Stress is a non-specific immune response of the body known to alter the physiological homeostasis of the organism resulting in various neuronal endocrinal and visceral functions. Derailment of the immune system contributes for the alteration in the homeostasis and resulting in stress related disturbances. Stress responses are composed of alterations in behavior, autonomic function and the secretion of multiple hormones including adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and cortisol/corticosterone, adrenal catecholamine, oxytocin, prolactin and renin. The concept of “Adaptogen” as a group of medicinal substances was first adopted by Lazarev. Adaptogens are the substances that push the organism into “a state of non-specific heightened resistance (SNIR)” in order to better resist stressors and adapt to extraordinary challenges. They normalize the body functions; strengthen systems and functions that are compromised by stress and have a protective effect against a wide variety of environmental and emotional stress. Till date various substances (natural, synthetic) and techniques (yoga, exercise) have been used to control the stress and stress related disorder. Among those adaptogens are the substances on which less research has been carried out hence in this article we have made an attempt to review the history, potential and different plausible mode of action of adaptogen along with different experimental animal model for the evaluation of an adaptogen.Stress is a non-specific immune response of the body known to alter the physiological homeostasis of the organism resulting in various neuronal endocrinal and visceral functions. Derailment of the immune system contributes for the alteration in the homeostasis and resulting in stress related disturbances. Stress responses are composed of alterations in behavior, autonomic function and the secretion of multiple hormones including adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and cortisol/corticosterone, adrenal catecholamine, oxytocin, prolactin and renin. The concept of “Adaptogen” as a group of medicinal substances was first adopted by Lazarev. Adaptogens are the substances that push the organism into “a state of non-specific heightened resistance (SNIR)” in order to better resist stressors and adapt to extraordinary challenges. They normalize the body functions; strengthen systems and functions that are compromised by stress and have a protective effect against a wide variety of environmental and emotional stress. Till date various substances (natural, synthetic) and techniques (yoga, exercise) have been used to control the stress and stress related disorder. Among those adaptogens are the substances on which less research has been carried out hence in this article we have made an attempt to review the history, potential and different plausible mode of action of adaptogen along with different experimental animal model for the evaluation of an adaptogen.
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