Fós™ Biomedical & TCM Details

Resilience | Fos™ is comprised largely of adaptogenic herbs, which studies have shown to have neuro-protective, anti-fatigue, anti-depressive, anxiety-reducing, nootropic (cognitive-enhancing), CNS-stimulating and cortisol-regulating activities. A number of clinical trials demonstrate that anti-fatigue herbs in Resilience support mental work capacity and enhanced attention, particularly with a background of stress and fatigue. Other herbs in Resilience have been shown to relieve inflammation, protect the nervous system, eye, and muscle tissue during exercise, and enhance recovery from injury. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

A recent review summarized the specific effects on the brain and nervous system of the adaptogenic herbs schissandra, Siberian ginseng, rhodiola and ashwanganda. These four herbs have been shown to extend the lifespan of stressed animals, support memory and learning, and decrease stress sensitivity. (7, 8) Wolfberry has also also been shown to improve memory, stimulate growth of new neurons in animals and protect the eye. (6, 9) Schissandra has neuro-protective and antidepressant effects and was able to reverse cognitive impairment in animal studies. Ashwagandha decreased neuroinflammation associated with cognitive impairment and drug abuse in animals, and one study showed that it decreased inflammation better than hydrocortisone (2, 7) 

Several studies have indicated that herbs in Resilience have a direct impact on cortisol and the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) or stress axis. One author suggested that improvements in fatigue seen by panax ginseng use is linked to modulation of cortisol release through the HPA axis. (10) A component of magnolia bark has been shown to have anti-depressant functions and calm the hyperactivity of the HPA axis in animals (11, 12) The combination of magnolia and Phellodendron barks have been shown to reduce the impact of cortisol exposure, decrease fatigue, and feelings of stress and anxiety. (13) Rhodiola also decreased neuroinflammation induced by stress as measured by cortisone-related molecules. (7) Components of these plants have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and act on the nervous system directly (14)

 An important tonic herb in traditional medicine, ginseng has been widely used for thousands of years. Its first mention was in the Chinese medical text, Shen Nong, in 196 AD. Modern pharmacology is now detailing its medicinal effects and mechanisms of action. One study with Siberian ginseng tested over 6000 individuals (aged 19 to 72) with stressful occupations and observed improvements in the capacity for physical and mental work in all cases (1). Clinical studies of panax (Asian) ginseng have shown significant improvement in mental fatigue symptoms with daily dosing for 4 weeks. Also noted were benefits on short-term working memory in middle aged adults, and improvements in those with mood disorders and depression. 

A study of cancer survivors showed a significant improvement in cancer-related fatigue in 8 weeks of daily use. (10) Astragulus has also been shown to impact fatigue. One random controlled trial of sixty four patients with post-stroke fatigue showed improvements in quality of life and Brief Fatigue Index scores after 28 days of use of astragulus. (15)

Resilience also supports healthy aging. Studies have shown that adaptogens protect, and increase the lifespan of cells, improve mitochondrial function, and increase the body’s resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress agents. Resilience contains herbs known for their antioxidant, radical scavenging and immune regulating properties (10, 16, 17).

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine view:

Ci Wu Jia (Siberian Ginseng Root, Eleutherococcus senticosus)is warm, enters the SP, HT, and KI channels; tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, warms the Kidney, augments the Heart, calms the Shen, invigorates Blood and unblocks the collaterals.

Huang Qi (Astragalus Root, Astragalus propinquus)is slightly warm, enters the LU and SP channels; tonifies Qi and Blood, strengthens Spleen, raises Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, tonifies Wei Qi and the lungs, stabilizes the Exterior, promotes urination and reduces edema, promotes discharge of pus, generates flesh and expels toxins, generates body fluids, and relieves numbness and pain.

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, Fructus schisandrae)is warm, enters the HT, KI and LU channels and all five Zang organs; tonifies Qi, astringes Lung Qi leakage and stops coughing, tonifies Kidney and binds Essence, astringes sweat and generates fluids, quiets the Spirit, and calms and contains Heart Qi.

Hong Jing Tian (Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea)is cold, enters the HT, KI, LIV, SP and LU channels; tonifies, clears Lung heat, nourishes Lung Yin and relieves cough, and invigorates the Blood.

Gou Qi Zi (Ningxia Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum)is warm andenters the KI and LIV channels; tonifies the Liver and Kidney, strengthens the sinews and bones, expels Wind-Damp, and warms and stabilizes the Kidney.

Nan Fei Zui Jia (Ashwaganda, Withania somnifera)enters the LU, HT and SP channels; tonifies Qi and Wei Qi, tonifies Lung Qi, Spleen, and Jing, and calms the Shen.

Da Zao (Jujube, Chinese Date, Ziziphus jujube)is warm and enters the SP and ST channel; tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, augments Qi, and nourishes Blood and calms the Spirit.

 

References:

  1. Panossian, A., Wikman, G. 2010. Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals. Jan 3(1):188-224. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/ph3010188.
  2. Mishra, L., Singh, B.B., Daagenais, S. 2000. Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug;5(4):334-46. PMID: 10956379.
  3. Romm, A., MD. 2010. Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. St. Louis MO: Churchill Livingstone (Elsevier, Inc.). ISBN: 978-0-443-07277-2.
  4. Sun, Y., Lenon, G.B., Yang. A.W.H. 2019. Phellodendri Cortex: A Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Pharmacokinetic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Apr 1;2019:7621929. doi: 10.1155/2019/7621929.
  5. Xian, Y.F., Lin, Z.X., Ip, S.P., Su, Z.R., Chen JN, Lai XP. 2013. Comparison the neuropreotective effect of Cortex Phellodendri chinensis and Cortex Phellodendri amurensis against beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. Phytomedicine. 2013 Jan 15;20(2):187-93. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.09.028.
  6. Kwok, S.S., Bu, Y., Lo, A.C., Chan, T.C., So, K.F., Lai, J.S., Shih, K.C. 2019. A Systematic Review of Potential Therapeutic Use of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides in Disease. Biomed Res Int. 2019 Feb 12;2019:4615745. doi: 10.1155/2019/4615745.
  7. Wróbel-Biedrawa, D., Podolak, I. 2024. Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Adaptogens: A Mini-Review. Molecules 2024, 29, 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29040866 .
  8. Panossian, A. 2017. Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2017 Aug;1401(1):49-64. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13399. 
  9. Benzie, I.F.F., Wachtel-Galor, S., editors. 2011. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press/Taylor & Frances. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92756/.
  10. Mancuso, C., Santangelo, R. 2017. Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius: From pharmacology to toxicology. Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 Sep;107(Pt A):362-372. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.07.019. 
  11. Cheng, J., Dong, S., Yi ,L., Geng, D., Liu, Q. 2018. Magnolol abrogates chronic mild stress-induced depressive-like behaviors by inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex of mice. Int Immunopharmacol. 2018 Jun;59:61-67. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.03.031. 
  12. Wang, C., Gan, D., Wu, J., Liao, M., Liao, X., Ai, W. 2018. Honokiol Exerts Antidepressant Effects in Rats Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress by Regulating Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Level and Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity. Neurochem Res. 2018 Aug;43(8):1519-1528. doi: 10.1007/s11064-018-2566-z.
  13. Talbott, S.M., Talbott, J.A., Pugh, M. 203. Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora®) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Aug 7;10(1):37. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-37.
  14. Dai, X,. Xie, L., Liu, K., Liang, Y., Cao, Y., Lu, J., Wang, X., Zhang, X., Li, X. 2023. The Neuropharmacological Effects of Magnolol and Honokiol: A Review of Signal Pathways and Molecular Mechanisms. Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2023;16(2):161-177. doi: 10.2174/1874467215666220223141101.
  15. Liu, C.H., Tsai, C.H., Li, T.C., Yang, Y.W., Huang, W.S., Lu, M.K., Tseng, C.H., Huang, H.C., Chen, K.F., Hsu, T.S., Hsu, Y.T., Tsai, C.H., Hsieh, C.L. 2016. Effects of the traditional Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus in patients with poststroke fatigue: A double-blind, randomized, controlled preliminary study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Dec 24;194:954-962. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.058. Epub 2016 Oct 20. PMID: 27773802.
  16. Huang, W.M., Liang, Y.Q., Tang, L.J., Ding, Y., & Wang, X.H. 2013. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on EA.hy926 cells. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine (6):199-203. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.1074.
  17. Zheng, Y., Ren, W., Zhang, L., Zhang, Y., Liu, D., Liu, Y. 2020. A Review of the Pharmacological Action of Astragalus Polysaccharide. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 24;11:349. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00349.