The Complete Guide to Adaptogens: What They Are, Their History & What Research Says

Post by Organic Superfood Capsules

Jun 23 2026

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogen is a term used for a diverse group of plants, fungi, and other natural substances that have historically been discussed in relation to the body's response to stress. The modern concept emerged largely from Soviet research during the mid-20th century, although many of the botanicals now described as adaptogens have much older histories in traditional food and herbal practices.

The term is widely used in modern wellness and botanical research, but it is not a single universally defined scientific category. Different substances described as adaptogens contain very different compounds, have different traditional histories, and have been studied to very different degrees.

Where Did the Term "Adaptogen" Come From?

The term was coined by Soviet pharmacologist Nikolai Lazarev in 1947, who used it to describe substances that increase “non-specific resistance” to stress without causing harm or disrupting normal physiological function. Lazarev's framework was later developed by researcher Israel Brekhman, whose work on Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) helped establish the concept more formally.

The original criteria proposed for an adaptogen were that it should be non-toxic at normal doses, produce a non-specific response that increases resistance to multiple stressors, and help normalise physiological function. These criteria have been influential, but they have also been interpreted and applied differently by different researchers and in different regulatory contexts.

Traditional Botanicals vs the Modern Adaptogen Concept

Many of the plants now described as adaptogens — including ashwagandha, reishi, and rhodiola — have histories of use in traditional herbal systems that predate the modern adaptogen concept by centuries or millennia. In some cases, the traditional uses align broadly with modern adaptogen framing; in others, the traditional context was quite different.

It is worth distinguishing between a plant's traditional history and its modern classification as an adaptogen. The adaptogen label is a modern framework applied retrospectively to many traditional botanicals, and not all researchers or regulatory bodies use the term in the same way.

How Are Adaptogens Thought to Work?

Researchers have investigated several possible mechanisms through which adaptogenic botanicals may act, including effects on stress-response signalling pathways, HPA-axis activity (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is involved in the body's stress response), cellular stress responses, and inflammatory and oxidative pathways.

However, there is no single universal adaptogen mechanism. Ashwagandha, Lion's Mane, Rhodiola, and Reishi are chemically very different substances with different constituent profiles and different research histories. Grouping them under one mechanistic explanation risks oversimplifying what is actually a diverse set of botanicals with distinct properties.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is a root used in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is classified as a rasayana — a category of tonics associated with longevity and vitality. It has one of the longer research histories among commonly discussed adaptogens, with human studies investigating a range of outcomes.

Its primary naturally occurring compounds include withanolides, a group of steroidal lactones. Modern research has investigated ashwagandha in areas including stress-related measures, sleep, physical performance, and other outcomes. Study designs, preparations, and populations vary, and different preparations — including root powder, root extract, and standardised extracts such as KSM-66 and Sensoril — have different constituent profiles.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion's Mane is an edible mushroom with a history of culinary and traditional use in parts of East Asia. It is discussed as an adaptogen in some modern contexts, though its classification as such is less settled than for some other botanicals.

Its naturally occurring compounds include hericenones (found primarily in the fruiting body) and erinacines (found primarily in the mycelium), as well as polysaccharides. These compounds have attracted research interest particularly in relation to nerve growth factor and nervous-system biology. Human research remains more limited than laboratory and animal research.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

Rhodiola is a root and rhizome from cold, high-altitude regions of Europe and Asia, with a history of use in Scandinavian and Russian traditional contexts. Its key naturally occurring compounds include rosavins and salidroside, which have been among the more studied adaptogen-associated compounds.

Modern research has investigated Rhodiola in areas including fatigue, stress-related measures, and physical performance. As with other adaptogens, study designs and preparations vary, and findings should be interpreted in that context.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is a root crop native to the high Andes of Peru, where it has been cultivated as a food for centuries. Unlike most botanicals discussed as adaptogens, maca is a genuine whole food with a substantial nutritional profile, including carbohydrates, protein, fibre, and minerals, alongside bioactive compounds including macamides and glucosinolates.

Modern research has investigated maca in areas including sexual function, mood, and energy-related outcomes. Its traditional context as a food crop is worth distinguishing from its more recent framing as an adaptogen supplement.

Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Holy Basil, known as Tulsi in South Asian traditions, is a herb with a long history in Ayurvedic practice and significant cultural and religious importance in India. Its naturally occurring compounds include eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and various flavonoids.

Modern research has investigated Tulsi in areas including stress-related measures and metabolic outcomes. It is one of the more culturally embedded of the commonly discussed adaptogens, with a traditional context that extends well beyond supplement use.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is a fungus with a long history in East Asian tonic traditions, where it has been associated with longevity and wellbeing. Its naturally occurring compounds include triterpenes and polysaccharides (including beta-glucans).

Modern research has investigated Reishi across a broad range of areas. It is one of the more extensively studied functional mushrooms, though the research base spans laboratory, animal, and human studies with varying designs and preparations.

Comparing Commonly Discussed Adaptogens

Ingredient	Type	Traditional context	Notable compounds	Modern research interest
Ashwagandha	Root	Ayurveda (rasayana)	Withanolides	Stress-related measures, sleep, physical performance
Lion's Mane	Fungus	East Asian food and tradition	Hericenones, erinacines, polysaccharides	Nervous-system and cognition research
Rhodiola	Root/rhizome	Eurasian traditions	Rosavins, salidroside	Fatigue, stress-related research
Maca	Root crop (food)	Andean food tradition	Macamides, glucosinolates	Sexual function, mood, energy
Tulsi	Herb	South Asian traditions (Ayurveda)	Eugenol, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids	Stress-related research, metabolic outcomes
Reishi	Fungus	East Asian tonic traditions	Triterpenes, polysaccharides	Broad biological research

Whole Powders vs Extracts

An important distinction when reading adaptogen research or comparing products is whether a study used whole plant/fungal powder or a concentrated extract — and if an extract, whether it was standardised to a particular constituent percentage.

Whole powder contains the broader natural material at naturally occurring concentrations. Standardised extracts concentrate particular constituents, often with a specified percentage. These are different preparations, and research findings from one do not automatically apply to the other.

For broader context on preparation formats, see: Traditional Herbal Preparations: Teas, Infusions, Decoctions & Powders

Using Multiple Botanicals

Traditional herbal systems and modern supplement formulations often combine multiple botanical ingredients. Combining ingredients does not automatically establish synergy between them — synergy is a specific claim that requires its own evidence. Interactions and safety considerations also depend on the specific substances involved.

Multi-ingredient products can be a practical way to include several botanicals in a single format. Our The Wise Path combines ashwagandha, turmeric, and Lion's Mane as an example of a multi-botanical formulation.

What Does the Research Actually Tell Us?

The research base for adaptogens varies considerably across different botanicals. Some — particularly ashwagandha and rhodiola — have a relatively substantial body of human clinical research. Others have more limited human evidence, with much of the research conducted in laboratory or animal settings.

Across the category, important limitations include variation in preparations used, doses, study populations, and outcome measures. The term “adaptogen” itself is not a regulatory or clinical category in most jurisdictions, which means products using the term are not required to demonstrate any particular effect.

Safety & Important Considerations

Most commonly discussed adaptogens have been used in traditional contexts for extended periods and are generally considered well-tolerated at typical supplement doses. However, some specific considerations are worth noting.

Ashwagandha has been associated with effects on thyroid hormone levels in some research; those with thyroid conditions should seek professional advice before use. Some immune-active botanicals and fungi may be relevant to those with autoimmune conditions or taking immunosuppressant medications. Most adaptogens are not recommended during pregnancy. As with any biologically active substance, interactions with medications are possible and professional advice is appropriate for those on prescription medications.

Always consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine.

Adaptogens in Our Range

The Silent Plains — Organic Ashwagandha Root Capsules (standalone)
The Ghostwood Crown — Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Capsules (standalone)
The Mistwood — Organic Reishi Mushroom Capsules (standalone)
The Wise Path — Ashwagandha, Turmeric & Lion's Mane
Synaptic Spark — Lion's Mane & Cayenne

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "adaptogen" a scientific term?

The term has a defined origin in Soviet pharmacological research (Nikolai Lazarev, 1947) and is used in scientific literature. However, it is not a universally standardised regulatory or clinical category, and different researchers and bodies apply it differently. It is best understood as a useful descriptive framework rather than a precisely defined scientific classification.

Are all adaptogens herbs?

No. While many commonly discussed adaptogens are herbs or roots, several — including Reishi and Lion's Mane — are fungi. Maca is a root crop primarily used as a food. The category spans quite different types of organisms.

Are medicinal mushrooms adaptogens?

Some fungi, including Reishi and Lion's Mane, are described as adaptogens in modern wellness contexts. Whether a particular mushroom meets the original adaptogen criteria depends on how those criteria are interpreted and what evidence is available. The terms “medicinal mushroom” and “adaptogen” are sometimes used interchangeably but refer to overlapping rather than identical categories.

Is whole powder the same as an extract?

No. Whole powder contains the broader natural material at naturally occurring concentrations. Extracts concentrate particular constituents, often with a specified percentage. Research conducted using a standardised extract does not automatically establish the properties of whole powder, and vice versa.

Can different adaptogens be compared directly?

With caution. Adaptogens are a diverse group of chemically distinct substances with different traditional histories and different research profiles. Comparing them directly is difficult because studies use different preparations, doses, populations, and outcome measures. The comparison table above is intended to highlight differences rather than suggest equivalence.