Fortifier, tonic, and rejuvenating plants and the adaptogen concept

Abstract

Medicinal plants are frequently used nonspecifi cally to improve body functions, especially when a reduction of muscle function, cognition or sexual performance, or resistance to infections is perceived. In such cases, people often turn to tonic, rejuvenating, and restorative plants. These plants deserve more attention and scrutiny to fi nd scientifi c evidence to support their popular use. In modern medicine, the adaptogen term was coined for the class of compounds that is capable of increasing nonspecifi c resistance of the organism by improving its ability to adapt to environmental factors and stressor agents. Adaptogen plants can also be used by healthy individuals to improve cognitive and physical performance or as geriatric agents to prevent or minimize physical and cognitive defi cits. Through effi cacy and safety evidence, plants known as aphrodisiacs or sexual, energizing, or rejuvenating stimulants or that are indicated for weakness or impaired memory could be regarded as potential new herbal adaptogens.