Adaptogenic Effects of Mushroom Blend Supplementation on Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep: A Randomised, Double‐Blind, and Placebo‐Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Medicinal mushrooms have been gaining increasing attention as functional foods; however, scientific evidence from human studies remains limited. METHODS: In this study, 50 participants were randomly assigned to receive either Restake or a placebo. Psychological and physiological parameters were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using validated tools, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analog Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Serum biomarkers-cortisol, norepinephrine (NE), melatonin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and C-reactive protein (CRP)-were analyzed via ELISA. RESULTS: Anxiety, assessed by STAI-S and HAM-A, showed greater reductions in the Restake group at both 6 weeks (STAI-S: p = 0.025; HAM-A: p = 0.002) and 12 weeks (STAI-S: p = 0.011; HAM-A: p = 0.002). Depression (BDI) scores significantly decreased at 6 weeks (p < 0.001) and 12 weeks (p = 0.008). Fatigue levels showed significant reductions in general fatigue (p = 0.043), physical fatigue (p = 0.027), and mental fatigue (p = 0.043). Restake supplementation led to reductions in sleep quality scores (PSQI) at 6 weeks (p = 0.005) and 12 weeks (p < 0.001). Biomarker analysis revealed significant reductions (p < 0.001) in cortisol and ACTH levels and a decrease in CRP levels (p = 0.042). NE levels significantly (p = 0.033). Compared to the placebo group, Restake supplementation exhibited an increased morning melatonin trend after 12 weeks of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Restake supplementation was well tolerated and effectively reduced psychological stress, fatigue, and improved sleep quality without adverse effects.