Adaptogen Research & Evidence
What the research on adaptogens shows and does not show - how the term was defined, how much human evidence exists, and how to read studies. Includes a PubMed evidence snapshot.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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This page separates what traditional use says, what lab and animal studies suggest, and what human trials have shown. It does not claim that adaptogens treat any condition.
Where the term comes from
The word "adaptogen" was proposed in the 1940s by Soviet researchers to describe substances thought to raise "non-specific resistance" to stress. A review of the history and the traditional Chinese medicine comparison describes how the concept developed and notes that it remains debated. [1]Evidence snapshot
The table counts records in PubMed (a research database). A count shows how much has been published, not whether an ingredient works, and is not a quality measure.| Ingredient | Records tagged as randomized controlled trials | Records tagged as any clinical trial | All PubMed records that mention it | Check it yourself |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwagandha | 61 | 79 | 2,258 | PubMed search |
| Rhodiola | 60 | 69 | 1,482 | PubMed search |
| Asian ginseng | 129 | 154 | 5,176 | PubMed search |
| American ginseng | 43 | 48 | 936 | PubMed search |
| Eleuthero | 24 | 30 | 541 | PubMed search |
| Holy basil (tulsi) | 17 | 21 | 1,073 | PubMed search |
| Schisandra | 14 | 19 | 1,678 | PubMed search |
| Amla | 29 | 36 | 1,200 | PubMed search |
| Astragalus | 91 | 116 | 5,314 | PubMed search |
| Shatavari | 9 | 13 | 300 | PubMed search |
| Maca | 14 | 15 | 703 | PubMed search |
| Licorice root | 122 | 173 | 6,381 | PubMed search |
Counted 2026-10-22 using NCBI E-utilities. Counts include studies of extracts, blends and non-health topics, and a trial can find no effect. A higher count means more human research has been indexed, not that something works.
What NIH says about the evidence
| Ingredient | NIH summary of the evidence |
|---|---|
| Ashwagandha | Some preparations may be effective for stress and insomnia; unclear for anxiety; not enough evidence for cognition or athletic performance; many studies small and varied [2] |
| Asian ginseng | A 2023 review suggested a small benefit for general fatigue, but not all research agrees; most research shows no athletic benefit; most trials were small and short [3] |
| Rhodiola | Not enough reliable evidence for any purpose [4] |
| Licorice | Not enough high-quality evidence to support use for any health condition; small studies of mouth rinses and gargles [5] |
| Astragalus | Not sufficient reliable evidence for any health condition; reviews found mostly low-quality, small studies [6] |
A recent overview
A 2026 review of plant adaptogens in stress management and health optimization discusses current understanding and future directions, and is a good place to see how researchers frame both promise and limits. [7]How to read adaptogen studies
- Who was studied? Small groups, narrow populations, or healthy volunteers limit what you can conclude.
- Which product? A result for one extract does not apply to other products or to a powder.
- How long? Many trials last weeks.
- What was measured? Questionnaires of stress or fatigue are subjective and can respond to placebo.
- Who paid? Check funding and conflicts of interest.
Gaps in the research
Long-term safety, drug interactions, best doses, and head-to-head comparisons are poorly studied for most ingredients. See Benefits and Safety.In this section
- Human Clinical Studies
- Research by Ingredient
- Research by Wellness Goal
- Traditional Use vs. Clinical Evidence
- Human Studies vs. Animal & Laboratory Research
- How Stress, Fatigue & Sleep Are Measured
- Study Limitations & Funding
- Unanswered Questions
Dashed labels are guides in preparation. We link a page only when it has real, sourced content.
References
- Liao LY, He YF, Li L, et al. A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chin Med. 2018. PubMed 30479654.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Ashwagandha: Usefulness and Safety. Page dated March 2023.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Asian Ginseng: Usefulness and Safety. Page dated February 2025.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Rhodiola: Usefulness and Safety. Page dated April 2025.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety. Page dated April 2025.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Astragalus: Usefulness and Safety. Page dated May 2025.
- Rao YC, Kumari KM, Kateel R, Mohanbabu Vittalrao A. Phyto adaptogens in stress management and health optimization: current understanding and future perspectives. Complement Med Res. 2026. PubMed 42721096.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.