International Journal of Biomedical Research IJBR2[5][2011]285‐304 www.ijbr.ssjournals.com ADAPTOGENIC AGENTS: A REVIEW Nidhi Tewari, Lalita Verma, Talha Jawaid* Hygia institute of pharmaceutical education & Research, Lucknow *Head of department , Hygia institute of pharmaceutical education & Research, Lucknow Corresponding author*: talhajawaid78@gmail.com This article is available online at www.ssjournals.com SUMMARY Adaptogens are the plant-derived biologically active substances that appear to induce a state of non-specific increase of resistance of the organism to diverse assaults that threaten internal homeostasis and improve physical endurance. 1 Supplementation with various macro and micronutrients and herbal preparations has been evaluated for their adaptogenic activity during exposure to a stressful environment. 2 Stress research in laboratory animals has assumed an important role in understanding the biological and behavioral consequences of external or internal stressors, which threaten to perturb homeostatis and may induce a number of clinical diseases when the body fails to counteract the stress situations. A variety of stress situations have been employed to investigate the consequences of stress and to evaluate antistress agents. The pharmacological assessment of adaptogens typically includes evaluation of their stimulating, tonic and stress protective effects in different screening models in which animals are challenged to acute and chronic stress conditions. Stress mediators and biochemical markers involved in mechanism ofadaptogens may be evaluated using experimental procedures. 3 KEY WORDS: Adaptogen, Stress, Herbs 1. INTRODUCTION An adaptogen is a herb product that is a plant derivative. Scientifically unproven, yet marketed as a supplement to increase resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. The term is used mainly by herbalist who also refer to adaptogens as rejuvenating herbs, tonics, rasayanas, or restoratives. One specific characteristic of adaptogen action is that its effect is believed to help the body return to a balanced state. However, there is no strict definition of the adaptogenic characteristics of a plant product, leading to a generalized usage of the term for commercial or pseudoscientific reasons.Some herbalists claim that adaptogenic herbs are distinct from other substances in their ability to balance endocrine harmones and the immune system, and that they help the body to maintain optimal homeostasis.Adaptogens are known to have side effects including increased heart rate, nausea, headaches, trouble sleeping, and restlessness. Possible effects in women may include swollen breasts and vaginal bleeding.