The influence of adaptogens on ultraweak biophoton emission: a pilot experiment

In the present study, the effect of plant adaptogens (Rhodiola rosea and ADAPT-232) on human photon emission has been determined. In a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study, 30 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: one group (n = 10) taking placebo pills, one group (n = 10) taking Rhodiola rosea (SHR-5) pills and one group (n = 10) taking ADAPT-232 supplements (the latter being a fixed combination of the following three adaptogens: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea and Schisandra chinensis). All subjects underwent measurements to determine ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) of the dorsal side of their hands using a photon-counting device, both before and after a week of taking the supplements. In addition, the experienced levels of stress and fatigue (tiredness) were evaluated. After 1 week of supplementation, the Rhodiola group showed a significant decrease (p = 0.027) in photon emission in comparison with the placebo group. Furthermore, after supplementation, a significant decrease (p = 0.049) concerning the experienced level of fatigue in the Rhodiola group was observed compared with the placebo group. No significant changes were observed between the ADAPT-232 and the placebo group.

Authors: 
F.W.G. Schutgens, P. Neogi, E.P.A. van Wijk, R. van Wijk, G. Wikman, F.A.C. Wiegant
Authors from the NMC: 
DOI: 
10.1002/ptr.2753
Pages: 
2009; 23 (8): 1103-1108
Published in: 
Phytotherapy Research
Date of publication: 
August, 2009
Status of the publication: 
Published/accepted