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Cited by 121Medicinal Plants and Bioactive CompoundsGinseng Biological Effects and ApplicationsPhytochemicals and Medicinal Plants

Plant Adaptogens—History and Future Perspectives

Open access
Todorova, Velislava, Ivanov, Kalin, Delattre, Cédric, Nalbantova, Vanya, Karcheva-Bahchevanska, Diana, Ivanova, Stanislava·2021·Nutrients
DOI 10.3390/nu13082861PMC PMC8398443
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Abstract

Adaptogens are synthetic compounds (bromantane, levamisole, aphobazole, bemethyl, etc.) or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body’s stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption. Extracts from Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis are considered to be naturally occurring adaptogens and, in particular, plant adaptogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of plant adaptogens in the past and now, as well as to outline the prospects of their future applications. The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history—they are used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, memory impairment, and other conditions. About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body’s resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance. Although now many people take plant adaptogens, the clinical trials on human are limited. The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection. In the future, there is great potential to register medicinal products that contain plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This review traces the historical and current use of five plant adaptogens—Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis—covering their phytochemistry, proposed mechanisms, sports use, and therapeutic potential. It concludes that human clinical evidence remains limited and calls for more multicenter randomized double-blind trials.

Key findings

  • The review selected 56 studies and defines adaptogens as substances that enhance the body’s stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption; the term was introduced in 1947 by Lazarev.
  • Five plants are consistently classified as plant adaptogens: Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis; their effects are attributed to complex phytochemicals such as ginsenosides, eleutherosides, ecdysteroids/20-hydroxyecdysone, rosavins/salidroside, and lignans/schisandrin.
  • Regulatory and sports-related findings include: bromantane prohibited by WADA since 2009; bemethyl monitored by WADA since 2018; 20-hydroxyecdysone included in WADA’s 2020 monitoring program; and plant adaptogens first used in professional sports about 50 years ago.
  • Reported benefits include effects on chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, immune protection, physical endurance, and lipid/glucose profiles, but the paper states human trials are limited; the extracts are described as not associated with serious side effects.

Methods

  • Systematic review following PRISMA; searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science using listed keywords, with exclusion criteria including articles not in English or Russian, webinars/blogs, irrelevant topics, and lack of data.
  • Inclusion criteria were human studies, animal studies, and studies investigating impacts of adaptogens; 56 studies were selected and included.
  • Narrative synthesis organized by plant species, with referenced tables summarizing study results for Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis.

Limitations

  • Stated: clinical trials in humans are limited; no multicenter randomized double-blind studies were found for Panax ginseng or Eleutherococcus senticosus; human studies for Rhaponticum carthamoides and Schisandra chinensis are limited or insufficient for full assessment.
  • Stated: the mechanism of action is complex and not fully understood; data on the synergetic anabolic effect of Rhaponticum carthamoides and Rhodiola rosea are contradictory.
  • Evident: although the abstract mentions meta-analysis data, the methods describe a systematic review of 56 studies without quantitative meta-analytic pooling; the search was restricted to three databases and English/Russian records, and the referenced Tables 1–7 are not included in the provided text, so study-level details cannot be verified here.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/nu13082861

Cites

103 of 103 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 102 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The review did not find multicenter randomized double-blind studies including the intake of Panax ginseng.

    “We did not find multicenter randomized double-blind studies including the intake of Panax ginseng.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The review did not find multicenter randomized double-blind studies that included the intake of Siberian ginseng.

    “We did not find multicenter randomized double-blind studies that included the intake of Siberian ginseng.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Siberian ginseng extract has a beneficial effect on the lipid profile.

    “Siberian ginseng extract could be included in the diet of patients with hyperlipidemia because it has a beneficial effect on the lipid profile.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Intake of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract may help increase cognitive function.

    “The intake of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract may help to increase the cognitive function.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Data from human and animal studies about a synergetic anabolic effect of Rhaponticum carthamoides and Rhodiola rosea are contradictory.

    “The data obtained from human and animal studies about synergetic anabolic effect of Rhaponticum carthamoides and Rhodiola rosea are contradictory.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 26
  • May combine two claims. 36
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    In total, 56 studies were selected and included in the present review.

    “In total, 56 studies were selected and included in the present review.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Extracts from Panax ginseng increase cognitive function and memory functions, and improve sleep and fatigue.

    “Extracts from the plant not only increase cognitive function and memory functions, but also improve sleep and fatigue.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    There are a limited number of clinical studies that have investigated the benefits or side effects of Panax ginseng extract use.

    “Although the extract has been used for more than two millenniums, there are a limited number of clinical studies that have investigated the benefits or the side effects of its use.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Intake of Panax ginseng extracts is associated with ergogenic effects and enhanced muscle strength.

    “The data suggest that an intake of Panax ginseng extracts is associated with ergogenic effects and enhanced muscle strength.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Intake of Panax ginseng extract is associated with improved plasma lipid profile and blood glucose level.

    “Intake of Panax ginseng extract is associated also with improved plasma lipid profile and blood glucose level.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Intake of Eleutherococcus senticosus supports physical activity, weight reduction, mental health, and fatigue.

    “The data suggest that the intake of Eleutherococcus senticosus supports the physical activity, weight reduction, mental health, and fatigue.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Other benefits of Rhaponticum carthamoides are improved mental endurance and improved plasma lipid profiles.

    “Other important benefits are improved mental endurance and improved plasma lipid profiles.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Intake of Rhaponticum carthamoides extracts is associated with anabolic effects, increased body mass weight, and enhanced muscle strength.

    “The data suggest that intake of Rhaponticum carthamoides extracts is associated with anabolic effects—increased body mass weight and enhanced muscle strength.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Improvement of cardiac and cognitive functions has been reported with Rhaponticum carthamoides.

    “Improvement of cardiac and cognitive functions has also been reported.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Studies on humans for Rhaponticum carthamoides are limited in number and not sufficient for a more complete and comprehensive assessment.

    “Despite the benefits of the extract use, the studies on humans are limited in number and not sufficient for a more complete and comprehensive assessment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Rhodiola rosea has a hepatoprotective effect.

    “The hepatoprotective effect of the plant determines the use of its extract in liver diseases.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Rhodiola rosea extract has a beneficial effect on heart rate and muscle contractions.

    “Rhodiola rosea extract might be used not only for overcoming the fatigue but might be included in the diet of people with heart diseases, because of the beneficial effect on heart rate and muscle contractions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Rhodiola rosea extracts improve physical strength during exercise and recovery after training.

    “Improving physical strength during exercise and recovery after training are the reasons why Rhodiola rosea extracts are also taken by athletes as a supplement to their diet.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Schisandra chinensis has a positive effect on blood sugar and liver enzymes.

    “The positive effect of the plant on blood sugar and liver enzymes suggests the inclusion of Rhodiola rosea extracts in the treatment of patients with diabetes and liver disease.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Studies on humans for Schisandra chinensis are limited in number, so a full assessment of the effects is difficult.

    “The studies on humans are limited in number, so a full assessment of the effects is difficult to make.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingnone given

    Intake of Schisandra chinensis extract can improve memory and concentration.

    “The intake of plant extract can improve memory and concentration.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Nowadays, some of the most used plant adaptogens are Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Rhaponticum carthamoides.

    “Nowadays, some of the most used plant adaptogens are Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Rhaponticum carthamoides.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Studies examining the benefits of using extracts of Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis and Rhaponticum carthamoides are limited in number.

    “Studies examining the benefits of using extracts of Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis and Rhaponticum carthamoides are a limited in number.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The intake of adaptogens is associated with better ability to adapt to stress, maintain or normalize metabolic functions, and better mental and physical performance.

    “The intake of adaptogens is associated not only with the body’s better ability to adapt to stress and maintain/normalize metabolic functions, but also with better mental and physical performance [1,2,3].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [1] Wagner, 1994, Plant adaptogens, Phytomedicine source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] Panossian, 1999, Plant adaptogens III. Earlier and more recent aspects and concepts on their mode of action, Phytomedicine source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [3] Oliynyk, 2012, The pharmacology of Actoprotectors: Practical application for improvement of mental and physical performance, Biomol. Ther. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Plant adaptogens have a rich phytochemical composition, with important phytochemicals including triterpenoid saponins, phytosterols and ecdysone, lignans, alkaloids, flavonoids, and vitamins.

    “Plant adaptogens have very rich phytochemical composition. Some of the most important phytochemicals with adaptogenic properties are: triterpenoid saponins (in Panax ginseng—ginsenosides; in Eleutherococcus senticosus—eleutherosides); phytosterols and ecdysone (in Rhaponticum carthamoides); lignans (in Schisandra chinensis); alkaloids; flavonoids, vitamins, etc. [4,8,9].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] Panossian, 2020, Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress and aging related diseases, Med. Res. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] Kelly, 2001, Rhodiola rosea: A possible plant adaptogen, Altern. Med. Rev.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Kamal, 2017, Adaptogenic medicinal plants utilized for strengthening the power of resistance during chemotherapy—A review, Orient. Pharm. Exp. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Intake of such extracts affects nitric oxide levels, lactate levels, blood glucose levels, cortisol levels, plasma lipid profile, and hepatic enzymes.

    “Moreover, the intake of such extracts affects nitric oxide levels, lactate levels, blood glucose levels, cortisol levels, plasma lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, etc. [8,11,12,13,14].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [8] Kelly, 2001, Rhodiola rosea: A possible plant adaptogen, Altern. Med. Rev.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] Pawar, 2012, A current status of adaptogens: Natural remedy to stress, Asian Pac. J. Trop. Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Li, 2018, A review of polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera: Properties, functions and applications, Carbohydr. Polym. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The mechanism of action of plant adaptogens is complex and not fully understood.

    “The mechanism of action of the plant adaptogens is complex and is not fully understood.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The plants with adaptogenic properties systematized by Breckham and Dardimov are Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis.

    “Breckham and Dardimov systematized the plants with adaptogenic properties. These are: Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis [7].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] Brekhman, 1969, New substances of plant origin which increase nonspecific resistance, Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The first evidence of the use of Panax ginseng dates back more than 2000 years.

    “The first evidence of the use of Panax ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) dates back more than 2000 years [23].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] Baeg, 2013, The world ginseng market and the ginseng (Korea), J. Ginseng Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the past, ginseng extracts were used to maintain homeostasis, treat fatigue and weakness, increase immune protection, and treat hypertension, diabetes type 2, and erectile dysfunction.

    “Extracts were prepared and used to maintain homeostasis in the human body, treat fatigue and weakness, increase immune protection, and treat hypertension, diabetes type 2, and erectile dysfunction [2,23,24,25,26].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [2] Panossian, 1999, Plant adaptogens III. Earlier and more recent aspects and concepts on their mode of action, Phytomedicine source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [23] Baeg, 2013, The world ginseng market and the ginseng (Korea), J. Ginseng Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [24] Kiefer, 2003, Panax ginseng, Am. Fam. Physician

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Current and potential uses of these medicinal plants are associated with mental diseases and behavioural disorders, cognitive function, and stress-induced diseases such as anxiety, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

    “Current and potential uses of these medicinal plants are associated with mental diseases and behavioural disorders, cognitive function and stress-induced diseases (anxiety, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes) [4,9,15,16,17,18,19,20].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] Panossian, 2020, Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress and aging related diseases, Med. Res. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Kamal, 2017, Adaptogenic medicinal plants utilized for strengthening the power of resistance during chemotherapy—A review, Orient. Pharm. Exp. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] Panossian, 2017, Understanding adaptogenic activity: Specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals, Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Chinese traditional medicine, ginseng extracts have been used as nootropic agents and as a tonic.

    “In Chinese traditional medicine, ginseng extracts have also been used as nootropic agents and as a tonic [24,25,26].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [24] Kiefer, 2003, Panax ginseng, Am. Fam. Physician

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [25] Patel, 2016, Adaptogenic herb ginseng (Panax) as medical food: Status quo and future prospects, Biomed. Pharmacother. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [26] Shergis, 2012, Panax ginseng in randomised controlled trials: A systematic review, Phytother. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The review followed the PRISMA guide for a systematic review.

    “In the second step, we followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) presented in Figure 1 [22], guide for a systematic review.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] Page, 2021, The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews, BMJ source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    More than 200 substances have been isolated from Korean ginseng, predominantly ginsenosides.

    “Today, more than 200 substances isolated from Korean ginseng are known, ginsenosides predominantly: Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, malonyl-G-Rb1, malonyl-G-Rb2, malonyl-G-Rc, malonyl-GRd, Rs1, Rs2, Rs3, Rg3, Rg5, Rh2, K-R2, Rf, Rf2, 20(R)-G-Rg2, Rg6, 20(R)-G-Rh1, 20(E)-G-F4, Rh4, K-R1, and poly-acetyleneginsenoside-Ro [30].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] Christensen, 2008, Ginsenosides: Chemistry, biosynthesis, analysis, and potential health effects, Adv. Food Nutr. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The exact mechanism of adaptogenic action of Panax ginseng is unknown, but it is supposed to affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and have an antioxidant effect.

    “The exact mechanism of adaptogenic action of Panax ginseng is unknown, but it is supposed that it affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in Figure 2 and the antioxidant effect [24,27,28,29].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [24] Kiefer, 2003, Panax ginseng, Am. Fam. Physician

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Nocerino, 2000, The aphrodisiac and adaptogenic properties of ginseng, Fitoterapia source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [28] Mahady, 2000, Ginsengs: A review of safety and efficacy, Nutr. Clin. Care source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Inclusion of Panax ginseng in the diet of athletes would help increase the body's physical resilience and help the body recover between workouts.

    “The inclusion of Panax ginseng in the diet of athletes would help increase the body’s physical resilience and help the body recover between workouts.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) was first described by Porfiry Kirilov in the 19th century.

    “Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus ((Rupr. and Maxim.) Maxim.) was first described by Porfiry Kirilov in the 19th century [42].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [42] Davydov, 2000, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) maxim. (Araliaceae) as an adaptogen: A closer look, J. Ethnopharmacol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The adaptogenic effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus were widely studied in Russia between 1960 and 1970.

    “Its adaptogenic effects were widely studied in Russia between 1960 and 1970 [43].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] World Health Organization (2002). WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, World Health Organization.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rhaponticum carthamoides is a perennial herb used for centuries in Russia, China, and Mongolia.

    “Rhaponticum carthamoides (Rhaponticum carthamoides IIjin.) is a perennial herb which has been used for centuries in Russia, China, and Mongolia [14].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] Kokoska, 2009, Chemistry and pharmacology of Rhaponticum carthamoides: A review, Phytochemistry source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus root stimulate the immune system, influence adaptation against external factors, improve mental and physical conditions and memory functions, and have a hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory effect.

    “Extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus root are obtained, stimulating the immune system, influencing adaptation against external factors, improving mental and physical conditions and memory functions, and have a hypoglycaemic effect and are anti-inflammatory [13,45,46].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [13] Hikino, 1986, Isolation and Hypoglycemic Activity of Eleutherans A, B, C, D, E, F, and G: Glycans of Eleutherococcus senticosus Roots, J. Nat. Prod. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [45] Jia, 2020, A review of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr and Maxim.) harms: From ethnopharmacological use to modern application, J. Ethnopharmacol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [46] Asano, 1986, Effect of eleutheroccocus senticosus extract on human physical working capacity, Planta Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus can be used for fatigue and in the case of disturbed sleep.

    “Extracts of the plant can be used only for fatigue, but also in the case of disturbed sleep.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Extracts of Rhaponticum carthamoides have been used to treat weakness, lung diseases, kidney diseases, fever, and angina.

    “Extracts of the plant have been used to treat weakness [14,56], lung diseases, kidney diseases, fever, and angina [57].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [14] Kokoska, 2009, Chemistry and pharmacology of Rhaponticum carthamoides: A review, Phytochemistry source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [56] Harmatha, 2008, Additional minor ecdysteroid components of Leuzea carthamoides, Steroids source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [57] Martirosyan, D.M. (2006). Leuzea Carthamoides DC: Application prospects as pharmpreparations and biologically active components. Functional Foods for Chronic Diseases, Richardson.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Intake of Leuzea extract increases the body's adaptation to various factors that can be defined as stress for the body and has a good level of safety.

    “The intake of Leuzea extract increases the body’s adaptation to various factors, which can be defined as stress for the body [14,57] and at the same time has a good level of safety.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [14] Kokoska, 2009, Chemistry and pharmacology of Rhaponticum carthamoides: A review, Phytochemistry source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [57] Martirosyan, D.M. (2006). Leuzea Carthamoides DC: Application prospects as pharmpreparations and biologically active components. Functional Foods for Chronic Diseases, Richardson.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rhaponticum carthamoides extract has beneficial effects on humans including enhanced physical endurance and performance, anabolic effect, hypocholesterolemic effects, neuroprotective effect, antidiabetic properties, anti-oxidative, and increased immunity.

    “The extract has many beneficial effects on humans like: enhanced physical endurance and performance, anabolic effect, hypocholesterolemic effects, neuroprotective effect, antidiabetic properties, anti-oxidative, and increased immunity [14,57].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [14] Kokoska, 2009, Chemistry and pharmacology of Rhaponticum carthamoides: A review, Phytochemistry source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [57] Martirosyan, D.M. (2006). Leuzea Carthamoides DC: Application prospects as pharmpreparations and biologically active components. Functional Foods for Chronic Diseases, Richardson.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Since 2018, bemethyl is monitored by WADA but is still not included on the prohibited list.

    “Since 2018, bemethyl is monitored by WADA, but it is still not included on the prohibited list [5,6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [5] The World Anti-Doping Agency—WADA (2021, May 01). Executive Committee Approved the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods for 2009. Available online: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/media/news/2008-09/wada-executive-committee-approves-2009-prohibited-list-new-delhi-laboratory-0.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] The World Anti-Doping Agency—WADA (2021, May 01). Prohibited List. Available online: https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/prohibited_list_2018_en.pdf.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In 1969, Brekhman and Dardymov classified Rhaponticum carthamoides as an adaptogen.

    “In 1969, Brekhman and Dardymov classified this plant as an adaptogen [14].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] Kokoska, 2009, Chemistry and pharmacology of Rhaponticum carthamoides: A review, Phytochemistry source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A 2019 WADA-funded study reported 20-hydroxyecdysone as a non-conventional anabolic agent that can significantly increase muscle mass, with a significant dose-responsive anabolic effect.

    “A recent study, funded by WADA and conducted in 2019, reported 20-hydroxyecdisone as a non-conventional anabolic agent, which can significantly increase the muscle mass. A significant dose-responsive anabolic effect of 20-hydroxyecdysone was reported [59].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [59] Isenmann, 2019, Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: Performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans, Arch. Toxicol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The main phenylethanol derivatives of Rhodiola rosea are salidroside, para-tyrosol, and phenylpropanoid-rosavin, and these are responsible for its adaptogenic and ergogenic effects.

    “The main phenylethanol derivatives are salidroside (rhodioloside), para-tyrosol, and phenylpropanoid-rosavin. These are also responsible for the adaptogenic and ergogenic effects of Rhodiola rosea [8,73,75].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [8] Kelly, 2001, Rhodiola rosea: A possible plant adaptogen, Altern. Med. Rev.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [73] Brown, 2002, Rhodiola rosea: A phytomedicinal overview, Herbal. Gram.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [75] Khanum, 2005, Rhodiola rosea: A versatile adaptogen, Compr. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In traditional medicine, Rhodiola rosea applications are described as an adaptive agent that increases physical endurance and affects fatigue, depression, and disorders of the nervous system.

    “In traditional medicine, its (Rhodiola rosea L.) applications are described as an adaptive agent that increases physical endurance, affects fatigue, depression, and disorders of the nervous system.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] Brown, 2002, Rhodiola rosea: A phytomedicinal overview, Herbal. Gram.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In the Scandinavian part of Europe, Rhodiola rosea extracts have been used to increase physical endurance.

    “In the Scandinavian part of Europe, plant extracts have been used to increase physical endurance [73].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] Brown, 2002, Rhodiola rosea: A phytomedicinal overview, Herbal. Gram.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rhodiola rosea has been used in Asia to treat flu and colds, and there is reported use in tuberculosis.

    “It has been used in the past in Asia to treat flu and colds, and there is reported use in tuberculosis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] Brown, 2002, Rhodiola rosea: A phytomedicinal overview, Herbal. Gram.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Schisandra chinensis was first described in the book Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing around 200 AD as a remedy for cough and asthma.

    “Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Bail) is first described in the book Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, around 200 AD, as a remedy for cough and asthma [87].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [87] Hancke, 1999, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, Fitoterapia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rhodiola rosea affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing levels of corticotropin-releasing hormones, corticotropin, cortisol, and epinephrine.

    “In addition, it affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormones, corticotropin, cortisol, and epinephrine [29,73,76].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [29] Wilson, 2007, Review of adaptogenic mechanisms: Eleuthrococcus senticosus, panax ginseng, rhodiola rosea, schisandra chinensis and withania somnifera, Aust. J. Med. Herbal.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [73] Brown, 2002, Rhodiola rosea: A phytomedicinal overview, Herbal. Gram.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [76] Panossian, 2018, Novel molecular mechanisms for the adaptogenic effects of herbal extracts on isolated brain cells using systems biology, Phytomedicine source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The adaptogenic effect of Schisandra chinensis is associated with the antioxidant effect and the influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by lowering the level of corticotropin-releasing hormone.

    “The adaptogenic effect of Schisandra chinensis is associated with the antioxidant effect and the influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by lowering the level of corticotropin-releasing hormone [29,76].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [29] Wilson, 2007, Review of adaptogenic mechanisms: Eleuthrococcus senticosus, panax ginseng, rhodiola rosea, schisandra chinensis and withania somnifera, Aust. J. Med. Herbal.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [76] Panossian, 2018, Novel molecular mechanisms for the adaptogenic effects of herbal extracts on isolated brain cells using systems biology, Phytomedicine source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The Schisandra fruit, particularly the seeds, contains many volatile compounds including α-ylangene, α-cedrene, β-chamigrene, and β-himachalene.

    “The Schisandra fruit, particularly the seeds, contains many volatile compounds as well: α-ylangene, α-cedrene, β-chamigrene, and β-himachalene [99,100].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [99] Liu, 2012, Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oil from berries of Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.) Baill, Nat. Prod. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [100] Chen, 2012, Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Schisandra chinensisfruits, Nat. Prod. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    All phytochemicals determined beneficial effects such as cytotoxic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, increased physical strength, stress-protective, and anti-inflammatory.

    “All of phytochemicals determined beneficial effects such as: cytotoxic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, increased physical strength, stress-protective, anti-inflammatory [12,88,104].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [12] Li, 2018, A review of polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera: Properties, functions and applications, Carbohydr. Polym. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [88] Lu, 2009, Analysis of Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera, J. Chromatogr. A source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [104] Yang, 2016, New Thymoquinol Glycosides and Neuroprotective Dibenzocyclooctane Lignans from the Rattan Stems ofSchisandra chinensis, Chem. Biodivers. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    From Schisandra chinensis fruit are also isolated polysaccharides, glycosides, organic acids, and vitamin E.

    “From Schisandra chinensis fruit are also isolated polysaccharides, glycosides (dihydrophaseic acid-3-O--d-glucopyranoside, benzyl alcohol-O--d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)--d-glucopyranoside and benzyl alcohol-O--d-glucopyranosyl (1→2)--d-glucopyranoside), organic acids (vitamin C, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid), and vitamin E. [12,87,101,102].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [12] Li, 2018, A review of polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera: Properties, functions and applications, Carbohydr. Polym. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [87] Hancke, 1999, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, Fitoterapia source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [101] Xu, 2020, Purification, structural characterization, and cognitive improvement activity of a polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis, Int. J. Biol. Macromol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In 1960 in Russia, the adaptogenic properties of Schisandra chinensis were proven.

    “In 1960 in Russia, the adaptogenic properties of the plant were proven [88].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [88] Lu, 2009, Analysis of Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera, J. Chromatogr. A source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Unlike synthetic adaptogens, natural adaptogens are extracts with an extremely rich phytochemical composition, and their adaptogenic properties are not due to one molecule but to the combination of different substances.

    “Unlike the synthetic adaptogens, the natural are extracts with an extremely rich phytochemical composition. Their adaptogenic properties are not due to one molecule, but to the combination of different substances.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history, including use in recovery from illness, physical weakness, impaired mental function, and other conditions.

    “The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history—they have been used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, impaired mental function, and other conditions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Plant adaptogens have been used by humans for hundreds of years in different parts of the world.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    For about 50 years, plant adaptogens have been used by professional athletes due to their high potential to increase the body's resilience and improve physical endurance.

    “For about 50 years, plant adaptogens have been used by professional athletes due to their high potential to increase the body’s resilience and improve physical endurance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports.
56 of 56

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Plant adaptogens have been used by humans for hundreds of years in different parts of the world.

    “The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history—they are used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, memory impairment, and other conditions.”
    “The use of plant adaptogens has a rich history. They have been used by man for hundreds of years in different parts of the world, while data on the use of the first synthetic adaptogen, bemethyl, date back to the 1970s.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports.

    “About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body’s resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection.

    “The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection.”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Rhodiola extract named in the Schisandra discussion

    Minor

    This paragraph discusses the effects and potential uses of Schisandra chinensis extract, but switches to recommending Rhodiola rosea extract based on "the plant's" effects. The named plant is inconsistent with the subject of the discussion.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Krasutsky, A.G., and Cheremisinov, V.N. (2017, January 10–26). The use of Levzey’s extract to increase the efficiency of the training process in fitness clubs students. Proceedings of the Actual Problems of Biochemistry and Bioenergy of Sport of the XXI Century, Moscow, Russia.
  2. Perazzo, 2010, Double-blind clinical study of a multivitamin and polymineral complex associated with panax ginseng extract (Gerovital®), Open Complement. Med. J., 2, 100
  3. Ziemba, A.W. (2002, January 1). The effect of ginseng supplementation on psychomotor performance, indices of physical capacity and plasma concentration of some hormones in young well fit men. Proceedings of the Ginseng Society Conference, Seoul, Korea.
  4. Krasutsky, A.G., and Cheremisinov, V.N. (2018, January 10–12). Research of the influence of adaptogens on increasing the efficacy of the training process in fitness clubs. Proceedings of the Current Problems of Biochemistry and Bioenergy Sport of the XXI Centyry, Moscow, Russia.
  5. Vanyuk, 2012, Evaluation of the effectivnness of rehabilitation measures among female volleyball players 18-22 years old in the competitive period of the annual training cycle, Slobozhanskiy Sci. Sports Visnik., 5, 95
  6. Timofeev, 2016, Study of Leuzea from leaves: Results of 15 years of trials in athletics, New Unconv. Plants Prospect. Use, 12, 502

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Todorova, V., Ivanov, K., Delattre, C., Nalbantova, V., Karcheva-Bahchevanska, D., & Ivanova, S.
Affiliations
  • Medical University Plovdiv (BG)
  • Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR)
Corresponding author
Todorova, Velislava
ORCID
Venue
Nutrients
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2021-08-20
Volume
13
Issue
8
Pages
2861
ISSN
2072-6643 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/nu13082861
PMC
PMC8398443
OpenAlex
W3195634909
Cited by
121
References
103
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 29 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 3
FWCI
1.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Nutrients (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • HAL (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ginseng Biological Effects and Applications
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Phytochemicals and Medicinal Plants
Keywords
plant adaptogens, adaptogens, Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Schisandra chinensis, professional sports, physical endurance, stress tolerance, chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, immunoprotection
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Physiological, Adolescent, Adult, Animals, Female, Humans, Male, Phytotherapy, Middle Aged, Plant Extracts, Stress, Physiological, History, 20th Century, History, 21st Century, Young Adult

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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

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