Adaptogens and Their Role in Stress and Anxiety Management

Stress has become a substantial part of modern life; however, persistent psychological stress can disrupt the mental and physiological equilibrium of the body, leading to neuroendocrine imbalance, metabolic dysregulation and oxidative stress. Adaptogens are natural plant-derived compounds that enhance cellular adaptability to external stressors by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and by exerting regulatory effects on neuroendocrine, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Adaptogens are classified on the basis of their primary targets into monoamine neurotransmitters of the sympathoadrenal system (SAS) and steroid hormones of the HPA axis. This chapter encompasses the mechanism of action of adaptogens as the modulators of stress response and homeostatic balance, and their interaction with the network of neuroendocrine–immune complex mediators that regulate various pharmacological systems. Adaptogens possess the ability to trigger cellular and systemic adaptive stress-response mechanisms, which consequently strengthen resilience against environmental, emotional, and metabolic overload. Here, the most effective botanical adaptogens are discussed that provide a rationale for their potential use in individuals experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, mental burnout, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and sleep disturbances. Moreover this, chapter provides insights into potential future research on the therapeutic applications of adaptogens in preventing and rehabilitating physiological and psychological impairments following chronic stress, neurodegeneration, metabolic dysfunction, and immune dysregulation.