Research Area: Stress
33 ingredients studied for effects on Stress — sorted by research relevance.
Ergothionein
Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid found primarily in mushrooms, studied for potential antioxidant and age-related benefits despite limited human evidence.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
NAC is a glutathione precursor with established medical use. As a longevity supplement (especially as GlyNAC), early human data is promising but limited.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and other normal body functions, with approved EFSA claims. Megadoses show no clear benefit beyond adequate intake.
Fisetin
Fisetin is a flavonoid senolytic that clears senescent ('zombie') cells in animal studies. Human trials are ongoing; robust clinical evidence is still lacking.
Apigenin
Apigenin is a flavonoid from chamomile and parsley that inhibits CD38, an enzyme that degrades NAD+. Complements NMN/NR approaches. Early human evidence.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic adaptogen backed by multiple RCTs for stress and cortisol reduction. Sleep and testosterone effects are promising but come from small studies.
Schisandra
Classic adaptogenic berry used for stress resilience and liver support. Traditional use is extensive, but human clinical evidence remains modest and inconsistent.
Gynostemma (Jiaogulan)
Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) is an adaptogenic herb from Southeast Asia that activates AMPK like metformin, and is associated with longevity in Chinese populations.
Phosphatidylserin
Phosphatidylserine is a membrane phospholipid with an EFSA-approved health claim for maintaining normal cognitive function at 100 mg/day.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Edible mushroom with active compounds (hericenones, erinacines) that stimulate NGF and BDNF synthesis. Early RCTs in MCI and anxiety show positive signals — evidence remains preliminary.
Iron
Essential for oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and immune function. Clearly effective when deficiency is confirmed — do not supplement without a lab diagnosis.
Reishi
Reishi is among the most famous medicinal mushrooms. The immune support and longevity narrative is compelling, but human evidence remains limited.
Vitamin E (Tocopherole)
Vitamin E: 8 lipid-soluble antioxidants protecting cell membranes. Natural mixed tocopherols are generally safe; high-dose synthetic forms carry risks documented in the SELECT trial.
Glycin
Glycine is the smallest amino acid, required for glutathione, collagen, and creatine. In GlyNAC form, it shows promise for aging markers in older adults.
GABA
GABA seems logical for relaxation and sleep, but faces a major bioavailability problem: oral doses likely reach the brain only partially, limiting measurable effects.
Ginseng (Panax)
Ginseng is a classical adaptogen for energy and stress, but evidence is mixed and highly extract-dependent. More serious than trend ingredients, yet less effective than marketing suggests.
Pterostilben
Pterostilbene is a resveratrol analogue from blueberries with superior bioavailability (~80% vs 20%). Similar mechanisms (SIRT1, AMPK) but fewer human studies to date.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms with strain-specific effects. Strong evidence for antibiotic diarrhea and IBS; product quality varies dramatically.
Caffeine
The world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. Hundreds of RCTs confirm effects on alertness, reaction time, endurance, and short-term cognition.
Sulforaphan
Sulforaphan activates Nrf2-dependent defence mechanisms and is typically sourced from broccoli sprouts. Strong preclinical evidence; clinical data still building.
PQQ
PQQ is often linked to mitochondria and cellular energy. It sounds elegant, but human evidence remains limited.
Creatine (Creatine Monohydrate)
Creatine is one of the most thoroughly studied supplements for high-intensity muscular work. The strongest evidence is from strength and power sports; further applications are still being explored.
L-Theanine
L-theanine promotes relaxed alertness via alpha-wave activation. Best evidence for caffeine synergy; moderate effects on stress markers. Alone, cognitive benefits are limited.
Glutathion
Glutathione is the body's most celebrated antioxidant. As a supplement, the evidence is far less impressive than its reputation.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothensäure)
Vitamin B5 is essential for CoA and energy metabolism. Deficiency is rare—extra supplements bring little with adequate intake.
Selen
Selenium is essential for glutathione peroxidases and thyroid hormones. In Germany and Austria, selenium supply is structurally low due to selenium-depleted soils.
Betain (Trimethylglycin)
Betaine is a natural methyl donor that lowers homocysteine and shows modest strength gains in some studies, but evidence is inconsistent and limited.
Melatonin
Melatonin regulates the sleep–wake cycle and has antioxidant properties. Evidence is strongest for jet lag and sleep onset; prescription-only above 0.5 mg/day in Germany.
Rhodiola Rosea (Rosenwurz)
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen with RCT evidence for mental fatigue and stress relief. Data are promising but show some heterogeneity across studies.
Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)
Curcumin modulates inflammatory and oxidative pathways; moderate effects on CRP, IL-6, and joint pain—but only with enhanced formulations. Bioavailability is the limiting factor.
Myo-Inositol
Myo-inositol has solid RCT evidence for PCOS and insulin resistance. Promising but limited data for anxiety and panic disorder.
L-Tyrosin
L-Tyrosin is an amino acid precursor of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Studies show cognitive benefits under acute stress and sleep deprivation.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Saffron is mainly studied for mood, stress, and PMS. Human trials are interesting, but still too small and narrow to justify broad health claims or premium pricing narratives.