Category: signaling
"Adaptogen" is a regulatory category (Soviet Lazarev/Brekhman 1947-69) for non-specific stress-resistance modulators acting on HPA axis + monoamines + heat-shock proteins. Mechanism evidence is patchier than pharmaceutical pathways — most adaptogen claims rest on traditional use + animal pharmacology + small clinical trials with mixed outcomes. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) lowers cortisol in chronic-stress samples (Indian Ayurvedic). Rhodiola rosea contains salidroside + rosavins → MAO inhibition + 5-HT modulation. Panax ginseng (Korean/American) ginsenosides modulate HPA + nitric oxide. Eleuthero (Siberian "ginseng") — separate genus, similar use. Bacopa monnieri → bacosides + cerebral blood flow + AChE modulation. Holy basil (tulsi), schisandra, maca, gotu kola, astragalus all marketed in the same category. Mechanism prose herein reflects current consensus — many specific claims need full-text trial citation for kinetic parameters.