![]() One small study in male athletes showed that taking a combination of reishi and Cordyceps helped protect against stress-related damage the athletes experienced due to overtraining from cycling ( 12).Ī 2020 rodent study found that reishi treatment reduced stress-induced brain inflammation in rats exposed to low oxygen levels and helped protect against nerve damage and memory impairment ( 16). ![]() These secrete cortisol, which is a hormone that helps the body respond to stress ( 3). Reishi helps support the function of the adrenal glands. Ganoderma lucidum, or reishi, is known to have adaptogenic properties. However, research on the adaptogenic effects of lion’s mane is still in the early stages, and scientists need to conduct more studies in humans ( 15). Studies suggest that decreased levels of BDNF may increase susceptibility to stress and depression ( 13, 14). It may also reduce levels of the inflammatory markers interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which increase in response to stress ( 13).Īdditionally, it has been shown to reverse stress-induced downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mice.īDNF is a protein essential to brain function. Rodent studies have shown that lion’s mane extract may help reverse stress-related changes to neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin. Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion’s mane, is another mushroom thought to offer adaptogenic effects. ![]() It found that taking 1,400 mg of Rhodiola crenulata and 600 mg of Cordyceps per day for 2 weeks led to improvements in stress response and fatigue levels, compared with a placebo ( 11).īecause the researchers gave participants Cordyceps sinensis and Rhodiola crenulata together, they can’t be sure of the effects of each ingredient individually.Īnother study that also gave participants Cordyceps with another type of fungus called Ganoderma lucidum showed that the combination may help protect athletes from the physical stress of overtraining ( 12).Īlthough these results are encouraging, scientists need to do more high quality research to understand how Cordyceps may help the body adapt to stress. Some research in rodents suggests that Cordyceps sinensis may reduce stress-related markers and increase resistance to stress-inducing activity, such as forced swimming ( 8, 10).Īdditionally, a 2014 study in 18 men examined the effects of taking a combination of Cordyceps sinensis and Rhodiola crenulata, a plant with adaptogenic properties, on high altitude training ( 11). However, research in humans is limited ( 7, 8, 9). Studies have shown many herbs and some mushrooms may have adaptogenic properties.Ĭordyceps is a type of fungus that people have studied for its potential to reduce the effects of stress on the body. SummaryĪdaptogens may help the body adapt to stress. Researchers have discovered that certain plants and fungi, including some mushrooms, have adaptogenic properties. By doing so, they enhance resistance to stress and promote recovery and homeostasis - or stability - in the body ( 3). Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that activate the stress response ( 4, 5).Īdaptogens primarily work by influencing the HPA axis and other key mediators of the stress response. The primary function of the HPA axis is to release glucocorticoids, including cortisol. This is the body’s main stress response system. ![]() The body’s stress response is complex and involves multiple bodily systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA axis). In general, an adaptogen is a substance that works to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body.Īdaptogens increase the body’s resistance to physical, biological, and chemical stress, help promote normal functioning during times of stress, and protect against stress-related damage ( 1, 2, 3). They’re not the same as hallucinogenic or “magic” mushrooms and do not act on the mind or perception. Some people use them as herbal health products. Adaptogenic mushrooms are mushrooms that may help reduce the effects of stress on your body. ![]()
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