Effects of mushroom blend supplementation on stress, fatigue, and sleep in healthy adults

ISRCTN ISRCTN11367589
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11367589
EudraCT/CTIS number Nik known
Secondary identifying numbers NWRS
Submission date
13/04/2025
Registration date
14/04/2025
Last edited
14/04/2025
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Stress, fatigue, and sleep disturbances represent pervasive challenges in contemporary society, significantly impacting individual well-being and overall health. Recognizing the need for innovative and holistic approaches to address these interconnected issues, this clinical trial seeks to investigate the adaptogenic effects of a carefully formulated Mushroom Blend Supplementation. Adaptogens, a class of natural compounds known for their ability to enhance the body's resilience to stressors, have garnered increasing attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits. Mushrooms, with their rich bioactive compounds, are of particular interest due to their purported adaptogenic properties, suggesting a promising avenue for addressing stress-related concerns.
The objective of this study is to understand the effects of mushroom blend supplementation on fatigue and cognitive performance among healthy subjects.
The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively investigate the effects of mushroom blend supplementation on stress levels among healthy subjects by employing rigorously validated measures, and concurrently, to assess its impact on mitigating fatigue through standardized assessments, thereby discerning the potential interplay between stress reduction and fatigue alleviation resulting from the supplementation.
In addition, the secondary objective of this research is to delve into the intricate dynamics of sleep patterns among healthy individuals following the administration of mushroom blend supplementation. This includes a thorough examination of sleep quality and duration, coupled with an in-depth analysis of alterations in sleep architecture, encompassing changes in sleep stages and continuity. By doing so, the study aims to discern any discernible correlations between the reduction in stress and fatigue and the observed enhancements in sleep parameters induced by the mushroom blend supplementation.

Who can participate?
People aged between 22-55 years with specific stress-related symptoms and fatigue

What does the study involve?
Participants will be given a mushroom blend supplement daily for a set period. The study will be conducted in two phases, focusing on measuring changes in stress, fatigue, and sleep. Participants will be required to complete some questionnaires and undergo health assessments at various points during the study to track their progress. The study will involve regular check-ins to monitor side effects and collect data.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The potential benefits of participating in this study include improvements in your stress levels, fatigue, and sleep quality. While the mushroom blend is generally considered safe, there may be some mild side effects, such as stomach upset. These will be closely monitored, and participants can withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.

Where is the study run from?
Prima Nexus Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
June 2024 to February 2025

Who is funding the study?
Nexus Wise Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)

Who is the main contact?
Dr Lee Tze Yan, ljlee@primanexus.com.my, tzeyan.lee@gmail.com

Contact information

Dr Le Jie Lee
Public, Scientific, Principal Investigator

28-1B, Jalan Puteri 1/2, Bandar Puteri Puchong
Puchong
47100
Malaysia

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0001-6789-4772
Phone +60 (0)173053089
Email ljlee@primanexus.com.my

Study information

Study designRandomized double-blind placebo-controlled two-arm parallel study
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Community
Study typeQuality of life, Efficacy
Participant information sheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g1UK8DjMRlPFKQBUI9FMRIuHSZ9nt6wr/view?usp=drive_link
Scientific titleAdaptogenic effects of mushroom blend supplementation on stress, fatigue and sleep
Study acronymAEMBSSFS
Study objectivesMushroom blend supplementation will reduce stress and fatigue and improve sleep quality among healthy adults compared to placebo
Ethics approval(s)

Approved 01/12/2024, SEGi Research Ethics Committee (No.9, Jalan Teknologi, Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara, PJU 5, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Petaling Jaya, 47810, Malaysia; +60 (0)362873192; wongmeiszin@segi.edu.my), ref: SEGiEC/StR/FOM/379/2024-2025

Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedManagement of stress, fatigue, and sleep disturbances in healthy adults
InterventionParticipants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 500 mg of mushroom blend supplement or 500 mg of placebo, administered as one oral capsule daily after a meal for 12 weeks. Randomisation is performed using a computer-generated randomisation list. Both the participants and study staff are blinded to group allocation. The placebo is identical in appearance to the active supplement. Compliance is monitored through capsule counts and participant diaries.
Intervention typeSupplement
Primary outcome measurePerceived stress is measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at baseline, week 6, and week 12
Secondary outcome measures1. Fatigue is measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and the National Academy of Sciences (NASs) chronic fatigue symptom assessment at baseline, week 6, and week 12
2. Sleep quality is measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Insomnia Symptoms Questionnaire (ISQ) at baseline, week 6, and week 12
Overall study start date01/06/2024
Completion date28/02/2025

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Population
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit22 Years
Upper age limit55 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants50
Total final enrolment50
Key inclusion criteria1. Aged between 22-55 years
2. Able to give informed consent
3. Agreed to come for follow-up
4. Body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 35 kg/m2

Primary objective (stress & fatigue):
Suffering from at least three of the symptoms of stress:
1. Headache
2. Palpitation at rest
3. Abnormal perception of hearing
4. Blurring of vision
5. Forgetfulness
6. Sexual problems of recent origin
7. Frequent GI symptoms, lack of appetite, or dislike of even favourite food
8. Abnormal movements of the upper limb, tics, tremors, scratching
9. Abnormal sensory perceptions, particularly of the lower limbs and face
10. Quarrelsome behaviour with later realisation of a mistake
11. Frequent feeling of exhaustion or overwork
12. Frequent sleep problems of recent origin
13. Avoidance of even familiar people
14. Missing appointments for other things less important

Participants showed an anxiety State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score of more than 40 and less than 60 at the screening visit. The cutoff value of STAI to detect clinical symptoms for the state anxiety scale has been suggested as 39-40. [Stress]
Score 14 or higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and give a rating of 3 or higher on at least one of the first 5 questions of the Insomnia Symptoms Questionnaire (ISQ). [Stress + Sleep]
Chronic fatigue symptoms assessed as ≥ 5 on the NASs for ‘postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours’, ‘substantial impairment in short-term memory and concentration’, and ‘unrefreshing sleep’ [Fatigue]
MFI-20 score ≥ 7 for the subscales ‘general fatigue’, ‘physical fatigue’, ‘mental fatigue [Fatigue]

Secondary objective (Sleep):
1. Score 14 or higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and give a rating of 3 or higher on at least one of the first 5 questions of the Insomnia Symptoms Questionnaire (ISQ). [Stress + Sleep]
2. Participants must not have any sleep disorders and must have Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores of 5 points or lower [Sleep]
Key exclusion criteria1. History of significant cardiac, hepatic, renal, brain, or blood-allergic disease
2. Physical disabilities
3. Taking allopathic or herbal medicines or participating in any other clinical trial
4. Pregnant/breastfeeding
5. Employed in night shift work, rotational shift work, or were experiencing external factors that may affect sleep patterns
6. People experiencing a sleep disorder other than moderate insomnia (eg, sleep apnoea, periodic limb movement disorder, restless legs syndrome)
7. Consuming more than 3 cups of coffee per day (or equivalent caffeine intake from other caffeinated drinks, e.g., tea, energy drinks)
8. Alcohol consumption greater than 14 standard drinks per week
9. Taking pharmaceutical medications or natural supplements that may affect sleep quality
10. Receiving nonpharmacological treatment for sleep disorders (eg, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation therapy)
11. Current or 12-month history of illicit drug use
12. Recently-diagnosed or unmanaged medical condition including but not limited to: diabetes, hyper/hypotension, cardiovascular disease, a gastrointestinal disease requiring regular use of medications, gallbladder disease/ gallstones/biliary disease, endocrine disease, neurological disease (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease, intracranial haemorrhage, head or brain injury), or acute or chronic pain affecting sleep
13. A medical history of gastrointestinal diseases (oesophageal achalasia, oesophageal stricture, or Crohn’s disease) or operations (other than simple appendectomy or hernia surgeries) that may affect drug absorption
14. Hypothyroid condition
15. Participant on immunosuppressant (i.e., steroids)
16. Participants with intense workout routine daily
17. Use of immune-modifying medications or dietary supplements affecting the immune system (at least 2 weeks of washing period for inclusion)
Date of first enrolment01/12/2024
Date of final enrolment01/02/2025

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Malaysia

Study participating centre

Prima Nexus Sdn. Bhd.
28-1B, Jalan Puteri 1/2, Bandar Puteri Puchong, 47100 Selangor
Puchong
47100
Malaysia

Sponsor information

Nexus Wise Sdn. Bhd.
Industry

Unit C-G-08 (Lobby 4) Block C
Damansara Intan e-Business Park
47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Petaling Jaya
47400
Malaysia

Phone +60 (0)322988288
Email tkleo@nexuswise.com.my
Website https://nexuswise.com/

Funders

Funder type

Industry

Nexus Wise Sdn. Bhd.

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date01/07/2025
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareYes
IPD sharing plan summaryAvailable on request
Publication and dissemination planPlanned publication in a peer-reviewed journal
IPD sharing planThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study will be available upon request from Dr Lee Tze Yan (tzeyan.lee@gmail.com)

Editorial Notes

14/04/2025: Study's existence confirmed by the SEGi Research Ethics Committee.