Adaptogens Defined
Adaptogens are botanicals with a history of traditional use in wellness practices. Today, they’re commonly included in foods and beverages as part of routines that support everyday well-being, including the body’s normal response to occasional stress. Individual responses vary; if you’re pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition, or take medications, check with a qualified health professional before adding new botanicals to your routine.
Research on these adaptogenic ingredients continue to evolve, especially when we zoom all the way in to the cellular level.
Cells: Our Microscopic Masterpieces
Here’s something exciting: adaptogen science is beginning to explore how adaptogens may interact with the body at the cellular level. Cells are the most basic building blocks of life. They contain all of our DNA, the instructions of life itself, make energy thanks to mitochondria, and assemble into systems that keep our bodies organized and thriving. Life simply wouldn’t exist without these remarkable building blocks.
Molecular Chaperones are Mini Superheroes
Molecular chaperones help cells run smoothly. These helpful compounds assist in folding newly made proteins, which are complex 3D shapes folded into intricate, specific patterns, and help prevent the buildup of misfolded protein structures (Hartl, 1996).
Misfolded proteins can occur naturally from time to time, but they show up more often when we’re exposed to environmental stressors in our air, food, or water, as well as general life stress. Having well-functioning molecular chaperones means small protein issues get caught and corrected before they build up.
One well-studied group of molecular chaperones are heat shock proteins (Hsp) and cold shock proteins. These play a key role in how the body manages stress. Some research suggests adaptogens may help support the function of these molecular chaperones, which are traditionally associated with helping cells respond to stress (Winston & Maimes, 2007).
A growing body of research points to one of these molecular chaperones in particular: heat shock protein 70 and 72 (Hsp70 & Hsp72). In animal studies, adaptogens have been associated with increased levels of Hsp72, which is tied to the body’s natural stress-response system.
Adaptogens are traditionally understood to help support the body as it handles stress more gracefully over time. Some researchers describe this as a kind of gentle training effect: a small, controlled signal that may help the body respond better to bigger stressors later. Much of this is tied to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a central system that connects the nervous, immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems (Panossian & Wikman, 2010; Such et al., 2026).
More Exceptional Cellular Support: FOXO, NO, & NPY
Adaptogens also may influence other molecules involved in the body’s stress response, including a protein called FOXO, a signaling molecule called nitric oxide (NO), and a brain chemical called neuropeptide Y (NPY).
FOXO: traditionally associated with cellular health and longevity.
Nitric oxide (NO): traditionally associated with a calmer, more balanced stress response
Neuropeptide Y (NPY): a calming brain chemical traditionally associated with feelings of calm and balanced blood sugar.
Some research also points to antioxidant effects as part of broader adaptogen nutrition, helping support the tiny energy centers inside our cells, called mitochondria, in the face of stress-related wear and tear.
Putting It All Together
As research continues to grow, we’re learning that adaptogens’ influence may go far beyond simple stress relief. Their effects may reach into each individual cell, supporting the body’s natural ability to stay steady in the face of stress.
REFERENCES
Hartl, F. U. (1996). Molecular chaperones in cellular protein folding. Nature, 381(6583), 571–580.
Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress-protective activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188–224.
Such, S., Puchalski, C., Kogut, Ł., & Zaguła, G. (2026). System-Level, Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Selected Plant Adaptogens—A Review. Nutrients, 18(6), 931.
Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press.