Friday Hope: Natural Therapeutics for the Stress Response
We increasingly learn why certain compounds are effective against SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike Protein.
Given the direction my research has taken, I believe it is important to find therapeutics which can mitigate the Stress Response. It now seems abundantly clear that the Spike Protein induces a severe stress response in cells, leading to a plethora of pathologies. Please see my most recent post for details.
Fortunately, there are many natural remedies available to deal with the Stress Response.
Frontline healthcare workers have reported elevated levels of stress and increase prevalence of burnout symptoms since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With these heightened levels of stress and burnout comes a need for more evidence-based interventions to address these symptoms earlier, in both a safe and effective way. Some common botanical medicines have a measurable effect on perceived stress, neurotransmitter levels, and circulating cortisol levels indicating their ability to modify the stress response.
I will focus on three herbs. Some of which have already been proven effective in treating SARS-CoV-2
ASHWAGANDHA
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) has a long history of use for stress and sleep disturbances. An ayurvedic herb, it is commonly used in formulas designed to attenuate the stress hormone cortisol. Ashwagandha lowers circulating glucocorticoids cortisol and corticosterone through alteration of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, ameliorating stress symptoms. Additionally, it has been proposed that Ashwagandha has GABAergic and serotonergic effects by altering the release of both glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters, making it a potential therapeutic option for sleeping disorders, anxiety and depression. Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, is elevated during the acute stress response, while GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter with calming effects on the central nervous system.
Indeed, the Spike Protein is involved in the disruption of the HPA axis.
A recent study in male mice established that the S1 subunit of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 crosses the blood–brain barrier and is taken up by brain regions that include the cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus, areas of particular importance for HPA axis control.
The Relationship between COVID-19 and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis: A Large Spectrum from Glucocorticoid Insufficiency to Excess—The CAPISCO International Expert Panel
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9266848/
RHODIOLA
Several mechanisms for the stress-resiliency activity of rhodiola have been proposed. One mechanism looks at the activation of Heat Shock Protein 70, a stress-sensor and a reduction of Nitric Oxide (NO) via decreased NO synthase II. A reduction of Nitric Oxide may reduce physical fatigue and improve musculoskeletal endurance. Additionally, whole plant extracts of Rhodiola are thought to interact with the HPA Axis and limit the release of glucocorticoids, accounting for its use as an adaptogen to mitigate the stress response. These mechanisms help explain Rhodiola's effect on the stress response, and lend further credibility to its use as a self-care herb.
Again, we see the connection to the HPA axis.
LAVENDER
The mechanism for Lavender's effect is more difficult to ascertain than some of the previously mentioned herbs as there are a limited amount of studies on its physiological effect. A 2016 study examining the mechanisms for Lavender aromatherapy found no effect on the HPA axis, but measurable changes in Chromogranin A (CgA), an indicator for catecholamine levels, demonstrating a potential effect on the acute stress response via the sympathoadrenal medullary (SAM) pathway.
I believe Lavender may be very important as it addresses the discussed catecholamine surges which have been implicated in the sudden deaths of athletes.
The specifics regarding each therapeutic are detailed in the following paper, which I recommend for all to read.
Common herbs for stress: The science and strategy of a botanical medicine approach to self-care
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9737923/
Please have a wonderful, peaceful and restful weekend.
I wish there were compounds effective against Hepatitis C virus, received in a blood transfusion after birth in 1983, that was kept in immune jail for 38 years until 2 Pfizer shots let it out.
Have a blessed day Walter.
Your work continues to give hope to a lot of people, as well as tools to regain autonomy of their bodies.
All natural is the best, no need for advanced biotech to help peeps.