Fós™ Biomedical & TCM Details

Fós™ is comprised largely of adaptogenic herbs, which studies have shown to have neuro-protective, anti-fatigue, anti-depressive, anxiety-reducing, nootropic (cognitive-enhancing), and CNS stimulatingactivities. A number of clinical trials demonstrate that anti-fatigue herbs in Fos™ support mental work capacity and enhanced attention, particularly with a background of stress and fatigue. One study with ginseng tested over 6000 individuals with stressful occupations, aged 19 to 72, and observed improvement in the capacity for physical and mental work in all cases (1). Other herbs in Fos™ have been shown to relieve inflammation, protect muscle tissue during exercise, and enhance recovery from injury (1, 2, 5). Studies have shown ashwagandha to decrease inflammation better than hydrocortisone (2). Fos™ also supports healthy aging. Studies have shown that adaptogens protect and increase the lifespan of cells, improve mitochondrial function, and increase the body’s resistance to the adverse effects of physical, chemical, and biological stress agents. Fos™ contains herbs known for their antioxidant, radical scavenging and immune regulating properties (3), and wolfberry specifically supports the liver, health of the eye, and healthy weight management (4).

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine view:

Ci Wu Jia (Siberian Ginseng Root, Eleutherococcus senticosus)is warm, enters the SP, HT, and KI channels; tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, warms the Kidney, augments the Heart, calms the Shen, invigorates Blood and unblocks the collaterals.

Huang Qi (Astragalus Root, Astragalus propinquus)is slightly warm, enters the LU and SP channels; tonifies Qi and Blood, strengthens Spleen, raises Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, tonifies Wei Qi and the lungs, stabilizes the Exterior, promotes urination and reduces edema, promotes discharge of pus, generates flesh and expels toxins, generates body fluids, and relieves numbness and pain.

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, Fructus schisandrae)is warm, enters the HT, KI and LU channels and all five Zang organs; tonifies Qi, astringes Lung Qi leakage and stops coughing, tonifies Kidney and binds Essence, astringes sweat and generates fluids, quiets the Spirit, and calms and contains Heart Qi.

Hong Jing Tian (Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea)is cold, enters the HT, KI, LIV, SP and LU channels; tonifies, clears Lung heat, nourishes Lung Yin and relieves cough, and invigorates the Blood.

Gou Qi Zi (Ningxia Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum)is warm andenters the KI and LIV channels; tonifies the Liver and Kidney, strengthens the sinews and bones, expels Wind-Damp, and warms and stabilizes the Kidney.

Nan Fei Zui Jia (Ashwaganda, Withania somnifera)enters the LU, HT and SP channels; tonifies Qi and Wei Qi, tonifies Lung Qi, Spleen, and Jing, and calms the Shen.

Da Zao (Jujube, Chinese Date, Ziziphus jujube)is warm and enters the SP and ST channel; tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, augments Qi, and nourishes Blood and calms the Spirit.

 

References:

  1. Panossian, A., Wikman, G. 2010. Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals.Jan 3(1):188-224. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/ph3010188.
  2. Mishra, L., Singh, B.B., Daagenais, S. 2000. Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. Alternative Medicine Review.(5, 4):334-346. http://anaturalhealingcenter.com/documents/Thorne/articles/Ashwagandha.pdf.
  3. Huang, W.M., Liang, Y.Q., Tang, L.J., Ding, Y., & Wang, X.H. 2013. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on EA.hy926 cells. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine(6):199-203. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.1074.
  4. Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. 2011. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects.2nd edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press/Taylor & Frances. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92756/
  5. Romm, A., MD. 2010. Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. St. Louis MO: Churchill Livingstone (Elsevier, Inc.). ISBN: 978-0-443-07277-2.