In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, more people are turning to natural tools to help their bodies adapt and thrive under pressure. One group of botanicals stands out for its profound ability to support the body’s stress response and restore balance—adaptogens.

But what exactly are adaptogens, and how do they work? Let’s explore the science behind these powerful plant compounds and why they’ve become foundational ingredients in modern professional formulations like PEAK’s INFLAMMATION RX™.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are a class of herbs and natural substances that help the body maintain homeostasis, especially under physical, emotional, or environmental stress. The term “adaptogen” was first coined in the mid-20th century by Russian scientist Dr. Nikolai Lazarev, who defined it as a substance that enhances the “state of non-specific resistance” to stress.

Unlike stimulants or sedatives, adaptogens don’t push the body in one direction. Instead, they help regulate the body’s physiological processes, especially the stress response—calming when you’re overstimulated, energizing when you’re depleted.

How Adaptogens Work

Adaptogens primarily support the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the neuroendocrine system, which play key roles in stress adaptation. When the body encounters a stressor—whether it’s poor sleep, inflammation, emotional pressure, or toxic exposure—adaptogens help modulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol, ensuring a more balanced and less damaging response.

They also impact other systems, including:

• Immune regulation

• Neuroprotection

• Energy metabolism

• Mood and cognition

Many adaptogens contain unique bioactive compounds (like withanolides in Ashwagandha or salidroside in Rhodiola) that directly influence these pathways to build resilience, support recovery, and optimize performance.

Common Adaptogens and Their Benefits

Here are a few of the most well-researched adaptogens used in modern clinical practice:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  Known for reducing cortisol, improving resilience, supporting thyroid function, and enhancing mood and cognitive performance. Rich in withanolides.

• Rhodiola rosea
  Enhances energy, stamina, and mental performance, especially under fatigue or burnout.

• Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)
  Boosts endurance and immune function, traditionally used by athletes and workers in demanding environments.

• Schisandra chinensis
  Known for supporting liver detoxification and enhancing physical performance.

Adaptogens in Modern Clinical Formulations

Today, adaptogens are more than just ancient remedies—they’re backed by peer-reviewed research and increasingly integrated into clinically formulated supplements designed for targeted outcomes.

Take INFLAMMATION RX, for example. This practitioner-grade formula harnesses a patented Ashwagandha extract standardized to 35 targeted withanolides. Unlike generic Ashwagandha, this extract has been clinically shown to:

• Reduce cortisol levels

• Modulate the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway

• Upregulate key cellular antioxidants

• Improve stress resilience, mood, and cognitive clarity

Why Practitioners Choose Adaptogens

The adaptogenic category is ideal for practitioners because of its:

• Broad therapeutic range with low side-effect risk

• Non-habit-forming and non-sedative nature

• Ability to synergize with other therapeutic agents

• Usefulness across a range of concerns—from adrenal fatigue and burnout to chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation

Whether you’re looking to optimize energy, improve stress adaptation, or support long-term resilience, adaptogens offer a time-tested, research-backed solution.

Ready to experience the power of clinically validated adaptogens?
Explore PEAK’s INFLAMMATION RX™—a next-generation formulation designed to deliver measurable results and practitioner-grade efficacy.