Explore Adaptogens
An A to Z directory of every ingredient in the Adaptogens library, with scientific names, plant part, classification notes, a key caution and a link to each guide.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Natural products can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read who should be careful, by situation before you use anything on this page.
This directory lists the ingredients that have a guide in the Adaptogens library. Being listed does not mean an ingredient is a proven adaptogen. "Adaptogen" is a contested term: an EU herbal medicines committee wrote in 2008 that it is not accepted in the pharmacological and clinical language commonly used in the EU. [1] Researchers also disagree about which plants qualify. [2] Some entries are here because people ask about them, and the "classification" column says what the sources we read for this page do and do not say.
How to read the table. "Not described in the sources we read" means the sources used on this page did not say; the ingredient's own guide may cover it. No row is advice to use anything. Cautions are only the headline ones from NIH or from published reviews; they are not complete, so read the guide and ask a pharmacist or clinician before using any of these, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or breastfeeding, with liver, thyroid or autoimmune conditions, or before surgery. See how medicine interactions work.
Directory
Scientific names were checked against the GBIF taxonomy on 2026-10-23. [3]| Name | Scientific name | Plant part, as sources say | Classification note | Key caution | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American ginseng | Panax quinquefolius L. [3] | Not described in the sources we read | A different species from Asian ginseng; a 2026 review says it has received relatively little research attention. [4] | Not described in the sources we read; do not assume Asian ginseng's results or cautions transfer | More about American ginseng → |
| Amla (Indian gooseberry) | Phyllanthus emblica L. (synonym Emblica officinalis) [3] | Fruit [5] | Not stated as an adaptogen in the sources we read; its fruits are described there as important in traditional medicinal systems including Ayurveda. [5] | Not described in the sources we read | More about Amla (Indian gooseberry) → |
| Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal [3] | Root, leaf, or root and leaf extracts [6] | Named among prominent adaptogens in a 2026 review. [7] NIH lists "Indian ginseng" as a common name, but it is a different plant from Panax ginseng. [6][3] | Rare liver injury reports; avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; not recommended before surgery or with autoimmune or thyroid disorders; possible medicine interactions. [6] | More about Ashwagandha → |
| Asian ginseng | Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. [3] | Root [8] | NIH says it has been used as an adaptogen; red and white ginseng are the same plant prepared two ways. [8] | Insomnia is the most common side effect; may lower blood sugar, worsen autoimmune disorders and interfere with blood clotting; pregnancy concerns. [8] | More about Asian ginseng → |
| Astragalus | Astragalus mongholicus Bunge is the GBIF-accepted name; NIH uses A. membranaceus, which matched only at genus level in GBIF. [3][9] | Root [9] | NIH calls it an adaptogen, "theorized" to stimulate resistance to stress. [9] | People with autoimmune diseases should avoid it; may interact with immune-suppressing medicines. [9] | More about Astragalus → |
| Cistanche ("desert ginseng") | Cistanche deserticola Ma [3] | Dried fleshy stem [10] | Described as a tonic in China and Japan; not stated as an adaptogen in the sources we read. [10] | Not described in the sources we read | More about Cistanche ("desert ginseng") → |
| Codonopsis (dang shen) | Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. [3] | Root [11] | Not stated as an adaptogen in the sources we read. | Not described in the sources we read | More about Codonopsis (dang shen) → |
| Eleuthero | Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.; older name Acanthopanax senticosus [3] | Rhizomes and bark [12] | Named as an adaptogen in the EMA paper and a 2026 review; it is a different genus from Panax. [1][7] | EMA found the clinical data insufficient to substantiate efficacy in a defined condition. [1] A 2025 review says it is endangered in some areas. [12] | More about Eleuthero → |
| Guduchi (giloy) | Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers [3] | Not described in the sources we read | Not stated as an adaptogen in the sources we read. | Reports link it to liver injury, mostly from India. [13] One 2024 commentary argues some harms may come from a look-alike plant, Tinospora crispa. [14] | More about Guduchi (giloy) → |
| He shou wu (fo-ti) | Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke; synonym Polygonum multiflorum [3] | Root [15] | A long-used traditional Chinese medicine; not stated as an adaptogen in the sources we read. [15] | A 2019 review reports increasing adverse reactions, especially liver injury. [16] | More about He shou wu (fo-ti) → |
| Holy basil (tulsi) | Ocimum tenuiflorum L.; older name Ocimum sanctum [3] | Not described in the sources we read | Not stated in the sources we read. | Not described in the sources we read | More about Holy basil (tulsi) → |
| Jiaogulan | Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino [3] | Aerial parts, used as herbal tea [17] | Not stated as an adaptogen in the sources we read. | Not described in the sources we read | More about Jiaogulan → |
| Maca | Lepidium meyenii Walp. [3] | Not described in the sources we read | A 2011 review describes it as an Andean plant used for centuries as an adaptogenic plant; it found very few rigorous trials for menopause symptoms. [18] A 2022 review found unclear effects on semen quality. [19] | Not described in the sources we read | More about Maca → |
| Notoginseng (sanqi) | Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen ex C.H.Chow [3] | Not described in the sources we read | A widely used traditional Chinese medicine called Sanqi or Tianqi. [20] | Not described in the sources we read | More about Notoginseng (sanqi) → |
| Pine pollen | Pinus species (genus Pinus L.) [3] | Pollen [21] | A pollen of Pinus massoniana is used in traditional Chinese medicine for gut conditions, but the study we read used chicken cells in a dish. [21] | Not described in the sources we read | More about Pine pollen → |
| Rhaponticum (maral root) | Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin; GBIF lists it as a synonym of Leuzea carthamoides [3] | Not described in the sources we read | Considered a naturally occurring adaptogen in a 2021 review; also called maral root or Russian leuzea. [22][23] | Not described in the sources we read | More about Rhaponticum (maral root) → |
| Rhodiola | Rhodiola rosea L. [3] | Roots and rhizomes [24] | Named as an adaptogen in the EMA paper and a 2026 review. [1][7] | Dizziness, headache, insomnia; an interaction with losartan has been reported; NIH says there is not enough reliable evidence for any health purpose. [25] | More about Rhodiola → |
| Schisandra | Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. [3] | Fruit [26] | One of the plants Lazarev described when he proposed the term, according to one review; also named in a 2026 review. [2][7] | Not described in the sources we read | More about Schisandra → |
| Sea buckthorn | Hippophae rhamnoides L. [3] | Different parts are used in traditional Chinese medicine. [27] | Treated here as a claim check; the plant profile is in Herbs & Botanicals. | Not described in the sources we read | More about Sea buckthorn → |
| Tongkat ali | Eurycoma longifolia Jack [3] | Root extract [28] | Not stated as an adaptogen in the sources we read. | Not described in the sources we read | More about Tongkat ali → |
Name traps: "ginseng" is not one plant
Several unrelated plants carry "ginseng" in a common name. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) are different species. [3] NIH lists "Indian ginseng" as a common name for ashwagandha, a different plant. [6] Eleuthero is in a different genus from Panax, and cistanche is nicknamed "desert ginseng". [3][10] A trial of one of these does not tell you about the others. See ginseng types compared.Covered elsewhere on the site
These are sometimes grouped with adaptogens, but their guides live in other sections.| Ingredient | Where to read about it | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Licorice root | More about Licorice root → | NIH says many "licorice" products sold in the US do not contain actual licorice, and that glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects. [29] |
| Bacopa, gotu kola, black seed, sea buckthorn | Bacopa, gotu kola, black seed, sea buckthorn | Single-herb profiles; not assessed on this page. |
| Reishi, cordyceps, chaga, lion's mane | Reishi, cordyceps, chaga, lion's mane | See the adaptogen mushroom overview. |
| Ashwagandha in Ayurveda, astragalus in Chinese medicine | Ashwagandha in Ayurveda, astragalus in Chinese medicine | Tradition and practice context. |
Not covered
This directory does not rank ingredients, list products or give amounts. It does not include every herb ever called an adaptogen. For how the term is used, see What are adaptogens?; for a side-by-side evidence table, see research by ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
Which herbs are adaptogens?
There is no single agreed list. A 2026 review names ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, rhodiola, schisandra and eleuthero as prominent adaptogens. [7] The EMA paper gives some of the same examples but says the term itself is not accepted in EU pharmacological and clinical language. [1]
Is ginseng the same as ashwagandha?
No. Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera; Asian ginseng is Panax ginseng. NIH lists "Indian ginseng" as a common name for ashwagandha, which is why the names get confused. [6][8]
Is there a best adaptogen?
This library does not rank ingredients. The documented evidence and cautions differ by plant, part, extract and person. See adaptogen comparisons.
Why do some rows say the sources did not describe a caution?
It means the sources used on this page did not state one. It is not evidence of safety. Lack of evidence is not proof of safety, so ask a pharmacist or clinician.
Which ones have liver warnings?
In the sources we read, NIH mentions rare liver injury reports for ashwagandha, a 2019 review reports liver injury for he shou wu, and published reports link guduchi to liver injury. [6][16][13] See liver safety and supplements.
References
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Reflection paper on the adaptogenic concept. EMEA/HMPC/102655/2007, adopted 8 May 2008. Read 2026-10-23.
- 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, full text read at PMC6240259. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Names checked through the species match API on 2026-10-23.
- Bell L, et al. Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) extract on human neurocognitive function: a review. Nutr Neurosci. 2026. PubMed 41017752. Read 2026-10-23.
- Saini R, et al. Traditional uses, bioactive composition, pharmacology, and toxicology of Phyllanthus emblica fruits: a comprehensive review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022. PubMed 34480995. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Ashwagandha: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated March 2023. Read 2026-10-23.
- 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. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Asian Ginseng: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated February 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Astragalus: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated May 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
- Wang T, et al. Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, "Desert ginseng": a review. Am J Chin Med. 2012. PubMed 23227786. Read 2026-10-23.
- Shergis JL, et al. Dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula) herbal formulae for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2015. PubMed 25336444. Read 2026-10-23.
- Kos G, et al. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Acanthopanax senticosus): an important adaptogenic plant. Molecules. 2025. PubMed 40572479. Read 2026-10-23.
- Nnamani I, et al. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi/Giloy)-induced liver injury: a case review. Cureus. 2023. PubMed 37273324. Read 2026-10-23.
- Singh PA, et al. Is Tinospora cordifolia responsible for drug-induced liver injury? Curr Drug Saf. 2024. PubMed 36803756. Read 2026-10-23.
- Bai J, et al. Transformation of stilbene glucosides from Reynoutria multiflora during processing. Front Pharmacol. 2022. PubMed 35548344. Read 2026-10-23.
- Liu Y, et al. Polygonum multiflorum-induced liver injury: clinical characteristics, risk factors, material basis, action mechanism and current challenges. Front Pharmacol. 2019. PubMed 31920657. Read 2026-10-23.
- Wang J, et al. Further new gypenosides from Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum). J Agric Food Chem. 2017. PubMed 28662582. Read 2026-10-23.
- Lee MS, et al. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: a systematic review. Maturitas. 2011. PubMed 21840656. Read 2026-10-23.
- Lee HW, et al. Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on semen quality parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022. PubMed 36110519. Read 2026-10-23.
- Wang T, et al. Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen: a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016. PubMed 27154405. Read 2026-10-23.
- Brugger D, et al. Masson pine pollen (Pinus massoniana) activate HD11 chicken macrophages in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024. PubMed 38331121. Read 2026-10-23.
- Todorova V, Ivanov K, Delattre C, Nalbantova V, Karcheva-Bahchevanska D, Ivanova S. Plant adaptogens: history and future perspectives. Nutrients. 2021. PubMed 34445021. Read 2026-10-23.
- Kokoska L, Janovska D. Chemistry and pharmacology of Rhaponticum carthamoides: a review. Phytochemistry. 2009. PubMed 19457517. Read 2026-10-23.
- Bernatoniene J, et al. Phenolic compounds of Rhodiola rosea L. as the potential alternative therapy in the treatment of chronic diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2023. PubMed 37569669. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Rhodiola: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated April 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
- Li Z, et al. A review of polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera. Carbohydr Polym. 2018. PubMed 29352909. Read 2026-10-23.
- Ma QG, et al. Hippophae rhamnoides L.: a comprehensive review on the botany, traditional uses, phytonutrients, health benefits, quality markers, and applications. J Agric Food Chem. 2023. PubMed 36930583. Read 2026-10-23.
- Farag MA, et al. A multifaceted review of Eurycoma longifolia nutraceutical bioactives. ACS Omega. 2023. PubMed 36687023. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated April 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
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.