adaptogen

noun

adap·​to·​gen ə-ˈdap-tə-jən 

: a nontoxic substance and especially a plant extract that is held to increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning

adaptogenic

ə-ˌdap-tə-ˈje-nik 

adjective

Examples of adaptogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other energy supplements may contain adaptogens or herbal ingredients, like ginseng or ashwagandha. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2024

Many include adaptogens, herbs that are marketed as having specific health and cognitive benefits, while others include substances such as THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, for their mood-altering properties. —Ece Yildirim, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2024

The brand founder says adaptogens are products of their environment and thrive in some of the harshest climates on earth. —Valeriya Chupinina, StyleCaster, 17 July 2024

The digestive adaptogens and prebiotic blend include two plants traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine—ashwagandha and Triphala. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 9 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Russian, from adaptatsiya adaptation + -o- -o- + -gen -gen

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

adaptogen

noun

adap·​to·​gen ə-ˈdap-tə-jən 

: a nontoxic substance and especially a plant extract that is held to increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning

Fortunately, a class of herbs known in herbal medicine as adaptogens can provide an added boost of vitality and increase the body's ability to adapt to common stresses.

—James Bailey, Yoga Journal,

adaptogenic

ə-ˌdap-tə-ˈje-nik 

adjective

… adaptogenic herbs like ginseng and milk thistle, which can help build stress resistance.

—Barb Berggoetz, The Indianapolis (Indiana) Star