Mental Health

Stress

About Stress — Mental Health.

Chronic stress, burnout and high cortisol — distinct from anxiety.

3studies analysed

2compounds with evidence

Randomised trialstrongest evidence

Where research is strongest

Add your outcome — free & pseudonymous

Tried something for Stress? Share how it went — only ever published as part of a group of 10+.

6linked compounds

40linked studies

0published community reports

Results By the numbers Community Research Compounds

Headline results for Stress.

Figures as the studies reported them.

Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.

Ashwagandha

5 of 6 results reported a benefit

2 randomised trials, 60 people

Perceived stressNo clear benefit foundsee exact figuresAshwagandha did not significantly reduce stress levels compared to placebo in adults over 12 weeks.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗

Also measured alongside: Fatigue symptoms (reported a benefit); Overall well-being (reported a benefit); Free testosterone (reported a benefit); and 2 more.

Every result

Reishi

1 of 4 results reported a benefit

1 randomised trial

Nothing measured this condition directly. These were measured:

BMI and blood pressureNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedGanoderma did not change BMI or blood pressure compared to placebo.1 randomised trial2012 study ↗

Also measured alongside: Antioxidant and immune markers (no clear benefit); Blood fats (lipids) (unclear); Insulin resistance (reported a benefit).

Every result

Where the evidence is concentrated.

Published research

Stress: findings by compound

What this means: Bars count reported findings, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.

One study may report several findings or appear in more than one pairing. Counts do not show the size of an effect. Comparable numerical estimates are not established for this summary.

View the full data table

Published research: reported directions by pairing
Compound and condition	Findings (count)	Studies (count)	Reported results (finding counts)	How sure?
Ashwagandha	6	2	Benefit: 5; no benefit: 1; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Reishi	4	1	Benefit: 1; no benefit: 2; harm: 0; unclear: 1; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded

Degree of benefit for Stress

Strongest evidence first.

Published research: Stress. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Compound	Study designs	Reported findings
AshwagandhaResearch score 55/100 · Moderate	2 randomised trials — 2 studies	5/6 outcomes showed benefit Perceived well-being (energy, mental clarity, sleep quality, stress)Reported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit2022 study ↗ Exact figures n=60 · Follow-up: 30 days · Sample (as reported): 60 · Recorded unit: Not reported · The Perceived Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep Quality, Energy, and Mental Clarity for College Students: Qualitative Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 35984870 Perceived Stress ScaleNo clear benefit found — see exact figuresno benefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures (p=0.867) · Follow-up: 12-week · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 37740662 Chalder Fatigue ScaleReported a benefit — see exact figuresbenefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures (p=0.016) · Follow-up: 12-week · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 37740662 Free testosteroneReported a benefit — see exact figuresbenefit2023 study ↗ Exact figures (p=0.048) · Follow-up: 12-week · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 37740662 +2 more outcomes →
ReishiResearch score 11/100 · Mixed/Weak	1 randomised trial — 1 study	1/4 outcomes showed benefit Insulin resistance — how well the body responds to insulinReported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit2012 study ↗ Exact figures n=twenty-three · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): twenty-three · Recorded unit: Not reported · Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 21801467 Antioxidant and immune markersNo clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2012 study ↗ Exact figures n=twenty-three · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): twenty-three · Recorded unit: Not reported · Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 21801467 Blood lipidsUnclear result — measurement not reportedunclear2012 study ↗ Exact figures n=twenty-three · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): twenty-three · Recorded unit: Not reported · Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 21801467 BMI and blood pressureNo clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2012 study ↗ Exact figures n=twenty-three · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): twenty-three · Recorded unit: Not reported · Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 21801467

Important: This page reflects observational, aggregate-only community reporting and independent published research. It is not medical advice, and it does not claim any compound treats, cures, or is effective for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or treatment.

No community reports published yet.

We publish stress results only once at least 10 people report on the same compound, so no individual report is ever shown.

Ashwagandha
Research saysResearch score 55/100 · Moderate2 of 2 studies reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports
Reishi
Research saysResearch score 11/100 · Mixed/Weak1 of 1 study reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports

Used something for stress? Share how it went — only ever published in a group of 10 or more.

Add your outcome

Peer-reviewed research.

Every study behind the numbers above is linked next to its result.

37 more papers, not summarised above

Strongest evidence first.

01Potential Bioactive Function of Microbial Metabolites as Inhibitors of Tyrosinase: A Systematic ReviewBarcenas-Giraldo S, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2026

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 41596661 ↗02Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsAlsanie SA, et al. · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2026

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 41644067 ↗03Mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in the mangement of diabetes and its complicationsXin Y, et al. · Frontiers in pharmacology · 2026

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 42147328 ↗04Edible and Medicinal Fungi as Candidate Natural Antidepressants: Mechanisms and Nutritional ImplicationsGong P, et al. · Molecular nutrition & food research · 2025

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 40289452 ↗05Levodopa and Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Parkinson's Disease: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future PerspectivesAktaş E, et al. · CNS neuroscience & therapeutics · 2025

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 40808332 ↗06Transcriptome-based meta-analysis of drought stress regulatory genes in tomatoMurtaza M, et al. · BMC plant biology · 2025

Meta-Analysis · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 41068586 ↗07Piriformis syndrome: a systematic review of case reportsMonteleone G, et al. · BMC surgery · 2025

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 41068685 ↗08A systematic review and meta-analysis of cortisol levels in Plasmodium infectionsKotepui KU, et al. · Scientific reports · 2024

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 39107355 ↗09Meta-analysis identifies key genes and pathways implicated in Benzo[a]pyrene exposure responseZhu M, et al. · Chemosphere · 2024

Meta-Analysis · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 39154768 ↗10Treatment Efficacy of Pharmacotherapies for Frontotemporal Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsHuang MH, et al. · The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry · 2023

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 37633762 ↗11Verbascoside: A neuroprotective phenylethanoid glycosides with anti-depressive propertiesZhao Y, et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2023

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 37657207 ↗12Effects of Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation on Exercise and Sport: A Systematic ReviewLu Y, et al. · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 35464040 ↗13Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic reviewChurch D, et al. · Frontiers in psychology · 2022

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 36438382 ↗14Associated Targets of the Antioxidant Cardioprotection of Ganoderma lucidum in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Using Open Targets Platform: A Systematic ReviewShaher F, et al. · BioMed research international · 2020

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 32775437 ↗15Traumatic stress and accelerated DNA methylation age: A meta-analysisWolf EJ, et al. · Psychoneuroendocrinology · 2018

Meta-Analysis · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 29452766 ↗16Epigenetic meta-analysis across three civilian cohorts identifies NRG1 and HGS as blood-based biomarkers for post-traumatic stress disorderUddin M, et al. · Epigenomics · 2018

Meta-Analysis · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 30456986 ↗17Stress, burnout and depression: A systematic review on DNA methylation mechanismsBakusic J, et al. · Journal of psychosomatic research · 2017

Systematic Review · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 27998510 ↗18An updated meta-analysis of oxidative stress markers in bipolar disorderBrown NC, et al. · Psychiatry research · 2014

Meta-Analysis · matched via Stress · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 24794031 ↗19Randomized controlled trial evaluating synbiotic supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's diseaseRamadan ME, et al. · Inflammopharmacology · 2025

Randomized Controlled Trial · matched via Stress · open-access full text · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 40434674 ↗20A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of doxazosin for posttraumatic distressing dreams and sleep disturbance in men and women with posttraumatic stressRichards A, et al. · Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine · 2025