Adaptogens for Managing Occasional Stress: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Healthcare practitioners increasingly encounter patients who report physical malaise, diminished resilience, or disruption of daily routines linked to occasional stress. While these experiences may not meet diagnostic thresholds, they are clinically relevant and increasingly recognized as contributors to long‑term dysregulation. 

Adaptogens—long used in traditional medical systems and now examined through modern research—offer a compelling, evidence‑informed adjunct for supporting physiological adaptability during periods of occasional stress.

Defining Adaptogens: Traditional Roots, Global Recognition

The term adaptogen was first introduced in 1947 by Soviet pharmacologist Nikolai Lazarev and later refined by Dr. Israel Brekhman, who established three defining criteria: 

• Adaptogens must be non‑toxic at therapeutic doses
• Increase nonspecific resistance to stressors
• Exert a normalizing influence regardless of the direction of imbalance. 

Brekhman emphasized that adaptogens differ from stimulants or sedatives because they “read the terrain” and support homeostasis rather than forcing a unidirectional response.¹

The use of adaptogenic botanicals originates from long‑standing medical traditions, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Siberian herbal systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as systems of knowledge that emphasize plant‑based remedies and individualized approaches to restoring balance, noting their widespread global use and the need for stronger integration into healthcare systems.²

Commonly referenced adaptogens across traditions include Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Rhodiola rosea, Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, and Eleutherococcus senticosus, all historically used to support resilience during periods of occasional stress.³

Mechanistic Insights: The HPA Axis and Beyond

From a biomedical perspective, adaptogens are most often discussed in relation to the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) axis, a central coordinator of neuroendocrine signaling during occasional stress. 

Reviews in peer‑reviewed journals describe adaptogens as modulators of HPA axis activity, influencing cortisol signaling, neurotransmitter balance, and cellular energy pathways rather than suppressing or overstimulating these systems.⁴,⁵

A systematic review published in Applied Sciences concluded that botanicals such as ashwagandha and rhodiola demonstrated measurable physiological effects associated with adaptive responses, while also emphasizing variability across study designs and formulations.⁶

Clinical Evidence: What the Research Supports

Among adaptogens, ashwagandha is one of the most extensively studied. A 2025 systematic review and meta‑analysis published by Cambridge University Press evaluated randomized controlled trials and reported statistically significant reductions in cortisol and perceived measures related to occasional stress, while also noting heterogeneity in study populations and outcome measures.⁷

Similarly, rhodiola has been examined in clinical and preclinical research for its role in supporting mental and physical resilience during periods of demand. An Alternative Medicine Review paper described rhodiola as increasing resistance to a variety of stressors, with effects attributed to modulation of monoamines and neuroendocrine signaling.⁸

Importantly, experts caution against overgeneralization. An evidence summary from Examine highlighted that while some trials demonstrate physiological changes, subjective experiences related to occasional stress may vary, reinforcing the need for individualized clinical judgment.⁹

Safety, Quality, and Practitioner Oversight

Multiple reviews emphasize that adaptogens are generally well tolerated when used appropriately, but outcomes depend heavily on extract standardization, dosing, and patient context.¹,⁴

Ensuring patients have access to high-quality supplements is paramount. Supplements should be produced in a GMP facility that is certified by NSF or other third party. Ingredients should always have an accurate Certification of Analysis and be lab-verified for identity, purity, and potency.

Practitioner‑Grade Supplements from Nutra Biogenesis

For healthcare professionals seeking practitioners‑grade formulations, Nutra Biogenesis offers adaptogen‑based supplements designed for clinical use:

Stress Factors is a blend of nutrients and amino acids including L-theanine to support occasional stress, calm, and relaxation, plus GABA, L-theanine, 5-HTP, hops, inositol and low dose lithium.* Like all Nutra Biogenesis supplements, every ingredient is triple-tested for purity, potency, and identity in our GMP-certified facility.

BioAdaptogen Ultra is a five-adaptogen blend that features ashwagandha root to support occasional stress and rhodiola root extract for stamina support, plus Korean ginseng, eleuthero, and licorice.* This expert formulated blend is manufactured in our U.S.-based facility with premium global ingredients. 

As with all practitioner‑grade supplements, these products are intended to complement—not replace—foundational lifestyle and clinical interventions and should be selected based on the practitioner’s expert assessment.

Adaptogens: Bridging Evidence and Experience

Adaptogens occupy a unique intersection of ancient knowledge and modern research. Ultimately, when grounded in rigorous science and clear clinical judgment, adaptogens can support a well‑integrated, evidence‑based care plan—complementing lifestyle, nutrition, and therapeutic strategies to help drive meaningful, patient‑centered outcomes.

Resources: 

¹ Vasanthi, A. V. et al. “The Role of Adaptogenic Herbs in Combating Stress: A Review of Scientific Evidence.” International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology, Jan. 2025.

² World Health Organization. “Traditional Medicine.” World Health Organization, Nov. 2025, who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/traditional-medicine.

³ Malesu, Vijay Kumar. “What Are Adaptogens—and Do They Actually Work?” News‑Medical.net, April 2025, news-medical.net/health/What-Are-Adaptogens-and-Do-They-Actually-Work.aspx.

⁴ Chavan, Suyash B. et al. “Role of Herbal Adaptogens in Stress Modulation, Cognition and Mental Health.” Acta Scientific Nutritional Health, vol. 10, no. 4, March 2026.

⁵ Rasal, Pooja et. al. “Effect of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanism Associated With Their Stress‑Protective Activity.” International Journal of Scientific Research and Technology, vol. 2, no. 11, 2025.

⁶ Llopis, Iris et.al. “The Effects of Psychobiotics and Adaptogens on the Human Stress and Anxiety Response: A Systematic Review.” Applied Sciences, vol. 15, no. 8, April 21, 2025.

⁷ Bachour, George et. al. “Effects of Ashwagandha Supplements on Cortisol, Stress, and Anxiety Levels in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis.” BJPsych Open, vol. 11, June 20, 2025.

⁸ Kelly, Gregory S. “Rhodiola rosea: A Possible Plant Adaptogen.” Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 6, no. 3, 2001.

⁹ Examine.com. “Ashwagandha Might Reduce Cortisol, but Not Perceived Stress.” Examine, Oct. 30, 2025.