Short‐Term Study Finds Mushroom Blend May Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep

TLDR

A 12‑week double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial with 50 adults found that the mushroom blend Restake was linked to statistically significant reductions in anxiety, depression, fatigue and improved sleep quality, together with favorable shifts in stress‑related biomarkers. The study suggests a possible short‑term benefit but does not prove causality or long‑term safety.

The Most Important Finding

In 2026, Hisamuddin et al. ran a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial (n = 50) to test Restake, a blend of medicinal mushroom extracts. Over 12 weeks, participants taking Restake reported significant reductions in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and better sleep quality compared with placebo, and the trial also measured lower cortisol, ACTH, norepinephrine and CRP, with a trend toward higher morning melatonin.

What the Study Examined

The trial enrolled adults who were otherwise healthy. Participants received either the Restake blend or a matching placebo for 12 weeks, with assessments at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Researchers used validated psychometric tools—State‑Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‑S), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM‑A), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI)—to capture subjective outcomes. Blood samples were analyzed for cortisol, ACTH, norepinephrine, melatonin, and C‑reactive protein (CRP) via ELISA.

Key Findings (ROSE)

R – Research
A single moderate‑size RCT (n = 50) tested Restake versus placebo over 12 weeks, measuring both self‑report scales and serum biomarkers at three time points.

O – Outcome
At both 6 and 12 weeks, the Restake group showed statistically significant reductions in:
– Anxiety (STAI‑S: p = 0.025/0.011; HAM‑A: p = 0.002/0.002)
– Depression (BDI: p < 0.001/0.008)
– Fatigue (general, physical, mental)
– Sleep quality (PSQI: p = 0.005/<0.001)

Biomarkers shifted favorably: lower cortisol and ACTH (p < 0.001), lower CRP (p = 0.042), lower norepinephrine (p = 0.033), and a trend toward higher morning melatonin after 12 weeks.

S – Strength
Evidence grade B reflects a single RCT with a modest sample and short duration. Strength is limited by the small cohort, lack of diverse demographics, and the specific mushroom blend used. Results are statistically significant but may not generalise beyond the study conditions.

E – Explain
The data suggest that taking the mushroom blend may be associated with reduced stress, fatigue and improved sleep in the short term, and the supplement was well tolerated. However, the study does not prove that the blend causes these benefits in all adults, nor does it establish long‑term safety or effectiveness in people with medical conditions. It also does not prove that the observed biomarker changes are the mechanism behind the reported improvements.

What It Does Not Prove

That the mushroom blend causes stress relief or sleep improvement in every individual.
That the benefits persist beyond 12 weeks or after stopping the supplement.
That the supplement is safe for people with chronic illnesses or those on medication.
That the biomarker changes directly mediate the psychological outcomes.
That the same effects would be seen with other mushroom blends or dosages.

Evidence at a Glance

Evidence Grade	Risk Level	Confidence (Plain English)
B	High	The study provides moderate evidence of short‑term benefits, but the small sample and short duration limit confidence in broader applicability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mushroom blend supplement?

A mushroom blend supplement combines extracts from multiple medicinal mushroom species—often including reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and others—to deliver a range of bioactive compounds believed to support health.

How long did the study last, and what was the dosage?

The trial lasted 12 weeks, with participants taking the Restake blend daily. The exact dosage was not disclosed in the abstract.

Were there any side effects reported?

The abstract notes that Restake was well tolerated and “without adverse effects,” indicating no serious side effects were observed in the 50 participants.

Which biomarkers were measured?

Cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), norepinephrine, melatonin, and C‑reactive protein (CRP) were assessed via ELISA.

Can this supplement replace professional mental‑health care?

No. The study does not establish therapeutic efficacy or safety for treating clinical conditions, and it should not replace evidence‑based medical or mental‑health interventions.

Internal‑link Suggestions

Lion’s Mane for Cognitive Support – Explore how this mushroom may influence brain health.
Adaptogens 101: What They Are and How They Work – A primer on natural stress‑relief compounds.
Understanding Sleep Quality Scores – How the PSQI measures sleep health.
The Role of Cortisol in Stress – A deeper dive into this key biomarker.
Choosing Mushroom Supplements Safely – Tips for evaluating quality and safety.

Sources

Hisamuddin et al. (2026). Adaptogenic Effects of Mushroom Blend Supplementation on Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep: A Randomised, Double‑Blind, and Placebo‑Controlled Trial. Europe PMC. https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41540766
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Educational Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not
medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, treatment guidance, or a
recommendation to use any substance, supplement, therapy, or protocol.

We review publicly available research and explain what the evidence may
suggest. Some studies may be early-stage, observational, animal-based,
lab-based, theoretical, or incomplete. Always consult a qualified
professional before making health-related decisions.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Elsewhere, contact your local emergency or crisis service.

Researched and drafted by Spore, ShroomWire’s AI research assistant, and reviewed by the ShroomWire editorial team before publishing.