Adaptogens and Nootropics: What’s The Difference?

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Key Information

Adaptogens are plants that help the body cope with stress

Adaptogens work by stimulating the body’s natural defense mechanisms, reducing the adverse effects of stress on the body and mind.

Nootropics are substances that enhance cognitive function

Nootropics can improve various aspects of cognitive function, such as memory, focus, creativity, and motivation, by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters or promoting neuroplasticity in the brain.

Adaptogens and nootropics have a long history of use and research

Adaptogens and nootropics have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and have been studied extensively for their potential benefits in modern science.

Adaptogens and nootropics can work synergistically to improve health and well-being

Adaptogens and nootropics can complement each other by enhancing the body’s ability to thrive under physical and mental stress, improving mood, energy, and cognitive performance.

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Hey there! Welcome to my ultimate guide on adaptogens and nootropics.

In my opinion, adaptogens are an essential component of any nootropic stack.

Adaptogens deliver many mind-body-enhancing benefits, including:

  • Mood boosts
  • Mental and physical energy
  • Stress management
  • Calm and sleep support
  • Sex drive and performance 

++ Much more!

I’ve used different adaptogens for years and experience their benefits daily.

In this article, I dive deep into the science to explore the potential certain adaptogenic nootropics can help you!

I also include specifics on different adaptogens and their benefits, biochemistry, dosing recommendations, side effects, and best places to purchase them.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about the world of nature’s natural stress supporters, let’s jump into it!

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Best Nootropic Adaptogens – Quick Guide-

Rhodiola Rosea by Nootropics Depot

Rhodiola Rosea by Nootropics Depot

natural way to reduce fatigue
4.2
Learn MoreGet 5% off entire order w/ code HOLISTICNOOTROPICS
Ashwagandha by Nootropics Depot

Ashwagandha by Nootropics Depot

Most Powerful Stress Resistance Herb
4.8
Learn MoreGet 5% off entire order w/ code HOLISTICNOOTROPICS
Eleuthero Root Extract by Mountain Rose Herb

Eleuthero Root Extract by Mountain Rose Herb

Natural Endurance Enhancer
Bacopa Monnieri by Nootropics Depot

Bacopa Monnieri by Nootropics Depot

Protect Nerve Cells and Promote Growth of New Ones!
4.5
Learn MoreGet 5% off entire order w/ code HOLISTICNOOTROPICS
Panax Ginseng by Nootropics Depot

Panax Ginseng by Nootropics Depot

Natural Neuroprotection & Focus Booster
4.4
Learn MoreGet 5% off entire order w/ code HOLISTICNOOTROPICS
Supercritical Holy Basil Solution | 12-20% Eugenol + 3-8% by Nootropics Depot

Supercritical Holy Basil Solution | 12-20% Eugenol + 3-8% by Nootropics Depot

Ayurvedic "Elixer Of Life"
4.5
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Schisandra by Mountain Rose Herbs

Schisandra by Mountain Rose Herbs

Neuroprotective Adaptogen
Reishi by Real Mushrooms

Reishi by Real Mushrooms

Calming, Mood Enhancing
4.8
Learn More15% Off order with code holisticnootropics
Cordyceps Mushroom Powder by Freshcap

Cordyceps Mushroom Powder by Freshcap

The Mushroom for Energy
Lion's Mane by Real Mushroom

Lion’s Mane by Real Mushroom

Lion's Mane – Real Mushrooms
4.7
Learn MoreBest Value, Highest Quality Mushroom

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are plants or herbs that help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. 

They help the body cope better with physical, chemical, and biological stressors by regulating its stress response. Here are two bullet points for you to better understand:

  • Adaptogens work by stimulating the body’s natural defense mechanisms, helping to reduce the adverse effects of stress on the body.
  • Adaptogens can also help to enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and increase energy levels, making them popular among those looking to improve their overall health and well-being.

What Are Nootropics?

Nootropics are substances that enhance cognitive function in healthy individuals. They are also known as “smart drugs” or “cognitive enhancers”.

Here are a couple of key points about nootropics:

  • Nootropics can improve various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, focus, creativity, and motivation.
  • Nootropics increase the availability of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine, or promote neuroplasticity in the brain.

History of Adaptogens as Nootropics

The idea of using adaptogenic plant compounds dates back to WWII when the first studies on the stimulating and tonic effects of Schisandra chinensis were published in Soviet Union WWII military journals. 1Zhestyanikov, V. D., Some data on the effect of the Far East Schizandra on the CNSScientific Papers of 3rd Year Students of the Naval Medical School 3. 1945

The adaptogenic concept was a response to Hans Selye’s theory of stress and general adaptation syndrome (GAS), which has three phases:2Selye, Hans, Stress and the General Adaptation Syndrome*Br Med J. 1950

  1. Alarm Phase, 
  2. Resistance Phase
  3. Exhaustion Phase

The term “adaptogen” was coined over the next 2 decades by the toxicologist Lazarev to describe compounds that could prolong the resistance phase (phase 2) and decrease sensitivity to stressors, resulting in stress protection. 3N V LAZAREV, General and specific effects of drugsFarmakol Toksikol. 1958

Adaptogenic plant compounds have since experienced an explosion of biomedicinal research to develop drugs and products that boost one’s ability to thrive under prolonged physical and mental stress.4 Brekhman, I. I. , EleutherococcBibliographic index) 1958-1981

Many findings of this research indicate that certain adaptogenic substances can activate the protective mechanisms of cells, which is linked to an increase in survival rate both in vitro and in vivo.5Samuel E Schriner, et al, Protection of human cultured cells against oxidative stress by Rhodiola rosea without activation of antioxidant defensesnFree Radic Biol Med. 20096F A C Wiegant et al, Plant adaptogens increase lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegansBiogerontology. 2009

How Adaptogens Work

Adaptogens function as a stress vaccine, inducing minor stress components to elicit anti-stress components. 

While different adaptogens have their particular modes of action, each have a general similarity in how they work to calm the body’s stress-response system. 

Some adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and ginseng act via the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, while others such as Rhodiola and Holy Basil act on the adrenal gland directly. 

The adrenal glands and HPA axis are anatomically and functionally interconnected. During stress scenarios, they can interact at different levels, which control the body’s overall stress response. 

The actual adaptogenic response from plant compounds comes from the activation of certain key mediators of the adaptive stress response, including the stress hormones cortisol and neuropeptide Y (NPY) along with nitric oxide, stress-activated protein kinases, heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP25), and the FOXO (DAF-16) transcription factor.7Alexzander Asea et al, Evaluation of molecular chaperons Hsp72 and neuropeptide Y as characteristic markers of adaptogenic activity of plant extractsPhytomedicine. 20138F A C Wiegant et al, Plant adaptogens increase lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegansBiogerontology. 2009

These mediators give rise to adaptive and stress-protective effects via various central nervous, sympathetic, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems components.

The heat shock proteins, in-particular, have potent anti-aging effects in the brain and body and can protect against Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders.9Ratan V Bhat et al, Glycogen synthase kinase 3: a drug target for CNS therapiesJ Neurochem. 200410 Konstanze F Winklhofer et al, The two faces of protein misfolding gain and loss of function in neurodegenerative diseasesEMBO J 200811Makarov, V. G.,, Potential use of plant adaptogen in age related disorders, celebration of the centennial birth of Hans Selye, Budapest, Hungary.Cell Stress Chaperones 242. 2007

Adaptogens may be the most potent natural nootropics available today. due to their ability to control the body’s innate stress response.

Cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone released during stress, is connected to heightened instances of clinical depression, trauma, fear, and pain.

Activation of the HPA axis and sympathetic adrenal response is also tightly connected to many cognitive disorders, including melancholic depression, anorexia nervosa, panic anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic active alcoholism, and alcohol and narcotic withdrawal.

As adaptogens have shown the ability to modulate the HPA axis and sympathetic adrenal response, thus decreasing circulating blood cortisol levels, they are linked to the alleviation of each of the above listed disorders.12Alexander Panossian et al, The adaptogens rhodiola and schizandra modify the response to immobilization stress in rabbits by suppressing the increase of phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase, nitric oxide and cortisolDrug Target Insights. 2007


Other mediators of the effects of adaptogens (e.g., nitric oxide, JNK, SAPK, HSP70, HSP25, and FOXO (DAF16)) play roles in chronic inflammation (common to all age-related diseases), such as that seen in muscle degeneration (sarcopenia), senile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. 13Alexander Panossian, Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicalsPhytochemicals in Medicine and Food II. 2017

Best Adaptogen Nootropics

natural way to reduce fatigue

Rhodiola Rosea by Nootropics Depot

Rhodiola Rosea by Nootropics Depot
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  • Used in traditional medicine for centuries

  • Natural way to improve mental performance and stamina

  • Can help reduce fatigue


Protect Nerve Cells and Promote Growth of New Ones!

Bacopa Monnieri by Nootropics Depot

Bacopa Monnieri by Nootropics Depot
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  • Increased mental processing speed

  • Increases ability to recall information

  • Improve Memory, Learning, and Cognition

  • Protect nerve cells and promote growth of new cells

  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

  • Can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and seizures

Pros

  • Increases acetylcholine – the most important neurotransmitter for memory and learning
  • Can also increase serotonin and GABA in the hippocampus, the brain’s hub for memory and emotions
  • Can offset cognitive decline with aging
  • May protect the gut and stomach
  • Can be taken in capsule or powder form

Cons

  • Some people say doesn’t taste good and can cause nausea or stomach upset
  • Possible interaction with the antidepressant amitriptyline, consult doctor before using

Most Powerful Stress Resistance Herb

Ashwagandha by Nootropics Depot

Ashwagandha by Nootropics Depot
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  • Improved cognitive function

  • Increased energy levels

  • Enhanced stress resistance

  • Modulates neurotransmitter activity

Pros

  • Has been shown to help improve memory and cognitive function
  • Helps reduce anxiety and stress levels, as well as improve sleep quality
  • Strong anti-inflammatory agent, making it helpful for conditions like arthritis and asthma
  • Can help reduce blood sugar levels
  • Studies show taking ashwagandha can reduce cholesterol levels, helping to reduce high cholesterol levels
  • Can be taken daily

Cons

  • Should be avoided by pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding
  • Can interfere with diabetes medicines
  • Should be avoided by those with thyroid disorders
  • May cause some stomach upset such as diarrhea and vomiting

Natural Endurance Enhancer

Eleuthero Root Extract by Mountain Rose Herb

4.6
  • Long history of use in Traditional Chinese and Russian medicine

  • Robust data supporting Eleuthero’s ability to boost stamina and endurance

  • Natural adaptogenic herb that calms the body’s innate stress response

  • Antiinflammatory, Neuroprotective, and socially stimulating cognitive effects

  • Studied extensively alongside Rhodiola Rosea and Holy Basil


Natural Neuroprotection & Focus Booster

Panax Ginseng by Nootropics Depot

4.4
Panax Ginseng by Nootropics Depot
Shop NowGet 5% off entire order w/ code HOLISTICNOOTROPICS
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  • Panax Ginseng is a well-studied adaptogenic herb possessing many mind-body benefits with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine

  • Ginsenosides are the active constituent molecules in Panax Ginseng that elicit most of the benefits.

  • Top benefits include neuroprotection, increased focus, testosterone boosts, better reaction and cognitive procession speed, possible cardiovascular benefits, blood glucose stabilization and more!

  • Works well alongside Gingko Biloba and helps attenuate any negative effects from vaccines.

  • Nootropics Depot Panax Ginseng sampler pack includes 3 different products w. varying amounts of Ginsenosides


Neuroprotective Adaptogen

Schisandra by Mountain Rose Herbs

4.6
  • Long history of use in traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian cultures

  • Traditionally used to treat various disorders, including kidney infections, mental problems, asthma, diabetes, cough, spermatorrhea, spontaneous sweating, thirst, and insomnia

  • Clinically shown to be protective against stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases

  • Main benefits come from lignans known as Schisandrin


The Mushroom for Energy

Cordyceps Mushroom Powder by Freshcap

  • Improve your stamina and energy levels

  • Helps improve your respiratory function and blood circulation

  • Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

  • Helps ncrease the oxygen intake (VO2 max)

Pros

  • Available in capsules and powder form
  • Can protect against health problems like asthma, depression, diabetes, fatigue, high cholesterol, and upper respiratory tract infections.
  • Has been shown to improve athletic performance and reduce fatigue.
  • All-natural

Cons

  • Quality cordyceps can be quite expensive and hard to find

Calming, Mood Enhancing

Reishi by Real Mushrooms

Reishi by Real Mushrooms
Buy from Freshcap15% Off order with code holisticnootropics
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  • Promotes long-term focus and mental energy

  • Stimulate neurogenesis

  • Boosts immune system

  • Calm effects on central nervous system

Pros

  • May help improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels
  • Can be consumed in many different forms, such as capsules, powders, teas, and tinctures
  • Used in Asia for centuries as a medicinal mushroom

Cons

  • Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and nausea
  • Not recommended for people with autoimmune disease or taking immunosuppressive medication

Lion’s Mane – Real Mushrooms

Lion’s Mane by Real Mushroom

Lion's Mane by Real Mushroom
Shop NowBest Value, Highest Quality Mushroom
Shop NowBest Value, Highest Quality Mushroom
  • Clinically proven to boost neurogenesis

  • Contains Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

  • Shown to help improve memory, focus, concentration and overall cognitive performance.

  • Can boost immunity in the body



References

Biohack Your Brainpower

Stay ahead with our newsletter: cutting-edge biohacking tips and the latest in nootropics, all in one place.
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Author

Erik Abramowitz is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), Naturopathic Doctoral student, health coach, and father. He is the primary content creator for HolisticNootropics.com and the host of the Holistic Nootropics Podcast.

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