Adrenal Support

A comprehensive blend of standardized extracts of the highest-quality adaptogenic herbs plus three B vitamins. These ingredients aid in adrenal hormone production and support the body’s adaptogenic response. The formula is designed to support healthy energy levels, antioxidant activity, and healthy immune function.

Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, and Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA): Pantothenic acid is essential to the adrenal glands for production of the glucocorticoids. It forms pantethine in the body, which then converts to coenzyme-A—the most active metabolic enzyme in the human body needed to produce cellular energy [1]. Vitamin B6, acting as a coenzyme, has a role in the conversion of muscle glycogen to glucose, which is needed for a proper response to stressors; the synthesis of serotonin; and the support of the immune function [2]. PABA has a role in amino acid metabolism and is needed to manufacture folic acid.

Cordyceps sinensis: A highly regarded cornerstone of Chinese medicine, cordyceps has been used for centuries for its far-reaching restorative effects. It is a safe, highly valued herb with activities that support nearly every physiological system impacted by the body’s response to normal everyday stressors, including the immune and cardiovascular systems [3-6]. Cordyceps has been used to support good balance, strength, and a healthy body weight. It is also widely and traditionally used to increase energy and enhance stamina [3,4]. It has a positive effect on blood sugar and fat metabolism, which is important because fats and sugars are actively mobilized during activation of the stress response to supply the body with extra energy [3,6].

Rhodiola rosea: This adaptogenic herb has been used traditionally in Eastern Europe and Asia for centuries to increase stamina, maintain a healthy mood, support the nervous and immune systems, and maintain healthy male sexual function [7,8]. Rhodiola may also have a positive effect on brain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, and may influence endogenous opioid levels [7].

Panax ginseng: An important herbal remedy in Chinese medicine, ginseng has been used for thousands of years, primarily for energy production. The main active agents have been identified as ginsenosides, and they are the focus of much-published research [9]. Experimental models show that ginseng and ginsenosides have beneficial effects in supporting the adrenal glands; protecting the gastric mucosa; and supporting healthy body weight, blood hormones, and the gene expression of catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes [9-11].

The Thyroid Connection: The interplay between healthy adrenal function and healthy thyroid function has long been recognized by functional medicine practitioners. In fact, cortisol acts in concert with thyroid hormone at the receptor-gene level, and a normal physiologic amount of cortisol is important for normal thyroid function [12].

References

1. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B6. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6- HealthProfessional/. Updated September 15, 2011. Accessed March 29, 2012.
2. University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid). www. umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b5-000336.htm. Accessed May 10, 2011
3. Holliday J, Cleaver M. Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungi species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A review. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2008;10(3):219-34. http://www.alohamedicinals.com/ Cordyceps_Ascomycetes.pdf. Accessed May 3, 2011.
4. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis: part II. J Altern Complement Med. 1998;4(3):289-303. [PMID: 9884180]
5. Mei QB, Tao JY, Gao SB, et al. [Antiarrhythmic effects of cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc] [in Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1989 Oct;14(10):616- 18, 640. [PMID: 2597326]
6. Li SP, Zhang GH, Zeng Q, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharide, with antioxidation, isolated from cultured Cordyceps mycelia. Phytomedicine. 2006 Jun;13(6):428-33. [PMID: 16716913]
7. Chan SW. Panax ginseng Rhodiola rosea and Schisandra chinensis. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2012 Mar;63 Suppl 1:75-81. [PMID: 22039930]
8. Panossian A, Wikman G, Sarris J. Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. Phytomedicine. 2010 Jun;17(7):481-93. [PMID: 20378318]
9. Kiefer D, Pantuso T. Panax ginseng. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Oct 15;68(8):1539-42. [PMID: 14596440]
10. Tachikawa E, Kudo K, Hasegawa H, et al. In vitro inhibition of adrenal catecholamine secretion by steroidal metabolites of ginseng saponins. Biochem Pharmacol. 2003 Dec 1;66(11):2213-21. [PMID: 14609746]
11. Rai D, Bhatia G, Sen T, et al. Anti-stress effects of Gingko biloba and Panax ginseng: a compartive study. J Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Dec;93(4): 458-64. [PMID: 14737017]
12. Perrone MH, Greer TL, Hinkle PM. Relationships between thyroid hormone and glucocorticoid effects in GH3 pituitary cells. Endocrinology. 1980 Feb;106(2):600-05. [PMID: 6243541]