Hormonal
Adaptogens (specifically Rhodiola rosea SHR-5, Schisandra chinensis, and Eleutherococcus senticosus) improve mental performance, attention, and endurance in states of fatigue by upregulating the stress-sensor protein Hsp70, which inhibits nitric oxide synthase II and prevents stress-induced ATP depletion.
If you are experiencing mental fatigue or burnout, specific adaptogenic extracts like Rhodiola rosea (SHR-5) taken at 576mg daily for 4 weeks may help improve your attention and reduce fatigue symptoms. Unlike caffeine, these are intended to help your body handle stress more efficiently rather than forcing energy, potentially avoiding the 'crash' associated with stimulants.
The beneficial stress-protective effect of adaptogens is related to regulation of homeostasis via several mechanisms of action associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the control of key mediators of stress response such as molecular chaperons (e.g. Hsp70)... The key point of action of phytoadaptogens appears to be their up-regulating and stress-mimetic effects on the 'stress-sensor' protein Hsp70... Hsp70 inhibits the expression of NO synthase II gene... Prevention of stress-induced increase in NO, and the associated decrease in ATP production, results in increased performance and endurance.
Why this rating
The paper cites Grade A and B evidence for specific extracts (Rhodiola, Schisandra, Eleutherococcus) in clinical trials, though it notes conflicting results for some herbs like Ginseng over protracted treatment.
Source
Evidence-Based Efficacy of Adaptogens in Fatigue, and Molecular Mechanisms Related to their Stress-Protective Activity
Alexander Panossian et al. · Current Clinical Pharmacology · 2009
DOI 10.2174/157488409789375311
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