Hypothalamic-Pituitary Agents and Adaptogenic Herbs

Summary

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Agents and Adaptogenic Herbs

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

• herbal synergy: Hypotensive and Bradycardic Herbs

• herbs affecting drug performance: Sulfonylureas

• herbal synergy: Sympathomimetic Herbs

• herbal synergy: Vasodilator Herbs

• herbal synergy: Xanthine-containing Herbs



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 Herbs
• Vasodilator Herbs

herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with other herbs may take place through various antagonistic physiologic herb action mechanisms including:
• Sympathomimetic Herbs (possible hypertension)
• Xanthine-containing Herbs

herbal synergy:
Adaptogenic herbs have mild estrogenic effects which may synergize with phytoestrogenic herbs see:
• Gynecological Herbs

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)

Please read the disclaimer concerning the intent and limitations of the information provided here.
Do not rely solely on the information in this article.

The information presented in Interactions is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of self-care.


References

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.