidants and vascular inflammation in cardiovascular disease (a review). Vascul Pharmacol. 2015;71:40-56.
  3. Stoner L, Lucero AA, Palmer BR, et al. Inflammatory biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular disease. Clin Biochem. 2013;46(15):1353-1371.
  4. Dickinson A, Boyon N, Shao A. Physicians and nurses use and recommend dietary supplements: report of a survey. Nutr J. 2009;8:29.
  5. Dickinson A, Shao A, Boyon N, et al. Use of dietary supplements by cardiologists, dermatologists and orthopedists: report of a survey. Nutr J. 2011;10:20.
  6. Dickinson A, Blatman J, El–Dash N, et al. Consumer usage and reasons for using dietary supplements: report of a series of surveys. J Amer Coll Nutr 2014;33(2):176-182.
  7. Wagner HKM. Immunostimulants and Adaptogens from Plants. Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plants, JT Arnason (Ed.), Plenum Press, New York, USA, 1995:p. 1-18.
  8.  Panossian A, Wagner H. Stimulating effect of adaptogens: An overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration. Phytother Res. 2005;19(10):819-839.
  9. Panossian A, Wagner H. Adaptogens: A review of their history, biological activity, and clinical benefits. HerbalGram. 2011;90:52-63.
  10. Chen TS, Liou SY, Chang YL. Antioxidant evaluation of three adaptogen extracts. Amer J Chin Med. 2008;35(6):1209-1217.
  11. Panossian A. Adaptogens in mental and behavioral disorders. Psychiat Clin North Amer. 2013;36(1):49-64.
  12. Recio MC, Giner RM, Manez S. Immunomodulatory and antiproliferative properties of Rhodiola species. Planta Med. 2016;82(11–12):952-960.
  13.  Anshakova VV, Stepanova AV, Uvarov DM, et al. Adaptogenic activity of a complex biomedication based on a northern renewable raw material. Wiad Lek. 2016;69(1 Pt 2):55-60.
  14. Seely D, Singh R. Adaptogenic potential of a polyherbal natural health product: report on a longitudinal clinical trial. Evid Based Complement. Alternat Med. 2007;4(3):375-380.
  15. Panossian A, Wikman G, Kaur P, et al. Adaptogens stimulate neuropeptide Y and Hsp 72 expression and release in neuroglia cells. Front Neurosci. 2012;6: 6.  
  16. Sutherland JP, McKinley, Eckel RH. The metabolic syndrome and inflammation. Metab Syndr Disord. 2004;2(2):82-104.
  17. Ndumele CE, Pradhan AD, Ridker PM. Interrelationships between inflammation, C–reactive protein, and insulin resistance. J Cardiometab Syndr. 2006;1(3):190-196.
  18. Pfutzner A, Schondorf T, Hanefeld M, et al. High–sensitivity C–reactive protein predicts cardiovascular risk in diabetic and nondiabetic patients: effects of insulin–sensitizing treatment with proglitazone. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2010;4(3):706-716.
  19. Windgasser EB, Funtowicz L, Lundsford TN, et al. C–Reactive protein and high–sensitivity C–reactive protein: an update for clinicians. Postgrad Med. 2011;123(1):114-119.
  20. Hoffman M. Hypothesis: hyperhomocysteinemia is an indicator of oxidant stress. Med Hypothesis. 2011;77(6):1088-1093.
  21. Huang T, Chen Y, Yang B, et al. Meta–analysis of B vitamin supplementation on plasma homocysteine cardiovascular and all–cause mortality. Clin Nutr. 2012;31(4):448-454.
  22. Lucassen EA, Cizza G. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, obesity, and chronic stress exposure: sleep and HPA axis in obesity. Curr Obes Res. 2012;1(4):208-215.
  23. Panossian A, Wikman G. Evidence–based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress–protective activity. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2009;4(3):198-219.
  24. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. 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 J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-262.
  25. Calabro P, Golia E, Yeh EY. CRP and the risk of atherosclerotic events. Semin Immunopathol. 2009;31(1):79-94.
  26. Panossian A, Wikman G. Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress–protective activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2006;3(1):188-224.
Creative Commons Attribution License

©2017 Shara, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.