What are adaptogenic mushrooms?
Adaptogenic mushrooms are medicinal mushrooms that meet the criteria of an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances that help the body adapt to physical, chemical or biological stressors by increasing resistance to non-specific stress and exerting a regulatory (homeostatic) effect [1][2]. The term originates from the work of Russian researchers and is now associated with mechanisms such as the HPA axis and cellular defence systems [1][2]. Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi (Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma lingzhi), cordyceps, chaga or lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), better known by its English name " Lion's Mane ", are rich in polysaccharides (beta-glucans), triterpenes and antioxidants [5][6].
Important: these medicinal mushrooms should not be confused with psychoactive "magic mushrooms": adaptogenic mushrooms do not cause intoxication, but gently promote health.
For whom are adaptogenic mushrooms suitable?
- Stressed people: For all those who want to better balance stress, tension or everyday exhaustion.
- Workers and students: Support for concentration and mental performance (e.g. Lion's Mane) [12][13].
- Active athletes: Natural energy and stamina (especially Cordyceps) [7][8][9].
- Immunosuppressed and health-conscious people: To strengthen defences and balance the immune system, especially for people who are often ill or who wish to improve their overall well-being (including beta-glucans/triterpenes) [5][10][11].
- Older people: For vitality, healthy ageing and general well-being.
What are the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms?
- Reduce stress and increase resilience: adaptogens are associated with a regulated stress response (HPA axis) [1][2][3].
- Modulate the immune system: The scientific literature describes the immune modulation of these mushrooms, balancing over- or under-reactions (e.g. polysaccharides/triterpenes from reishi). Depending on the need, they can stimulate a weak immune system or calm an overactive one (e.g. in cases of allergies) [5].
- Natural Energy and Endurance: Cordyceps shows evidence in studies of improvements in VO2max/performance parameters [7][8][9], i.e. a more efficient use of oxygen in the body and thus an increase in physical performance in a natural way.
- Promotes cognitive functions: Lion's Mane is associated with nerve growth factors (NGF) and mental performance [12][13]. Memory, concentration and mood are positively influenced.
- Antioxidant cell protection: Chaga is rich in antioxidants and protects cells from oxidative stress; scientific studies have demonstrated its cell-protective and anti-inflammatory properties [10][11].
Known adaptogenic mushrooms and their properties
In the world of adaptogenic mushrooms, there are some outstanding representatives that we carry in our range:
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): known as the " mushroom of immortality " in traditional Chinese medicine, reishi has a calming effect on the mind and body, helps reduce stress and promotes deep, restful sleep. It also strengthens the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties [5][6].
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis/militaris): An energetic caterpillar fungus from the Himalayas. Cordyceps increases endurance and performance by enhancing oxygen uptake. Traditionally, Tibetan herders used it to increase energy at high altitude. Cordyceps is also said to have a positive effect on libido and vitality [7][8][9].
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Chaga grows exclusively wild in northern birch forests. Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, it protects cells from free radicals, thus promoting skin health and cell regeneration [10][11].
- Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): This striking-looking medicinal mushroom Lion's Mane is not only considered a brain tonic but, thanks to its exceptional aroma, is also popular in gourmet cuisine. Lion's Mane promotes the production of nerve growth factors (NGF), which positively influences memory, concentration and mood. For those seeking mental clarity or wishing to maintain their mental performance in old age, this mushroom is an excellent choice [12][13].
- Maitake, shiitake and other medicinal mushrooms: In addition to the adaptogens mentioned above, there are other medicinal mushrooms such as maitake and shiitake, which, while not classically defined as adaptogens, boost the immune system and provide numerous health-promoting nutrients. In combination with adaptogenic mushrooms, they can act synergistically and further enhance well-being [4].
Admission and application forms
- Powder: Versatile for smoothies, juices, coffee or recipes.
- Capsules: Convenient, standardised dosage.
- Liquid extracts/tinctures: Highly concentrated, easy to use.
- Blended teas and coffee: Deliciously combined extracts.
Synergistic blends are popular (e.g. Reishi + Lion's Mane for calm and concentration; Cordyceps + Chaga for energy and defence). Scientific evidence on synergies is limited; it is recommended to set clear targets and consider individual tolerance [4].
Science and impact
Scientific evidence is growing and includes preclinical data as well as early human studies. Examples include evidence of nerve growth-related effects in lion's mane [12][13], performance parameters in cordyceps [7][8][9] and immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory properties in reishi/chaga [5][10][11]. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Why adaptogenic mushrooms? - Summary of benefits
Adaptogenic mushrooms are a plant-based alternative for those seeking holistic support for stress balance, immune system strengthening, concentration and natural energy. Discover selected products at Health Shop and read our blog post Cannabis and Biohacking" [3].
Quality and selection
In this category, you will find high-quality extracts, capsules, powders and tinctures, including brands such as Boscum and Organic Superfoods [4][14]. Discover our carefully selected products for stress balance, immune support, concentration and natural energy.
Note: Adaptogenic mushrooms are not medicines and are not a substitute for medical advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication, please consult a doctor.
Sources and further reading
- Panossian A. Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system... (2010). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3991026/
- Liao L. A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens (2018). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6240259/
- Alchimia Blog. Cannabis and biohacking (2024). https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blog/cannabis-biohacking/
- Boscum. Medicinal Mushrooms - Natural Wellness and Adaptogens. https://boscum.com/es/setas-medicinales-10/
- Galappaththi MCA et al. A review of Ganoderma triterpenoids. .. (2022). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9856212/
- Ren S et al. Bioactive constituents and pharmacological activities of G. lucidum (2025). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12256279/
- Hirsch KR et al. Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise... (2016). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5236007/
- Chen S. et al. Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on physical performance... (2010). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3110835/
- Kumar R. et al. Cordyceps sinensis promotes exercise endurance capacity... (2011). https://europepmc.org/article/med/21549819
- Lu Y et al. Recent developments in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) (2021). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8124789/
- Ern PTY et al. Therapeutic properties of Inonotus obliquus (2023). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11132974/
- Docherty S. et al. Acute and chronic effects of lion's mane... (2023). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
- Surendran G et al. Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium. .. (2025). Open access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12018234/
- Organic Superfoods (Blog). Lion's Mane: benefits... (2024). https://organicasuperfoods.com/melena-de-leon-beneficios-y-la-importancia-de-la-vitamina-c/
