Introduction
The story begins with a drug called Dibazol, which in the the dark world of poisons is administered for artery spasm, hypertension, smooth muscle spasm ( as in intestinal colic and peptic ulcer ), and neurological conditions such as peripheral facial nerve palsy, and residual effects from polio. It is advertised as a vasodilator, antispasmodic, hypotensive and immunomodulator. A Russian pharmacologist professor NV Lazarev in 1947 coined the name ‘Adaptogen’ after working with Dibazol when he discovered that the drug improved the resistance to stress. Later, scientific researchers such as Alexander Panossian et al 1997,2004. Brekhman and Dardymov 1968, Lebedev 1971 would complete studies on plants such as Eleutherococcus, Senticosus, Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra, Chinensis, and Bryonia alba, herbs that have been used for a millennia to treat stress and other ailments of the body in a more holistic style medicine, noticing that these herbs provided the same effects as the synthetic drug Dibazol. These plant extracts were found to calm the immune system and reduce the damaging effects of various stressors. Unlike drugs like dibazol that interfere (stimulate) with the central nervous system, adaptogenic plants provide a regulatory property on the body’s axis involving the neuroendocrine and immune system. If we compare synthetic CNS stimulants (pharmaceutical drugs) with the natural adaptogens we can see the superiority of the latter which is what you would expect :
Differences between Synthetic CNS Stimulant drugs and Natural plant adaptogens
| stimulant | Natural adaptogens | |
| Recovery process after exhaustive physical load | low | high |
| Energy depletion | yes | no |
| Performance in stress | decreased | increased |
| Quality of arousal | bad | good |
| Insomnia | yes | no |
| Side effects | yes | no |
| Survival in stress | decreased | increased |
| DNA/RNA and Protein synthesis | decreased | increased |
Natural Adaptogen sub groups
According to the excellent article authored by Panossian and Wikman on behalf of the Swedish Herbal Institute, they stated that the active ingredients contained in plant adaptogens are 1. Phenolic compounds ( phenylpropanoids, phenylethane, and lignans), 2. Tetracyclic Triterpenoids (cucurbitane, dammarane, cycloartane, lamostane, protostane). Adaptogens increase the state of resistance to stress and decrease sensitivity to stressors thus protecting the host from stress which in turn prolong the resistance phase and instead of exhaustion a higher level of homeostasis is achieved, enhancing the adaptation to stress. Strenuous physical exercise has an effect on plasma levels increasing cortisol ( deactivation affect) and nitric oxide (activating effect) to untrained athletes, but with trained athletes these levels remain the same. By applying adaptogen consumption these levels are also activated adapting the individual to a further physical load thus increasing cortisol and nitric oxide in the blood and saliva signalling the stress system to challenge the stress response, increasing its capacity to physical load. While other studies show a reduction of muscle damage, lower levels of lactate and increase fatty acid consumption indicate the adaptogens ability to physical exercise resistance. Extracts from Schisandra chinensis and Rhodiola rosea have displayed central nervous system stimulation in many studies completed from 1965 to 1986, promoting the release of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in the ascending pathways of the brainstem activating the cerebral cortex and limbic system. As a consequence cognitive functions such as thinking, analysing, evaluating, calculating and planning of the cerebral cortex, and the attention, memory and learning functions of the prefrontal and frontal cortex are all enhanced.
Stress
Technically, stress is a physiological change of the body from a normal steady state referred to as homeostasis to a heightened level of dynamic equilibrium referred to as heterostasis which infers the body reacts by a state of nonspecific resistance (SNRS). The body adapts to this change that can occur from exercise, an inflammatory response stimulated by an infection or an environmental stressful event causing the body to switch into an immediate sympathetic response ( fight or flight mode). We have discussed the mechanics involved with this reactionary response in previous articles involved the HPA ( Hypothalamus-Pituitary Axis) shown the diagram below:
The diagram depicts the result of a stress sensory input ( in this case short term stress known as eustress or challenge) to the hypothalamic sensory control centre ‘pressing the accelerator pedal’ that signals the pituitary gland to alert the adrenal gland to release adrenaline to increase sympathetic response within the autonomic nerve system, increase the ACTH hormone secretion from the pituitary, and increase CRH secretion from the hypothalamus, shutting down digestion and increasing blood flow to the muscles. This is typical of a positive feedback loop by increasing chemical secretion to maintain a high state of alertness and action. To counteract and regulate this activity cortisol is released from the adrenals in a negative feedback mode ‘applying the brake pedal’ a little decreasing ACTH and CRH secretion which will eventually cease once the threat or stress event has dissipated. However, if the stress continues longer term ( referred to as distress or overload) cortisol continues to be secreted potentially causing tissue damage and gut dysfunction, and elevated blood pressure.
Adaptogens used for stress management
Since exercise is a positive form of stress on the body, studies pertaining to sports medicine have concentrated on adaptogen substances such as the stem bark of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) or Siberian ginseng on chronic swimming stressed rats in 1990, and more recently in 2011 by Huang.l et al who reported that AS possesses anti stress, antiulcer,anti radiation,anticancer, anti inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. A study conducted in 2010 involving the supplementation of Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) of 800 mg/day for 2 months to 9 college students during cycle racing and found that endurance time improved 23%, elevated cardiovascular function and alters metabolism positively. Other extensively studied and proven to be beneficial are Rhodiola rosea and Schisandra chinensis. Tyrosol, one active ingredient of Rhodiola rosea increases phosphorylation of eNOS and FOXO3a. eNOS ( endothelial nitric oxide synthase ), the enzyme that synthesizes nitric oxide, and as we stated before nitric oxide is of crucial importance to the health of the vascular epithelium. Vascular epithelial cells line the entire circulatory system from the heart to the small blood capillaries. These cells are essential for efficient blood flow, maintaining blood vessel tone, and the regulation of what flows within the bloodstream, such as proteins, lipid transports, metabolites and hormones. FOXO3a is an important transcription factor (controls the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA), which is involved in cellular oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidants such as catalase and SOD ( enzymes that we discussed in the previous article where Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is used to convert superoxide to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a much less toxic substance to the cell, and catalase is used to catalyze Hydrogen peroxide (H202) into oxygen and water). FOXO3a also upregulates genes that are involved in apoptosis triggering within the mitochondria.
Adaptogen extract supplements
A common adaptogen that is available in powder form is Ashwagandha ( referred to as Indian ginseng). Since it assists the body in adapting to stress it can help with anxiety ( an anxiolytic), fatigue and insomnia. It has the ability to stimulate an underactive thyroid and balance the functioning of the testes and the adrenal gland and it is prescribed in ayurvedic medicine for fertility. Ashwagandha contains important cellular antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase.and in 100g of Ashwagandha root powder there is 3.3 mg of iron, 23 mg of calcium and 5.8 mg of vitamin C. Anyone who suffers from insomnia can add 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder to a cup of hot chocolate or some other beverage before retiring to bed.
Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) is a common adaptogen known simply as Eleuthero is supposed to work well as an exercise enhancer as discovered by the 2011 study referenced in the previous paragraph. Maca ( Botanical name Lepidium meyenii) powder is another common root adaptogen known as Peruvian Ginseng which is eaten as a vegetable in Peru and is defined as an edible root vegetable that is part of the Brassicaceae family ( cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage are also family members ). Like Eleuthero, it is a tonic to enhance vitality and stamina. Maca research by Dr Gustavo Gonzales at the Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University in Lima has studied Maca powder and identified Yellow Maca is beneficial for sun protection when applied as a liquid on the skin. Red Maca seems to benefit bone strength, and black Maca also promotes bone health and improves memory and cognition and helps in sperm count and enlarged prostate ( probably due to the plant sterols ( hormones) such as Campesterol, Stigmasterol and beta sitosterol. Campesterol is a phytosterol which is also contained in small quantities in banana,pomegranate, pepper, coffee, grapefruit, cucumber,onion, oats, potato and lemongrass (citronella). Since these sterols compete with cholesterol binding sites in the intestine is it surmised that plant sterols regulate cholesterol. Maca’s other health benefits include the assistance in regulating the menstrual cycle, reduces hormonal dysfunction during menopause and andropause, regulates hormonal imbalance, reduces anxiety and stress, helps lift depression, and helps with the circulatory system. It is an anti carcinogen and antioxidant and helps to build muscle.
Other adaptogens include Amla (indian gooseberry) which is an Ayurvedic tonic. Other Ayurvedic tonics that include Amla are Triphala and Chyawanprash. An adaptogen fungus is called Cordyceps which colonizes on caterpillars. Another powerful Indian adaptogen herb is Holy Basil (Tulsi), and of course Rhodiola as mentioned previously. Dr Shalini Minglani a nutritionist in Bangalore states that amla powder contains the purest form of Vitamin C.
Amla is added to an ayurvedic tonic called Triphala that is used for digestive purposes that consists of Amla (Amalaki as it is also known), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. Bibhitaki is a small dried yellow fruit, indigenous to indian forests and plains and its mechanism of action is as a strong astringent ( contracts body tissue) that tone mucous membranes especially in the GI Tract and helps with peristalsis. It is effective in drying and removing excessive levels of congestive mucous or accumulated fluid.in the lungs ( from bronchitis,asthma,laryngitis ) and congestion clearance within the eyes,ears nose and throat. The unripe green color fruit has a strong laxative effect while the more ripe yellow fruit has an astringent effect. It can also help in urinary infections and tones the bladder as well as cardiac glycoside support to reduce stagnant congestion. Haritaki in its literal meaning ‘Green’ which happens to be the color of the fruit, is native to the Himalayas and Sri Lanka, growing at altitudes of 1500m on trees that can grow to 30m. It is prized medicinally and shown to be antibacterial, antiviral and antiamoebic with a particular affinity to the digestive tract. It contains anthraquinone ( that the drug industry use to make laxatives among other drugs) for constipation and tannins that help tone the lining of the digestive tract. Like Bibhitaki it is also a strong astringent. According to ayurvedic medicine the 3 fruit Triphala formula uses Amalaki to help repair the intestinal skin, Bibhitaki to pull excess mucous from the intestinal wall, and Haritaki to tone the bowel movement muscles. A common problem with an unhealthy gut is a swinging door reaction between constipation and oily diarrhea so the Triphala provides healthy bowel elimination support while the gut goes through a healing process
Chyawanprash is an ayurvedic jam and used as ‘Anupan’ which is the name of a substance that serves as a transport for herbs and medicine to drive these nutrients deeper into the tissues. This is achieved from the ingredients that include amalaki fruits, a number of herbs, ghee, sesame oil,sugar or honey. They have rejuvenative and aphrodisiac properties, although the primary reason to take chyawanprash jam is to stimulate the immune system and white blood cell production. It also supports the blood, liver spleen and the respiratory system and the lungs by nourishing the mucous membranes maintaining clear and clean air passages. From the chart below it shows the multitude of ingredients in this Ayurvedic jam. Some of the ingredients are as follows :
Bamboo Manna which is known as Tabasheer or Vanshlochan an ayurvedic tonic which is mostly silica with traces of calcium oxide( lime) and potassium chloride (potash) and 40% cellulose, 20% pentosan a polysaccharide sugar called pentose and 28% plant lignin from bamboo. It is supposed to have adaptogenic, antacid, antiarthritic. Antibacterial, anticancer, antigout, antihypertensive, anti inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiulcer, antioxidant, antipyretic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bronchodilator, demulcent. Expectorant, mild diuretic properties.
Blue Egyptian water lily contains a psychoactive alkaloid aporphine. Alkaloids are organic compounds and some possess psychoactive or psychotropic properties ( morphine an alkaloid which is isolated from the opium poppy). And in some individuals this water lily like most water lilies can produce a slight ‘buzz’ due to their affinity to the dopaminergic,adrenergic and serotonergic receptor system.
Chebulic myrobalan a dried fruit that grows on a large deciduous tree from India that is supposed to have antitussive ( cough relief), cardiotonic ( for the heart), diuretic ( substance that increases water excretion) and mild laxative properties. It contains anthraquinones ( that have a laxative, diuretic, phytoestrogenic, immune stimulator, antifungal, antiviral and anticancer effects after ingestion the colonic bacteria metabolize the anthraquinone glycosides to anthranols which absorbed and then excreted in the bile.
Indian Rose chestnut contains alpha and Beta Amyrin which are part of the triterpene class of substances( precursor compounds of steroids) and effective in wound healing that exhibit antinociceptive ( nociception is the sensory nervous systems response to harmful ( potentially) stimuli, such as chilli pepper residue in the eye), and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains Beta sitosterol a plant sterol that is supposed to reduce cholesterol and treat benign prostatic hyperplasia ( enlarged prostate). This herb is used to treat respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis etc.
Country Mallow ** On February 6 2004 the FDA announced that it was publishing the final ruling banning the sales of all dietary supplements that contained the controversial herb ephedra, and any ephedra group alkaloids ( e.g ephedrine ) because of the stimulatory effects that occur from the active ingredient ephedra or ephedrine which can affect the heart and the nervous system. This ban does not apply to herbal teas containing this ingredient. I am personally in agreement with this since potentially it could cause harm in some individuals since country mallow does contain ephedrine so it is advisable to avoid Chyawanprash for this reason, unless it is removed from this formulation.
There more herbs shown on the chart which you can reference from the site Himalyawellness link below :
http://www.himalayawellness.com/herbfinder/index.htm
Astragalus
Astragalus is the root of a perennial pea plant that is indigenous to China, Mongolia and Korea, It is used in a common medicine and available in Chinese pharmacies under the name of Huang Qi and administered for colds, flu and respiratory infections. It is claimed to promote stimulation of the spleen, liver, lungs and circulatory system and probably the immune system, due to the saponin content. Other positive impacts on health are due to its Flavonoid ( stimulates antioxidant activity and cell signalling) and polysaccharide (providing antimicrobial, antiviral and anti inflammatory properties ) content. According to studies, a specific monomer extracted from the astragalus root called TA65 is claimed to activate Telomerase, an enzyme that replenishes Telomere length. Telomeres are the end caps in each of our chromosomes ( like end caps on shoelaces) that prevent chromosome misfolding on themselves causing chromosomal dysfunction. Telomere length is supposed to be related to Hayflick’s cell division limit of 50-60 times before the cell becomes inert and cannot divide anymore, since the chromosomal telomeres are too short. The enzyme Telomerase is capable of maintaining telomere length thus eliminating the reason why cells stop dividing after 50-60 times. It is also stated that Telomerase is inactive in most somatic cells, however, very little is known what regulates telomere proteins and hence telomerase access or even their presence within the vicinity of the telomere.
Telomere length is not a conclusive biomarker to Ageing
It is a well known fact that telomeres do shorten after cell division, but it is not a conclusive biomarker of age, although it can be add to the predictive power to that of age in a small way. Alternatively, Telomere length varies throughout the body even untouched in some cells, since some cells last the longevity of the host without cell division, but telomere length, or loss, is more a measure of health and physiological function, thus longer telomeres are associated with better health and body function. This also was part of the conclusion made from a Scottish study ‘Is Telomere length a biomarker for aging: Cross Sectional evidence from the west of scotland’ published in 2012 and conducted in 2007/2008 using some 4500 people of varying ages in this cohort study. The other question is why is telomerase found in abundance in tumor cells. This also applies to stem cells which is understandable. Kipling in 1990 and Hemann in 2000 found no consistent relationship between telomere lengths and animal lifespans ( the fact that a rat has long telomeres but can only manage to live for 4 years). Unfortunately there are several holes in the telomere theory of aging since cell division is also controlled by other factors, and a stem cell has the same length of telomere as in differentiated cells, and it is not necessarily the reduction of cell numbers that tag an aged tissue, since it is usually disease related from nutrient deficiency or toxicity. Coupled with the fact that most organs continue to reproduce new cells for repair way beyond 70 years…conceivable since we are designed to live between 120-140 and we do not stop self regulating and self healing. We will discuss ageing in a future article that is supportive to Dr B’s recent video presentation on ageing.
Conclusions and closing notes
Time and time again we ask the question if degenerative and chronic diseases affect so many gene expressions epigenetically, proteins, kinases signalling pathways, how can a synthetic drug be effective, if a multiple drug regime is administered, with the potentiation of multiple drug use causing further damage. Ayu-reveda ( Life-scientific knowledge) a 6.000 year old Indian traditional healing system now used by various western trained physicians including Dr John Douillard author ‘Eat Wheat’. Holistic medical treatment embraces the practices of Ayurvedic medicine of herbs where not one herb can treat a particular ailment but the combination of several or many herbs such as the formulation Chyawanprash described above in rebalancing the ‘Dosha’. This practice is not to dissimilar to conventional medicines combinatorial and multitargeted therapy, but with an important difference Ayurvedic medicine is using non toxic substances that are not going to do any more damage to upstream and/or downstream processes altering the physiology of the body. An exception to the rule is the use or avoidance of herbs that can cause stimulatory effects as described above with some herbs that contain alkaloids that may have a negative effect.
Dosha
In Ayurvedic medicine the universe is comprised of 5 elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. We as humans are also comprised of these 5 elements. Taking a breath (‘Prana’) mixes with these 5 elements and as a consequence the 3 Doshas are formed Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The Dosha formations also distinguish the biological phenotype of an individual. Vata regulates movement and also defines individuals as thin, tall or short, and when they are balanced they are creative and adaptable, but unbalanced they become fearful and anxious. Pitta regulates digestion,nutrition,metabolism and body temperature, therefore Pitta individuals have a strong digestion and their skeletal structure is athletic. In balance they are intelligent and smart, imbalance causes them to be hot and quick to anger causing skin rash. Kapha refers to the bones,muscle and teeth ( everything dense in the body). Kapha balance portrays love, nurture and to be well grounded, while Kapha imbalance portrays need,melancholy and overall heaveniness. In reality, individuals tend to harbor some of each of the Doshas, with slight dominance in maybe one and/or two Dosha characteristics. These aspects of human characteristics are influenced by our environment and lifestyle which is also reflected in the Ayurvedic approach to medicine ( Mind and body) and aligned to the definition of functional medicine that treats the individual as opposed to symptoms, thus striving to restore balance overall as opposed to addressing the signals or adaptations sent to the host.
Prevention not cure
Even some allopathic physicians talk about prevention, but if they are not trained in the true and only medicine for the body, in its quest to prevent biological dysfunction i.e nutrition, how can they discuss prevention…dont smoke…dont drink, but anybody can say that. In fact if you are eating healthy food designed for the body and supplementing with the 90 essential nutrients moderate use of life’s unhealthy pleasures is not going to be life threatening. Ayurvedic therapy refers to ‘prakriti’ (the Dosha’s or traits as described above) which are obviously influenced by what we consume and the type of lifestyle we follow. To use Ayurvedic medicine there are various formulations such as Chyawanprash which is supposed to protect from infection, coughs, cold and stress and pulmonary related ailments. Divya kayakalp vati another formulation that include some 20 ingredients which is supposed to purify the blood, remove acne and pimples, ringworm, pruritus ( itching), and eczema. Divya Madhukalp vati that is supposed to balance insulin secretion ( balance blood sugar) and strengthen the immune system. Divya Mukta vati that is supposed to treat hypertension, insomnia, palpitation and chest pain. Divya Udara Kalpa curna that is supposed to stimulate digestion and remove constipation. Divya Peedantak taila that is supposed to relieve pain of the lumbar region, knee joints, cervical spondylitis, oedema and inflammation, and many other formulations. There are some 200m different plants used including Aloe Vera, and Curcumin ( active ingredient of Turmeric), which we will cover in more detail in future articles.
“We can’t talk about our own health without understanding our place in our environment, because in order to fulfill our potential we have to live in the context of our surroundings. We have to know our place in the ecosystem of which we are a part, and this means living ‘consciously’: being aware of nature and how it affects us and how we, in turn, affect nature.”
― Sebastian Pole, Discovering the True You with Ayurveda: How to Nourish, Rejuvenate, and Transform Your Life
Check out other Articles in this series:
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose I (Phenols)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose II (Lignans, Triterpenes, Phytosterols, Carotenoids & Fats)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose III (Phenolic acids, sulphur, sulphides,sulphoxides )
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose IV (Glucosinolates, Sulforaphane, Indole-3-Carbinol)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose V (Lipid distribution, absorbed fats, Criciferous Veg)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose VI (Nutrients required for Liver Detox)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose VII (Seeds & the Omega Fatty Acids)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose VIII (Nutrients required for cellular energy production)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose IX (Water I Properties and Body fluids)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose X (Water II Cellular Hydration)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XI (Water III Fluid filtration, reabsorption, excretion)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XII (Water IV Blood pressure, Blood volume regulation)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XIII (Water V Body Fluid Dysfunction
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XIV (Dental Nutrients)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XV (Nutrients involved in Methylation I)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XVI (Nutrients involved in Methylation II)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XVII (Nutrients involved in Methylation III)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XVIII (Nutrients involved in Methylation IV)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XIX (Methylation V and the Microbiota I)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XX (Methylation VI and the Microbiota II)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XXI (Superfoods: Wheatgrass)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XXIII (A look into our nutritional past Sir Robert McCarrison)
Nutrients in Food and their bodily purpose XXIV (Pregnancy: Nature vs Nurture vs Nutrition)
References/Acknowledgments :
- FOXO3a, Lepidium meyenii, Campesterol, Stigmasterol, Chyawanprash, Nymphaea caerulea, Amyrin Wikipedia
- Diabazole en.remedy.info.com
- Effect of adaptogens on the central nervous system 2004 Alexander Panossian Researchgate
- Tetracyclic triterpenoids in herbal medicines and their activities in diabetes and its complications 2015 Hamid K et al NCBI (PubMed)
- Helicobacter pylori is killed by nitrite under acidic conditions 1998 R.S Dykhuizen et al BMJ
- Acanthopanax senticosus: review of botany and chemistry and pharmacology 2011 Huang l et al NCBI PubMed
- The effect of 8 weeks of supplementation with Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) on endurance capacity and metabolism in human Kuo j et al 2010 NCBI PubMed
- The Vascular endothelium and human diseases 2013 Peramaiyan rajendran et al NCBI PubMed ( International Journal of Biological sciences )
- Nutritional composition of dehydrated Ashwagandha.Shatavari and ginger root powder 2016 Sangita kumari & Alka Gupta International journal of Home science
- Protection of humans by plant glucosinolates: efficiency of conversion of glucosinolates to isothiocyanates by the gastrointestinal microflora 2012 Jed Fahey et al NCBI PubMed
- The top 7 Adaptogen herbs Agatha Noveille 2017 Better nutrition
- 10 Wonderful benefits of Amla powder: A powerful superfood 2018 Priya Deesh food.ndtv.com
- Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amalaki Herbal Reality
- Vanshlochan (Tabasheer)- Bamboo silica(bamboo manna) 2015 Dr Jagdev Singh Ayur Times
- Aporphine alkaloids as ligands for serotonin receptors 2016 Nirav Kapadia & Wayne Harding Medicinal chemistry
- Chebulic myrobalan, Indian rose chestnut Herbpathy
- American Botanical Council FDA issues final rule banning ephedra Herbalgram 2004 Rakesh Amin
- Are you Vata,Pitta or Kapha? Jean Koerner MBG
- Identification of Novel Anti-Inflammatory agents from Ayurvedic medicine for prevention of chronic diseases “Reverse Pharmacology” and “Bedside to Bench” approach Bharat Aggarwal et al 2011 NCBI PubMed
- Effects of adaptogen supplementation on sport performance. A recent review of published studies Alvaro Molinos Domene ( Spanish olympic committee) 2013 Journal of Human sport and exercise
- Astragalus Dr Weil, Dr Axel
- Telomere length a biomarker for aging: Cross Sectional evidence from the west of scotland Geoff Der et al 2012 PLOS ONE
- Anti-Aging implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (HuangQi): A well known Chinese tonic Ping Liu et al 2017 NCBI PubMed
- Dynamics of cell division Book 1998 Endow & Glover
- Ayurvedic medicine quotes Goodreads
Author: Eric Malouin