Adaptogens are compounds that improve the body and brain's ability to buffer against stressors.

“There is very little evidence that adaptogens can directly modulate neurotransmitters or neuromodulators like dopamine, serotonin, et cetera. But by adjusting the timing and levels of cortisol, especially in the afternoon and evening, that is going to have indirect effects on levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, et cetera, and serotonin. But not direct effects.”

“adaptogens are it's a broad term used to describe any compound that allows you to modulate the stress response so maybe increase your stress threshold or recover from stress more quickly it's it's sort of like saying stimulant no you know it's a broad category I mean I think you know some people say like you know certain nonhallucinogenic mushroom strains or adaptogens I mean the ability to to buffer the stress response um I mean things like riola have been described as adaptogens and these work through neurotransmitter systems so broadly speaking they allow you to perceive effort as less effortful this kind of thing”