Anyone who has visited the health food aisle of a supermarket in recent years has probably noticed countless products touting adaptogenic ingredients; even it-girl Bella Hadid is cashing in with her trendy Kin Euphorics line. What are these buzzy compounds, and what do they actually do?

Mitigating stress and fatigue

While herbs have been used for their stimulant properties throughout human history, the term adaptogen was coined in the 1940’s by Russian scientist Nikolai Lazarev during his research into compounds that could enhance the performance of Soviet soldiers during World War II. He defined adaptogens as substances that promoted overall stress resistance, providing a stimulant effect as the period of exhaustion that follows a stress response is avoided.

Swedish researchers Aleksandar Panossian and Georg Wikman define adaptogens as “herbal preparations that increased attention and endurance in fatigue, and reduced stress-induced impairments and disorders related to the neuro-endocrine and immune systems.” Their 2010 literature review published in Pharmaceuticals evaluated research on compounds derived from three plants most commonly studied for their adaptogenic properties: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis.

Many of the compounds the authors identify regulate stress and fatigue level by regulating how the body’s neuronal, hormonal, and immune systems all work together to respond to the world around it. When external forces disrupt a cell’s homeostasis, or state of equilibrium, the cell’s attempts to maintain homeostasis can trigger chain reactions resulting in increased levels of cortisol and free radicals and decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule cells rely on for energy.

Adaptogens stimulate the production of compounds that can counteract these downstream effects of the cellular stress response. By reducing the fatigue that follows a period of acute stress, adaptogens also exert a stimulant effect on the body’s nervous system.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the cellular anti-stress and stimulant properties of adaptogens can have significant benefits for humans under certain circumstances; Panossian and Wickman note that the character of these effects can vary greatly. Compared to other compounds with stimulant properties, adaptogens were associated with greater performance under stress, fewer side effects, and lower potential for addiction. Some studies covered in the literature review also suggest a role for adaptogens, particularly those derived from Scisandra chinensis, in treating psychiatric conditions.

Beyond the label

While research on the health effects of adaptogens is promising, products at the grocery store may not offer the benefits observed in clinical trials. According to Allyson Chiu and Helen Carefoot of the Washington Post, experts caution many clinical trials involved small sample sizes, meaning they may not translate to the general public. Additionally, companies producing consumer goods with adaptogens are not required to list dosages or origin of the adaptogenic herbs, meaning there is no way to guarantee a meaningful effect.

Some consumer products advertising their adaptogen content are marketed as replacements to alcoholic beverages, not mimicking a state of drunkenness per se but offering an elevated, mood-enhancing experience. Given the well-documented negative effects of alcohol consumption on health, replacing boozy drinks with these products may prove beneficial even if they do not live up to all the wellness promises listed on the can.

More information about the health effects of adaptogens if mounting public interest in the herbal compounds translates to increased clinical research.