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

The blend also contains probiotics (7.2 billion CFUs in a single scoop, to be precise) and a smorgasbord of vitamins, adaptogens, digestive enzymes and magnesium to keep you well and energised. —Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 13 June 2024

It’s packed with high frequency foods including seeds, greens, fruits, algae, adaptogens and restorative roots. —Booth Moore, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

The point of taking adaptogens is to feel calm — but Thomason notes that for some, there may be some contradictory side effects. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 18 May 2024

Mary Ruth’s proprietary botanical blend incorporates elderberry, goji berry, ashwagandha, and maca, offering a blend of herbal supplements and adaptogens. —Anne Cook Carroll, Verywell Health, 15 May 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