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

ABSTRACT 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.