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Hormesis

Meaning

Hormesis is a fundamental biological phenomenon describing a biphasic dose-response relationship where exposure to a low concentration of a chemical agent or environmental stressor that is detrimental at high doses elicits an adaptive, beneficial, or stimulatory effect. This concept is critical in endocrinology and longevity science, illustrating how mild, controlled stressors can enhance cellular resilience and systemic function. The beneficial response is an overcompensation that improves the organism’s homeostatic set point.