Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Adaptogens: A Mini-Review

The scientific paper by Wróbel-Biedrawa et al., titled Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Adaptogens: A Mini-Review, explores how certain medicinal plants known as adaptogens may help reduce inflammation in the brain, a process linked to many central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and stroke. The authors highlight how chronic neuroinflammation can damage brain cells and contribute to disease progression, and they examine the role of four well-known adaptogens—Schisandra chinensis, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea, and Withania somnifera—in regulating key inflammatory pathways. Through reviewing both cell-based and animal studies, the paper provides insights into the molecular actions of these plant compounds and their potential as natural therapies to support brain health.

Brain inflammation, or neuroinflammation , is when the brain’s immune system becomes overactive. This can lead to damage in brain cells and may play a significant role in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, and even stroke. When this inflammation doesn’t go away, it can cause long-term problems, including memory loss and mood disorders.

In recent years, scientists have found that this chronic inflammation is common in many brain-related illnesses. In fact, the study explains that "neuroinflammation differs from inflammation in other parts of the body in several fundamental aspects." This is because brain cells like microglia and astrocytes act differently than regular immune cells. Depending on how they are triggered, these brain cells can either help fight damage or make things worse.

To help manage this, researchers have been exploring natural compounds that may reduce inflammation without serious side effects. This is where adaptogens come in. Adaptogens are special plants used in traditional medicine to help the body handle stress and restore balance. Now, scientists are learning that these plants might also calm brain inflammation.

This study is a mini-review, which means it summarizes and compares results from many smaller studies. The authors gathered scientific findings from in vitro (test tube or cell culture) and in vivo (animal) experiments. They focused on four well-known adaptogens:

• Schisandra chinensis
• Eleutherococcus senticosus
• Rhodiola rosea
• Withania somnifera

The review looked at how these plants affect inflammation in the brain. It also examined which chemical compounds are involved and how they work inside the body.

Schisandra chinensis has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Russian medicine. The study notes that its berries contain compounds called lignans, which show strong effects in brain cells. One specific compound, schisandrin C, was able to lower levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, and COX-2, which are all linked to inflammation.

This plant not only reduced these markers but also worked by blocking key pathways like NF-κB and JAK/STAT, which are often overactive in brain diseases. The review states, “Schisandrin C inhibited their nuclear translocation and stimulation of gene expression for inflammatory mediators.” It also helped brain cells become more protective by supporting the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and reducing harmful enzymes like iNOS.

In mouse models of Alzheimer’s and depression, Schisandra helped reduce memory problems and signs of inflammation. Its polysaccharides also played a role, not just in calming inflammation but in improving the gut microbiome, which can impact brain health too.

This adaptogen is known as “devil’s bush” or “Siberian ginseng.” The study found that its stem bark and leaf extracts helped reduce brain inflammation, especially in rats that had strokes. It lowered the activity of damaging enzymes like COX-2 and iNOS and increased the level of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory molecule.

Interestingly, it also supported the gut-brain connection, which means it helped restore healthy gut bacteria while reducing inflammation in the brain. The authors mention that “oral administration of the plant material seems therefore to be crucial,” pointing out that the traditional method of using it as a tonic was right all along.

This yellow-flowered plant grows in cold, mountainous areas and is popular for fighting fatigue and stress. Its main compounds are rosavin , rosin , rosarin , and salidroside.

Rhodiola worked well in both brain cell models and live animals. It stopped harmful genes like iNOS from turning on and reduced inflammatory molecules like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also blocked the MAPK pathway, which plays a big role in how brain cells respond to stress.

In rats with stroke and models of multiple sclerosis, Rhodiola was found to support brain recovery. “R. rosea showed a regulatory effect on JAK1, JAK2, and STAT3 pathways in the spinal cord,” the study reports. This means it helped manage immune responses at the spinal and brain levels.

Ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve energy, focus, and strength. Researchers have recently found that it may also protect the brain.

Key compounds like withanone, withaferin A, and withanolide A were shown to reduce inflammation in brain diseases like Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and depression. They lowered levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1, and even helped prevent the build-up of toxic plaques in the brain by stopping pathways like NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome.

The plant also improved memory and learning in mice with brain damage caused by harmful chemicals. In addition, using the leaf instead of the root—so the whole plant doesn’t need to be destroyed—was effective in reducing anxiety and inflammation caused by a high-fat diet.

The findings from this study suggest that adaptogens could be a natural way to reduce brain inflammation. Each plant works through different mechanisms, but many share common effects, like calming overactive immune pathways and protecting brain cells from stress.

The adaptogens reviewed—Schisandra chinensis, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea, and Withania somnifera—showed strong results in models of diseases like Alzheimer's, stroke, and depression. What makes them special is that they support balance in the body, which may help prevent or slow down brain damage over time.

Still, the study highlights that most of this research was done in animals or cell cultures. Clinical trials in humans are still needed to confirm safety, effectiveness, and proper doses. But the results so far are very promising for anyone interested in plant-based brain support.

This scientific paper shines a light on how adaptogens may be powerful allies in the fight against brain inflammation. Plants like Schisandra, Eleutherococcus, Rhodiola, and Ashwagandha work in multiple ways to reduce inflammation, protect neurons, and improve mental health. By targeting key pathways and calming overactive immune responses in the brain, these natural remedies could become part of future treatments for neurodegenerative and mood disorders.

If you’re looking for a natural way to support your brain, especially under stress or with age-related concerns, adaptogens may be worth exploring. Just remember: always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition.