Stressed Adults Took This Mushroom Blend — Here's What Changed

Abstract Summary

Objective

To test whether a blend of five medicinal mushrooms could reduce stress, fatigue, and sleep problems in adults who were struggling with high stress levels.

Context

Mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps have been used in Asian medicine for centuries to boost energy and resilience. But most of that evidence was anecdotal. This study wanted hard data from a proper human trial.

Methods Used

Approach

Fifty stressed adults were split into two groups. One group took a mushroom blend called Restake—containing Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake. The other group took a placebo. The trial ran for 12 weeks, and neither group knew which they were taking.

Data Collection

Participants answered standardized questionnaires about their anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep quality at the start, middle, and end of the study. Blood tests measured stress hormones and inflammation markers throughout.

Researchers' Summary of Findings

By the end of 12 weeks, the mushroom group reported less general fatigue, less mental fatigue, and less physical fatigue. Anxiety and depression scores also dropped. Sleep quality improved. Blood work showed lower cortisol — the primary stress hormone — along with lower inflammation levels. The researchers concluded that this mushroom blend can meaningfully help people manage the physical and mental toll of chronic stress.

DOI

10.1002/brb3.71193