Adaptogen is a drug, mainly of plant origin, showing general tonic properties that affect the activity of the main organs and systems. They contribute to the general strengthening of the body under adverse conditions and in stressful situations, contribute to the speedy recovery after overwork and heavy physical exertion. Let's look at the main adaptogen plants, materials of animal origin, as well as medicines produced on their basis.
The most common plants from which adaptogens are obtained
The most typical representative of plants of this group is lemongrass - an adaptogen, from which tinctures and liquid extracts are prepared, as well as ginseng and Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus, Leuzea. In addition to these plants, special attentiondeserves echinacea, which has long been used as a drug of this group.
Most of the above plants grow in Europe, however, a plant such as high aralia, or an extract from sika deer or maral antlers are also excellent raw materials in order to make an adaptogen. List of the most popular drugs:
- Apilak.
- "Mummy".
- "Ginseng tincture".
- Eleutherococcus Extract.
- Pantocrine.
- "Rhodiola rosea tincture".
The mechanism of action of adaptogens
It is difficult to single out any specific mechanism of action for an adaptogen due to the multicomponent nature of tinctures and extracts. However, their main mechanisms of action are:
- activation of the processes of synthesis of ribonucleic acids and proteins, which contributes to the development of reparative processes (this contributes to the speedy healing of wounds and the restoration of body weight);
- antioxidant action aimed at reducing the number of free radicals and reducing peroxidation processes (which contributes to increased resistance when exposed to toxic substances or ionizing radiation);
- reduction of biochemical disorders when exposed to stress;
- normalization of the function of the hypothalamic-adrenal and immune systems.
The indicated mechanisms of action are of a general nature, since it is difficult to study and describe the effect of each of the components of adaptogens on the whole organism.
Pharmacodynamic characteristics of adaptogens
After taking, adaptogens help to increase physical and mental performance, exercise tolerance, reduce fatigue and reduce the feeling of fatigue, eliminate appetite disturbances and help restore the body's circadian rhythms. They help to increase the body's resistance to adverse environmental factors (high and low temperatures, exposure to various poisons and toxic or poisonous substances).
Against the background of taking such drugs, there is an increase in specific and non-specific immunity, blood circulation, breathing and perception of information with the help of auditory and visual analyzers improves. Adaptogen preparations improve hematopoiesis, have a protective effect on the liver and heart.
Forms of release of adaptogens
Due to the fact that such products are most often made from materials of plant origin, their main dosage form is tincture. Also, drugs of this drug group are often found in the form of liquid extracts. It is quite rare to find adaptogens in pills.
General indications for use
Reception of adaptogens is indicated in case of physical overwork, to increase the overall resistance of the body, to treat asthenic syndrome, during the recovery period after infectious diseases. Due to the anti-inflammatory effect, they are widely used in dental practice for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity. However, eacha single drug has its own range of indications for use.
Side effects
When taking adaptogens, there may be an increase in blood pressure, neuropsychic agitation, an increase in the level of potassium in the blood. You should not prescribe such drugs in the evening and before bedtime.
Apilak
This medicinal product is a biogenic stimulant. The dry matter of native royal jelly is the main active ingredient of the preparation "Apilak". The price of this drug ranges from 200 to 350 rubles and depends on the pharmacy chain.
"Apilak" is widely used in pediatric practice for the treatment of eating disorders, neurotic disorders. The drug is also effective for restoring the normal mode of lactation during breastfeeding, as well as in the postpartum period for the development of lactation. In dermatological practice, Apilak is also used to treat seborrhea. The price of the drug is affordable, which leads to its widespread use.
Mummy
Adaptogen is not only a medicinal product of plant origin. Shilajit is an adaptogen of animal origin. In fact, these are bat excrement, which have absorbed the mineral substances of rocks. In appearance, the mummy is a viscous resinous mass of dark brown or black color, hardening over time.
It is a broad spectrum biogenic stimulantactions. Shilajit in tablets, solution or applications has a strong biostimulating effect with inhibition of mutational processes. The drug is indicated for injuries of the musculoskeletal system, ulcers of the intestinal tract, purulent and inflammatory diseases, inflammatory and allergic processes, periodontal disease and other diseases. "Mumiye" is recommended as a prophylactic to increase the overall resistance of the body during influenza epidemics.
In addition to high efficiency, the uniqueness of the drug is due to the absence of side effects (except in cases of individual intolerance) and the possibility of use in pregnant women and during breastfeeding.
When prescribing and taking Mumiye, drug interactions must be taken into account, as it interacts with almost all drugs. Poisoning and overdose are rare, accompanied by intestinal disorders.
The drug is available in the form of an ointment, application or solution, in addition, mummy is available in tablets. Mumiye is used twice a day: half an hour before meals in the morning and two hours before bedtime.
Eleutherococcus
Among the stimulants of the central nervous system and adaptogens, Eleutherococcus occupies a special place. Indications for the appointment of this drug include situations when it is necessary to increase mental and physical performance, and it is also taken as a general tonic and tonic.
Eleutherococcus is produced in the form of an alcoholic extract. Take the remedy 20-30 drops 30 minutes before meals for 25-30 days. In addition, for the drug "Eleutherococcus" indications for the appointment include asthenic syndrome, overwork, chronic fatigue syndrome. The drug is successfully used to treat diabetes, prevent cancer and improve vision.
Rhodiola rosea tincture
Another representative of plant adaptogens is Rhodiola rosea tincture. The price of this drug ranges from 150 to 200 rubles. Alcohol tincture due to the content of a large number of active substances has a pronounced tonic and adaptogenic effect. Rhodiola rosea increases the body's resistance to adverse environmental factors, temperature extremes, and stress factors. The drug increases physical performance, reduces mental stress, improves the condition of patients with vegetovascular dystonia. In addition, an antiarrhythmic effect was noted while taking Rhodiola tincture.
Apply the tincture orally, after dissolving the required amount of the drug in a small amount of water. For maximum therapeutic effect, you should drink the tincture 10-15 minutes before a meal, while taking the drug should be carried out in the morning. If you drink the medicine in the afternoon, due to the stimulation of the activity of the nervous system, side effects may occur.effects - insomnia, increased blood pressure, headaches.
The drug is contraindicated for use in patients with hypersensitivity to it, as well as in persons with high blood pressure. In order to treat asthenic syndrome in children, the drug should be prescribed only after the age of twelve.
Pantocrine
Adaptogen is an indispensable tool for improving daily performance. "Pantocrine" is made by extracting biologically active substances from the antlers (antlers) of sika deer, red deer or red deer. The active substances of the drug have a pronounced stimulating effect on the activity of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. "Pantocrine" in its composition contains a large number of trace elements in the proportions that are necessary for a person, and amino acids and phospholipids are actively involved in the restoration of cell membranes and the normalization of metabolism.
"Pantocrine" is widely used for the treatment of neurasthenia and neurosis, fatigue, asthenic conditions after suffering inflammatory or infectious diseases, arterial hypertension, metabolic disorders and digestive disorders. In addition, the drug is successfully used to restore impaired sexual function in men.
Apply "Pantokrin" inside 20-40 drops, previously dissolved in a small amount of water. The frequency of admission depends on the condition of the patient and averages 2-3 times a day. Like most other adaptogens, in order toto prevent the occurrence of side effects "Pantocrine" should be taken in the morning (maximum - 4 hours before bedtime).
Ginseng tincture
Ginseng root tincture belongs to the group of adaptogenic and tonic agents. The active ingredients of the tincture are essential oils and glycosides, pectins and saponins, extracted from the root of the plant. The drug is effective for the treatment of asthenic conditions, overwork during increased mental and physical stress, in the recovery period after serious illnesses, and also as a tool for the complex treatment of psychogenic sexual dysfunction.
Like other adaptogens, ginseng tincture should be taken in the morning, 30-40 drops, diluted with a little water.
Conclusion
Adaptogen is a drug, the main effect of which is aimed at increasing the mental and physical performance of a person. If the feeling of fatigue and weakness has been a constant companion lately, it's time to start taking these medicines. OTC sale, widespread availability in the pharmacy network and the low cost of this group of stimulants make them indispensable in the treatment of asthenic syndrome. It is important to remember one thing - the reception must be long and always systematic.
