According to a published scientific review on adaptogens published in Current Clinical Pharmacology, the reason these herbs are effective may be because they stimulate biochemical pathways that help mediate the harmful effects of stress on the body. Among the findings from studies the authors included in their review were the following:

🍃Rhodiola improved levels of emotional stability, self-esteem, and attention while also reducing fatigue and insomnia.
🍃Eleuthero root reduced feelings of fatigue and increased resistance to low-oxygen settings, such as in deep-sea diving or high altitudes.
🍃Schizandra increased work accuracy and feelings of general well-being, and decreased feelings of sleepiness and exhaustion.

From the Greek word “adapto” meaning “to adjust,” the term adaptogen is applied to any botanical that enhances resistance to stress without the side effects of conventional stimulants. Caffeine, according to the researchers, works by “tricking” the brain to make it more alert, but depletes its energy and resources. On the other hand, adaptogens increase the work capacity of the body or brain by being “stress-protective” or “restorative”.