This account of the effect of adaptogens on stress was first published in a 2010 National Library of Medicine publication by Alexander Panossian and Georg Wilkman. It shows that although adaptogens do not prevent stress, they can noticeably balance the intensity.
Unlike stimulants, which only work in one direction, adaptogens are holistically balancing. The effectiveness of the stimulants is temporarily more intense, but often leads to overstimulation and imbalance with side effects. Adaptogens, on the other hand, work even after long-term use, they do not lead to tolerance and have no potential for dependence.