Health Hotline Magazine | October 2026

This plant, native to China, first gained recognition as an adaptogen by Soviet scientists who studied the effects of the plant during the 1940s and 1950s. Schisandra has been shown to be protective against a wide array of environmental stressors, including heat shock, skin burns, frostbite, and heavy metal intoxication, to increase endurance and mental performance, and to support healthy levels of nitric oxide (important for cardiovascular health) and cortisol. Animal research shows that schisandra appears to decrease protein breakdown and increase protein synthesis, while also having an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on skeletal muscle fibers. It’s also been found to improve muscle strength. A recent placebo controlled human study, including 45 healthy post-menopausal women, found that 1,000mg of schisandra extract daily for 12 weeks led to improvements in quadricep strength, with the researchers concluding, “We believe that schisandra extract is a health supplement that can support healthy life in this population.” A separate placebo-controlled study including 54 adults over the age of 50 had participants take 1,000mg of schisandra daily for 12 weeks; all participants were also required to walk for 30 to 60 minutes for at least four days a week. At the end of the study, the participants’ muscle strength was evaluated via knee extension exercises; those who took the schisandra saw greater improvements in knee extensor strength compared to the placebo group. Schisandra’s effect on muscle strength in older people is notable because this group is at an increased risk of muscle mass loss and muscle weakness, which can negatively affect quality of life. Schisandra: Support Muscle Strength & Physical Endurance

Also called “Siberian ginseng” (but not in the Panax genus, therefore, not a “true” ginseng), eleuthero is native to Siberia, northern China, and Korea. This is a gentle adaptogen, and its mild effects make it a good choice to take for long-term stress support. Eleuthero has also been approved by the European Medicines Agency (the equivalent of our FDA) for the treatment of symptoms of asthenia, or a “profound lack of physical strength, energy, or vigor.” Finally, research has highlighted its effects on healthy aging. One study involving postmenopausal women found that supplementing with 500mg of eleuthero extract three times a day for six months improved blood lipid levels, reduced Eleuthero: Gentle Support for Stress and Healthy Aging

Native to India and Southeast Asia, and long used in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil is often referred to as the “queen of herbs.” Also commonly called tulsi, this adaptogen has shown to be supportive of a healthy mood (especially in those with anxiety) and cognitive function. A study including men and women with generalized anxiety disorder found that 500mg of holy basil, twice daily for 60 days, significantly reduced anxiety as well as stress Holy Basil: Keep Anxiety In Check & Your Mind Sharp

and depression related to anxiety. Animal studies have also demonstrated that holy basil reduces stress-induced anxiety and depression. In addition to modulating the stress response, researchers propose that holy basil can enhance the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. When it comes to healthy cognitive function, a study including 44 healthy men found that 300mg of holy basil extract for 30 days led to improvements in tasks related to short-term memory, mental flexibility, and attention and focus.

indicators of oxidative stress, a driver of accelerated aging, and significantly reduced

damage to immune cells (damaged and dysfunctional immune cells are also related to accelerated aging).

In sum, adaptogens are supportive plant allies that have a protective and balancing effect on the whole body in the face of stress. They may be taken individually or in combination, depending on your unique needs. Think of how stress manifests in your body and try some of these well-researched adaptogens to find the right ones for you.

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