Mental Work Capacity

Along with the research which proved adaptogens’ value for improving physical work, research studies involving various tests of mental acuity have demonstrated that adaptogens also have the ability to increase a person’s mental work capacity. That is, they increase both the amount of mental exercise a person can carry out, as well as the quality of that work.

For example, Schizandra chinensis and Rhaponticum carthamoides exerted a strong stimulative influence among test subjects who displayed a great improvement in reading comprehension, aptitude and speed.

Rhodiola rosea and Aralia mandshurica enhance a person’s ability for memorization and prolonged concentration. In proofreading tests, after taking Rhodiola extract, a decrease in the quantity of mistakes was observed in 88% of the experimental group, while an increase in the quantity of mistakeswas observed in 54% of the control group.

Eleutherococcus senticosus, the “King” of the adaptogens, has been shown to increase mental capacity by improving reflex action, attention span, and the precision of performed work. Improvement in hearing, eyesight and motor coordination was also an additional benefit noted in these studies.

In one long-range study involving 60,000 people conducted over a 10-year period at the Volzhsk Automobile factory in Tolyatti, Russia, absence and disability were reduced by 20-30% after taking Eleutherococcus. A 30-50% decrease in cases of influenza and general improvement in health were also noted.

Researchers                           Institutes
A.A. Lebedev                       Far East Scientific Center of the USSR

V. V. Kazakevich                  Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
V.D. Linderbraten
L. V. Turbina

V. Petkov                              Institute of Physiology

D. Yonkov                            Bulgarian Academy of Science

A. Mosharoff                        Sofia, Bulgaria

M. A. Gerasyuta                   Scientific-Research Institute of Sea Transport

T. N. Koval                            Hygiene, Leningrad, Russia

A. S. Saratikov                     Tomsk Medical Institute
E. A. Kransnov                     Tomsk, Russia

P. P. Gubchenko                 Khabarovsk Medical Institute
N. K. Fruentov                      Khabarovsk, Russia

R. Tu. Il’uchenok                 Institute of Physiology
S. R. Chaplygina                 Novosibirsk, Russia