[Effect of adaptogens on the activity of the pituitary-adrenocortical system in rats].

Intraperitoneal injection of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey tincture, Polyscias filicifolia Bailey tincture, Panax ginseng tincture or Eleutherococcus Maxim extract to rats produced a rise in plasma corticosterone 1 hour after the treatment. Immobilization-induced rise in plasma corticosterone was increased by 7-day pretreatment with any agent. Thus, the adaptation effect of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey and Polyscias filicifolia Bailey is probably realized through the pituitary-adrenocortical system.