Role of Adaptogens in Energy Homeostasis and Metabolism

Adaptogens are natural substances, primarily derived from plants, that enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stressors. They play a significant role in energy metabolism and homeostasis, which is crucial for maintaining overall health. By influencing various physiological processes, adaptogens help mitigate the impacts of stress and improve energy expenditure (EE).

Recent studies indicate that adaptogens can modulate the hormonal responses to stress, particularly through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This regulation is vital for optimizing metabolic functions, including glucose metabolism and fat oxidation, ultimately contributing to enhanced energy expenditure (Panossian et al., 2025). For instance, compounds like Rhodiola rosea have been shown to stimulate the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are critical for energy regulation and mood stabilization.

Furthermore, adaptogens impact mitochondrial function, promoting ATP production and overall energy availability within cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, and their efficiency can significantly influence energy metabolism. Adaptogens like Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera have been found to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and function, thereby improving cellular energy levels and metabolic endurance (Panossian et al., 2025).

Table 1: Examples of Adaptogens and Their Effects on Energy Metabolism

Adaptogen	Main Active Compounds	Effects on Energy Metabolism
Rhodiola rosea	Rosavins, Salidroside	Enhances ATP production, supports stress response
Panax ginseng	Ginsenosides	Increases mitochondrial function, boosts endurance
Withania somnifera	Withanolides	Reduces fatigue, promotes energy recovery
Eleutherococcus senticosus	Eleutherosides	Improves glucose metabolism, enhances physical performance

Impact of Gut Microbiota on Anaerobic Energy Expenditure

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health and has been shown to significantly influence energy metabolism. Recent research demonstrates that the microbial community in the gut contributes to anaerobic energy expenditure (EE), which is crucial during periods of low oxygen availability, such as during intense physical activity or in certain metabolic states (Zietara et al., 2025).

Studies indicate that gut microbiota composition can dictate the efficiency of anaerobic EE. For example, the presence of certain microbial species can enhance the fermentation of dietary fibers, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial for energy homeostasis. SCFAs not only serve as energy sources for colonocytes but also play roles in regulating systemic metabolism and inflammation.

Additionally, specific metabolites produced by gut bacteria, such as reutericyclin from Limosilactobacillus reuteri, have shown potential in counteracting weight gain and enhancing anaerobic EE. This indicates that dietary interventions aimed at modulating gut microbiota composition can significantly influence metabolic outcomes, including energy expenditure and weight management (Zietara et al., 2025).

Table 2: Influence of Gut Microbiota on Energy Metabolism

Microbial Species	Metabolites Produced	Impact on Energy Expenditure
Limosilactobacillus reuteri	Reutericyclin	Enhances anaerobic EE, mitigates weight gain
Bacteroides spp.	Short-chain fatty acids	Increases energy availability, supports fat oxidation
Firmicutes spp.	Acetate, Propionate	Enhances gut health, regulates appetite and metabolism

Mechanisms of Reutericyclin in Counteracting Weight Gain

Reutericyclin (RTC) is a specialized metabolite produced by the gut bacterium Limosilactobacillus reuteri, which has gained attention for its role in energy metabolism and weight regulation. RTC has been shown to counteract the weight gain effects associated with certain medications, such as the antipsychotic risperidone, which is known to induce weight gain through various metabolic pathways (Zietara et al., 2025).

The mechanisms by which RTC operates include modulation of gut microbiota composition, enhancement of anaerobic energy expenditure, and regulation of appetite. By positively influencing the gut environment and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, RTC helps maintain metabolic balance and prevents excessive weight gain. Furthermore, RTC’s ability to enhance the fermentation processes in the gut leads to increased production of SCFAs, which are crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis and regulating fat storage (Zietara et al., 2025).

Table 3: Mechanisms of Reutericyclin

Mechanism	Description	Effect on Weight Management
Modulation of Gut Microbiota	Enhances growth of beneficial bacteria	Promotes metabolic health, prevents weight gain
Enhancement of Anaerobic EE	Increases energy production from fermentation	Supports fat oxidation and weight control
Appetite Regulation	Influences hormonal signals related to hunger	Reduces caloric intake, promotes satiety

Estrogen Receptor Activation and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Estrogen receptors, particularly estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), have been implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Activation of ERβ has shown potential in alleviating IBD symptoms by modulating inflammatory pathways, particularly through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β (Zhu et al., 2024).

Research indicates that ERβ activation can inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome, a critical component in the inflammatory response associated with IBD. By downregulating the expression of IL-1β and other inflammatory mediators, ERβ activation contributes to the restoration of gut homeostasis and mitigates the severity of disease symptoms (Zhu et al., 2024).

Table 4: Role of Estrogen Receptor Activation in IBD

Mechanism	Effect on IBD	Key Findings
IL-1β Suppression	Reduces inflammation	ERβ agonists decrease IL-1β levels in colonic tissues
NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibition	Prevents excessive immune response	ERβ activation blocks NLRP3 assembly
Restoration of Gut Homeostasis	Enhances epithelial barrier function	Improved symptoms in animal models of colitis

Applications of Microneedles in Targeted Drug Delivery for Health

Microneedles (MNs) represent a transformative technology in the field of drug delivery, particularly for conditions requiring localized treatment or enhanced bioavailability. Their small size and minimally invasive nature make them ideal for applications in various medical fields, including dermatology, ocular therapies, and systemic medication delivery (Pharmaceuticals, 2025).

MNs can be designed to deliver a wide range of therapeutic agents, including vaccines, biologics, and small molecules, directly into the skin or mucosal tissues. This targeted approach not only enhances drug absorption but also minimizes systemic side effects commonly associated with traditional delivery methods. For instance, MNs have been successfully employed in delivering insulin for diabetes management, leveraging their ability to bypass the gastrointestinal tract and provide direct access to the bloodstream (Pharmaceuticals, 2025).

Table 5: Applications of Microneedles in Drug Delivery

Application	Therapeutic Agents	Benefits
Diabetes Management	Insulin	Enhanced bioavailability, reduced injection pain
Vaccination	Antigen-loaded MNs	Improved immune response, easier administration
Ocular Delivery	Antimicrobial agents	Direct treatment of ocular infections
Localized Pain Relief	Analgesics	Minimized systemic exposure, targeted action

Conclusion

The integration of dietary adaptogens, gut health, and innovative drug delivery systems like microneedles forms a comprehensive approach to enhancing energy expenditure and managing various health conditions. By modulating energy metabolism through gut microbiota, influencing hormonal pathways via estrogen receptors, and utilizing advanced delivery mechanisms, we can improve treatment outcomes for patients across various medical disciplines.

FAQ

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are natural substances, typically derived from plants, that enhance the body’s resilience to stressors, improving overall health and energy metabolism.

How do adaptogens influence energy expenditure?

Adaptogens modulate hormonal responses and mitochondrial function, enhancing ATP production and overall energy availability in the body.

What role does gut microbiota play in energy metabolism?

Gut microbiota significantly influences energy metabolism by affecting anaerobic energy expenditure and producing beneficial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids.

How does reutericyclin affect weight gain?

Reutericyclin counteracts weight gain by improving energy metabolism and influencing gut microbiota composition, enhancing anaerobic energy expenditure.

How can microneedles improve drug delivery?

Microneedles provide a minimally invasive method for drug delivery, enhancing bioavailability and reducing systemic side effects by allowing drugs to be delivered directly to target tissues.

References

Panossian, A., Lemerond, T., & Efferth, T. (2025). Adaptogens in Long-Lasting Brain Fatigue: An Insight from Systems Biology and Network Pharmacology. Pharmaceuticals, 18(2), 261
Zietara, A., Dissanayake, L. V., Lowe, M., Xu, B., Levchenko, V., Kain, V., & Halade, G. V. (2025). Reutericyclin mitigates risperidone-induced suppression of anaerobic energy expenditure. Molecular Neurodegeneration, 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13024-025-00853-w
Zhu, Y., Guo, Y., Guo, P., Zhang, J., He, Y., Xia, Y., & Dai, Y. (2024). Estrogen receptor β activation alleviates inflammatory bowel disease by suppressing NLRP3-dependent IL-1β production in macrophages via downregulation of intracellular calcium level. Journal of Advanced Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.004
Pharmaceuticals. (2025). From mechanism to applications: Advanced microneedles for clinical medicine. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 21(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2025.04.025