In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 30 adults aged 50–80 with mild cognitive impairment, those taking 3,000 mg of Hericium erinaceus daily for 16 weeks showed statistically significant improvements in cognitive scores at weeks 8, 12, and 16 compared to placebo (based on the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale). Improvements increased with continued use but declined after stopping supplementation. No adverse effects were reported, supporting the mushroom’s effectiveness and safety for cognitive enhancement.

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In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 41 healthy adults aged 18–45, a single 1.8g dose of Hericium erinaceus improved Stroop task performance within 60 minutes (p = 0.005), indicating enhanced processing speed. After 28 days of daily supplementation, participants also showed a trend toward reduced subjective stress (p = 0.051). While some null results were noted and the sample size was small, the findings suggest both acute and potential long-term cognitive and mood benefits in a healthy population.

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In a scopolamine-induced mouse model of memory impairment, Cordyceps militaris polypeptides significantly enhanced learning and memory, as shown by Morris water maze performance. Mechanistically, it increased antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase), reduced oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde), and regulated neurotransmitter balance (GABA, glutamate). Gene analysis revealed modulation of Pik3r5, Il-1β, and Slc18a2—genes linked to neuroprotection and inflammation. These findings suggest that Cordyceps polypeptides improve cognitive function by reducing oxidative damage and supporting nervous system health.

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In a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 20 healthy adults aged 50–75, those taking 999 mg/day of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) showed a 10.5% increase in metabolic threshold (from 0.83 ± 0.06 to 0.93 ± 0.08 L/min, p < 0.02) and an 8.5% increase in ventilatory threshold (from 1.25 ± 0.11 to 1.36 ± 0.15 L/min). These improvements indicate enhanced exercise performance, with no changes observed in the placebo group or in VO₂ max. The results suggest Cs-4 may help support endurance and overall physical performance in aging adults.

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In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 56 healthy young physicians, daily supplementation with Rhodiola rosea extract (SHR/5) over two weeks significantly improved cognitive performance and reduced fatigue during night duty. Improvements were seen across tests measuring short-term memory, concentration, associative thinking, and perceptual speed. These effects were reflected in a lowered Fatigue Index, indicating better overall mental performance under stress. No side effects were reported, highlighting both the effectiveness and safety of Rhodiola rosea in high-pressure conditions.

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In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 161 military cadets (aged 19–21), a single dose of standardized Rhodiola rosea extract (SHR-5) significantly improved mental work capacity during fatigue, as measured by the Antifatigue Index (AFI). The AFI scores were 1.0385 (2 capsules) and 1.0195 (3 capsules), compared to 0.9046 for placebo (p < 0.001 for both doses). No significant difference was found between the two dosages, though psychometric tests slightly favored the lower dose. The findings confirm Rhodiola’s rapid antifatigue effects, with no impact on physiological parameters like heart rate or blood pressure.

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