Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Paul Bergner
A famous myth in China, embedded in the culture
there, and widely known throughout the population,
tells the story of an Emperor who had established
heaven on earth. So he turned his attention to his
concubines and to sexual practices. In order to enhance
his virility and sexual performance, to took
progressively larger doses of tonic herbs. Ultimately he
met his end while experiencing his final orgasm, his
last ejaculation was a single drop of semen, and single
drop of blood, and he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Tonic herbs in history
For thousands of years, traditional medical practitioners in Asia
have used a variety of tonic herbs for debilitated patients, to
assist in their recovery from illness, exhaustion, famine, or the
weakness of old age.
The collection of such herbs is very diverse, some with quite
opposite indications, contraindications, and doses that vary by a
factor up to 30 from the lowest to the highest dose.
The side effects and maximum dose range for many are well
spelled out.
In China at least, this category of herbs comes with a standard
and serious warning: “Use these plants in the context of a
restorative program of diet and lifestyle, or leave them alone.”
Used to support unnatural activity or lifestyle, they can cause
deep harm to the system.
Introductory history of adaptogens
A large category of tonic herbs in Asia.
Well defined indication and contraindications
Taken in the context of lifestyle changes
1940s: Encountered by Russians
Who develop a theory of “adaptogen”
By 2006, tenets of the theory have been abandoned by
scientific experts
Among North American herbalists, a mythology of “free
energy” grows around them.
A mythology of “restorative effects” also grows around
them as the anti-fatigue effect is mistaken for endocrine
restoration
Many dissimilar herbs are now lumped into the category.
Definition
As proposed by N.V. Lazarev in 1947, and Brekhman and
Dardymov in 1969:
Reduce stress-induced damage
Exhibit stimulating effects, increasing performance in
conditions of fatigue and generalized stress.
Do not possess a pharmacologic drug withdrawal
syndrome
Mild in effect, do not perturb body functions from normal
level, possess normalizing function.
North American “New Age” definition
A plant medicine that gives energy at no cost to the
system.
That stimulates, but has no crash or rebound depression.
That has few or no side effects.
That increases tolerance of stress or prevents its ill effects.
That can be taken long term with no ill effects.
That can be given to almost anyone without consideration
of constitutional pattern.
That supports adrenal function or “nourishes” the
adrenals..
That is restorative to endocrine function.
Evolving scientific definition
“ . . . only a few actually comply with requirements
postulated for adaptogens.” (Panossian and Wikman, 2009)
“. . . only Schizandra chinensis, Eleutherococcus
senticosus and Rhodiola rosea . . . (meet the) . . .
definition of adaptogen.” (Panossian and Wagner, 2005)
“Particular controversy is associated with . . . Safety
and side effects, which is obviously dependent on the
dose employed.” (Panossian 2009)
New scientific definition
“In a more up-to-date definition, adaptogens have been
classified as herbal preparations that can increase
resistance to stress” (Panossian 2009 citing papers on adaptogens
from 1999)
These plants do not in fact meet the definition of adaptogens in that they
readily produce strong effects when taken in higher doses or for long
periods of time.
Example: fuzzy thinking, flawed logic
Observation: In a short-term trial of Schisandra, the
initial elevation of cortisol in response to stress was
reduced, but the long-term response was elevated
during the period of stress.
Schisandra has been called an “adaptogen.”
Many other herbs (more than 30) are classified as
“adaptogens” in contemporary herbal literature.
It is then falsely extrapolated some of these other
herbs also follow the same pattern of effects on stress
response without any actual research on the other
herb.
Each herb should be investigated for its own effects,
side effects, contraindications, and mechanisms, and
utilized for its uniqueness. Ocimum, Chaga
mushroom, Schisandra, Shatavari, and Cordyceps
have very little in common other than being
traditionally-described tonics.
Fuzzy thinking in science, flawed logic #2
Panossian and Wikman (2009) Describe three main ways
that “adaptogens” work:
Effects on HPA axis.
Stimulation of heat-shock proteins.
Increase in ATP synthesis.
The evidence they cite for these activities derives
exclusively from in vitro and animal trials on Panax,
Eleuthero, Rhodiola, Schisandra, and Bryonia
Rhodiola 5 408
Eleuthero 2 141
Panax 14 1289
Rhodiola 4 1750
Eleutherococcus 2 64
Panax 3 158