What are adaptogens? A list and properties of the most important ingredients

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are defined as a group of active ingredients that naturally occur in various plant species. Their characteristic feature is a beneficial effect on the psychophysical condition of humans and alleviation of signs of excessive fatigue and stress. Adaptogens most often come in the form of highly standardized extracts, which are offered on the market of dietary supplements in the form of capsules or as an addition to various products (e.g. neurostacks or pre-workout supplements).

Lis t of the most popular plant adaptogens

• Ashwagandha (withania somnifera)
• Astragalus
• Bacopa monnieri
• Schisandra chinensis
• L-theanine
• Ginkgo biloba
• Rhodiola rosea
• Ginseng (American, Korean, Siberian)

What are adaptogens and what are their properties?

The main task of adaptogens is to influence the psychophysical condition. Daily functioning, excessive stress, intensive training, excessive hurry or insufficient sleep can result in a significant persistence of excessive fatigue, which will be felt not only at the level of the body. The properties of active substances with an adaptogenic effect allow to maintain optimal efficiency in terms of concentration, logical thinking, alertness and associative abilities. They are professionally referred to as nootropic - i.e. affecting the nervous system.

Another and equally beneficial property of adaptogens may be a valuable effect on sleep, which is the foundation of post-workout regeneration of the body. Experts often mention that regular use of adaptogenic substances can help, among others, to calm down after an intensive day, maintain a good mood and reduce excessive irritation. Moreover, they are attributed with such effects as e.g. making it easier to keep the mind clear, influencing the process of logical thinking, creativity, remembering and improving psychophysical performance.

Olimp Sport Nutrition has used the beneficial properties of adaptogens in its latest pre-workout product called R-Weiler Focus. It is a dietary supplement in the form of an easily soluble powder, which, in addition to highly standardized plant extracts, contains a number of beneficial active ingredients (including caffeine, L-tyrosine, creatine monohydrate and citrulline) with valuable effects on physical condition and exercise capacity. The product was developed in the modern Research and Development Centre of the Olimp Laboratories pharmaceutical company and its use is intended for physically and mentally active people.