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Herb Groups
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Agents/Adaptogens
Botanicals

Definition

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Agents / Adaptogens

introduction:
According to the original definition, adaptogen herbs are characterized by minimal toxicity, have generalized actions, and have normalizing effects whatever the direction of the pathological state. Adaptogens are commonly considered to increase the ability to deal with a wide range of stressors, an action thought to be mediated via the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

The widely studied adaptogens include Panax ginseng (Chinese/Korean Ginseng) and Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng). Several other herbs have been shown to have anti-stress, anti-fatigue and general neuroendocrinological effects, some of which have been little studied.

overview of interactions:
• herbal support: Chemotherapy

• herbal synergy: Gynecological herb group.

• herbal synergy: Hypotensive and Bradycardic herb group.

• herbs affecting drug performance: Sulfonylureas

• herbal synergy: Sympathomimetics herb group.

• herbal synergy: Vasodilator herb group.

• herbal synergy: Xanthines herb group. (possible hypertension)

» Herbs:
herbal support: Chemotherapy
The adaptogens may have beneficial interactions with cytotoxic drugs, increasing the ability to withstand chemotherapy. They have also been shown to improve resistance to radiation exposure.

herbs affecting drug performance: Sulfonylureas
Several adaptogenic herbs can lower blood sugar and therefore may interact with concurrent hypoglycemic drug therapy. See Panax ginseng.

herbal synergy:
Adaptogenic herbs are used to synergize with herbs in the following groups in the herbal treatment of hypertension:
Hypotensive and Bradycardic herb group.
Vasodilator herb group.

herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with other herbs may take place through various antagonistic physiologic herb action mechanisms including:
Sympathomimetics herb group.(possible hypertension)
Xanthines herb group. (possible hypertension)

herbal synergy:
Adaptogenic herbs have mild estrogenic effects which may synergize with phytoestrogenic herbs see:
Gynecological herb group.

Common adaptogenic herbs:
Centella asiatica (Gotu kola)
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)
Panax ginseng (Korean Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng)


Restricted and unusual herbs with adaptogenic activity:
Oplopanax horridum (Devil's Club)
Panax quinquefolium (American Ginseng)
Tribulus terrestris (Puncture Vine)
Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda)


Footnotes

Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996.

McGuffin M, et al.(eds.) AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook . CRC Press, 1997.