Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access

Abstract

Mood and Sleep Benefits of Mushroom Supplementation in Young Adults: An Exploratory Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Rachel Nye Venter, Robert Wildman, Mark Haub, Melissa Kirby Riddell* and Divya Chandradhara

Mood disturbances and poor sleep are increasingly prevalent in young adults, fueling interest in natural alternatives.

Background: This exploratory randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm parallel-group trial evaluated the effects of an organic mushroom extract blend on mood, sleep quality and salivary cortisol.

Methods: Eighty adults (aged 18-40) with self-reported poor sleep and mood symptoms were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive capsules or snack bars, with or without 250 mg mushroom blend, divided into equal servings and taken twice daily for 25 days. Primary outcomes were changes in Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores; secondary outcomes included salivary cortisol. Safety was assessed via vital signs and hematological markers, with analyses conducted using nonparametric statistics. Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry–India (CTRI/2024/02/063100).

Results: Seventy-eight participants completed the trial. Both mushroom groups showed significant reductions in DASS-21 and PSQI scores at Days 13 and 25 compared with placebo (p<0.05), exceeding any changes in placebo groups. Salivary cortisol was also significantly reduced at Day 25 in mushroom groups versus placebo (p<0.001). No treatment-related adverse events or clinically significant changes in safety markers were observed.

Conclusions: Supplementation with an organic mushroom extract blend improved mood, sleep quality and physiological stress markers, with no safety concerns. These findings suggest benefits may be mediated, at least in part, through modulation of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis. Both capsule and snack bar formats were effective, safe and well tolerated, supporting the blend’s potential as a natural strategy for stress and sleep support.

Published Date: 2025-10-31; Received Date: 2025-09-30