The Science Behind Adaptogens and Stress Relief

Why Stress Management Matters in Modern Life

In our always-on world, stress has become part of daily life. Many adults constantly navigate mental pressure, whether it's work deadlines, family responsibilities, or financial concerns.

Globally, an Ipsos (a global market research and public opinion company) survey across 31 countries indicated that 62% of adults felt stressed to the point where it impacted their daily lives at least once in 2024. Notably, 66% of women reported such stress levels, compared to 58% of men (Ipsos 2024S). So, you're not alone. 

When stress lingers over time, it can lead to fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, inflammation, and weakened immune function. Long-term activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leads to sustained cortisol release, which suppresses key immune responses, including natural killer (NK) cell activity (Reiche et al., 2004).

Research published in Nature Reviews Cancer (Thaker et al., 2006) also found that stress hormones can accelerate the development of unhealthy cells through beta-adrenergic signaling pathways.

Thankfully, there are natural ways to support your body’s ability to handle stress and support immune system functions. One promising solution comes from an ancient source: medicinal mushrooms.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. They support the body’s stress response by working with systems like the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which regulates cortisol and helps maintain homeostasis. Unlike quick-fix stimulants, adaptogens gently nudge the body toward balance, making them suitable for long-term use.

Medicinal Mushrooms as Adaptogens: An Overview

Fungi are among the most intriguing sources of adaptogens. Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries to support vitality, immunity, and resilience. Modern science is catching up today, revealing how certain mushrooms may help support stress relief through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties.

Adaptogenic Mushroom Profiles and Evidence

1. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi): The Calming Adaptogen
Reishi is often called the "mushroom of immortality" for its calming effects and immune support. It’s known for helping the body relax without sedation.

  • Reishi may support the HPA axis and modulate immune activity.
  • Studies show Reishi's triterpenoids and polysaccharides have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits (Wachtel-Galor et al., 2011; Gao et al., 2003).

2. Cordyceps militaris: Energy and Endurance Under Stress
Cordyceps is known for boosting energy and stamina, especially during physical or mental fatigue.

  • It supports mitochondrial ATP production and helps regulate adrenal function (Koh et al., 2003; Paterson, 2008).
  • Research suggests Cordyceps can help the body perform better under stress.

3. Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane): Brain-Boosting and Mood-Regulating
Lion’s Mane is prized for supporting brain health and emotional well-being.

  • It may help promote the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), essential for brain plasticity.
  • Human studies show reduced anxiety and improved mood with Lion’s Mane supplementation (Nagano et al., 2010).

4. Agaricus subrufescens (Agaricus blazei Murill): Immune Resilience Under Pressure
Agaricus blazei is traditionally used for immune enhancement and antioxidant support.

  • Studies show it stimulates immune cells and reduces oxidative stress (Hetland et al., 2008; Firenzuoli et al., 2008).
  • These effects may help buffer the immune system during chronic stress.

5. Lentinula edodes (Shiitake): Daily Immunity and Recovery
Shiitake mushrooms are well known for their rich nutrients and immune support.

  • Lentinan, a compound found in Shiitake, has been shown to enhance immune function and reduce fatigue (Dai et al., 2015).

6. Grifola frondosa (Maitake): Adaptogen for Metabolic Stress
Maitake may help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation.

  • It supports immune cell activation and has shown anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota-modulating effects (Zhuang et al., 2020).

Five Convenient Ways to Reduce Mental Stress

  1. Stay Physically Active: Exercise supports endorphin production and mental clarity.
  2. Practice Mindful Breathing: Deep breathing and meditation help regulate the stress response.
  3. Get Restorative Sleep: Quality sleep is key to emotional resilience.
  4. Eat a Balanced Diet: Whole foods nourish the mind and body.
  5. Consider Medicinal Mushroom Supplements: Functional blends like Mushroom Ekismate from Superfood Science may help support stress resilience with science-backed ingredients.

How to Integrate Adaptogenic Mushrooms Into Your Wellness Routine

You can find adaptogenic mushrooms in capsules, powder, or liquid extract forms. If you prefer the above-mentioned medicinal mushroom complex in small, easy-to-swallow vegetable capsules, try Mushroom Ekismate (120 capsules). Certified organic medicinal mushroom extracts in the Mushroom Ekismate are grown and manufactured in the USA.  Or, you have heard of Lion’s Mane mushroom before and are curious about its health benefits. Take this opportunity to try Cognitive Rescue, Lion’s Mane Premium Blends by Superfood Science.

Mushrooms for Modern Stress

Adaptogens are gaining popularity for a reason. Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane offer natural support for people facing daily stress. While these fungi won’t eliminate stress altogether, they may help your body respond to it with greater balance and resilience.

References

  1. Ipsos. (2024, October). World Mental Health Day 2024: Global report on emotional wellbeing and stress. https://www.ipsos.com/en-id/ipsos-world-mental-health-day-report-2024
  2. Bhardwaj, A., et al. (2014). Reishi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum: A potent pharmacological macrofungus. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal, 2(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.12944/CRNFSJ.2.1.01
  3. Dai, X., et al. (2015). Consuming Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(6), 478–487. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.950391
  4. Delmanto, R. D., et al. (2001). Effects of Agaricus blazei on the immune response in mice and human volunteers. International Immunopharmacology, 1(7), 1339–1347. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1567-5769(01)00061-7
  5. Firenzuoli, F., et al. (2008). The medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill: review of literature and pharmaco-toxicological problems. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem007
  6. Gao, Y., et al. (2003). Effects of Ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunological Investigations, 32(3), 201–215. https://doi.org/10.1081/IMM-120022037
  7. Hetland, G., et al. (2008). An extract of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill differentially stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 68(6), 561–569. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3083.2008.02168.x
  8. Koh, J. H., et al. (2003). Activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 by Cordyceps sinensis in rat pheochromocytoma cells. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 26(4), 510–513. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.26.510
  9. Maeda, Y., et al. (2009). Lentinan from shiitake mushroom: molecular structure and clinical benefits. Drugs of the Future, 34(5), 439–446. https://doi.org/10.1358/dof.2009.034.05.1352682
  10. Mori, K., et al. (2009). Stimulating effects of Hericium erinaceus on nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in vitro and in vivo. Biomedical Research, 30(3), 135–140. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.30.135
  11. Nagano, M., et al. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks of Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231–237. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.31.231
  12. Paterson, R. R. M. (2008). Cordyceps – a traditional Chinese medicine and another fungal therapeutic biofactory? Phytochemistry, 69(7), 1469–1495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.01.027
  13. Reiche, E. M. V., Nunes, S. O. V., & Morimoto, H. K. (2004). Stress, depression, the immune system, and cancer. The Lancet Oncology, 5(10), 617–625. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(04)01597-9
  14. Sabaratnam, V., et al. (2013). Neuroregenerative potential of Hericium erinaceus. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(2), 121–134. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v15.i2.30
  15. Wachtel-Galor, S., et al. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in cancer treatment. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
  16. Zheng, L., et al. (2011). Cordycepin activates AMP-activated protein kinase in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 34(7), 983–987. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.34.983
  17. Zhuang, C., et al. (2020). Grifola frondosa polysaccharides modulate gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory pathways. Food & Function, 11(7), 6482–6494. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0fo01152g
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