Adaptogens are having their moment — but with that comes noise, overpromises, and blurred definitions. At Micelia Labs, we don’t chase trends. We focus on what’s proven, what’s rooted in tradition, and what stands up to modern science.
For centuries, adaptogens have been part of traditional medicine. Today, research is revealing how and why they work — insights that strengthen our formulas and deepen our understanding. We believe that an informed community is a stronger one, so we share what we know and continue to publish findings as new data emerges.
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are bioactive allies that help your body stay balanced under physical, mental, or emotional stress. They don’t block stress — they train your system to respond more effectively. Our bodies are not made to be fixed by a single miracle solution, rather we should look at systems and how we can help regulate, heal and maintain a healthy network within our minds and bodies.
It’s also important to distinguish between adaptogens and the bioactives they contain. Adaptogens are the whole plant, fungi, or extract that delivers benefits. Bioactives are the specific compounds inside — such as beta-glucans, triterpenes, or erinacines — that create those benefits. Understanding both levels is key to understanding their potential.
How Do They Work?
Your stress response is regulated by a network called the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. When that system is under constant pressure, it can lead to fatigue, inflammation, and reduced overall resilience.
Adaptogens interact with the HPA axis and related systems, helping to:
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Regulate cortisol and other stress hormones
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Support anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways
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Maintain stability in the face of ongoing stress
Active compounds — like the triterpenes in Reishi, the D-fraction beta-glucans in Maitake , or the beta-glucans in Turkey Tail — help modulate these responses. The effect isn’t instant or dramatic. It’s gradual, steady, and sustainable.
Put simply: adaptogens help your body remember what balance feels like.
Where do Adaptogens come from?
Most adaptogens come from plants and fungi, though some synthetic compounds can have adaptogenic effects. At Micelia Labs, we focus on adaptogens from fungi and other bioactives (all proudly produced here in Mexico), using the mycelium — the living root-like network that produces key compounds, where most of the richest, most potent bioactives live.
Mycelium, the root-like structure of a fungus, produces secondary metabolites that contribute to the adaptogenic properties of mushrooms, alongside those found in the visible fruiting body. Therefore, when discussing adaptogenic mushrooms, it's important to consider both the fruiting body and the mycelium as sources of these beneficial compounds and distinguishing between the two, depending on your needs.
Many plants and fungi contain unique bioactives with targeted benefits. Understanding each — and the compounds they carry — allows you to choose adaptogens that align with your specific needs. For example, Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extracts have been studied for their potential in supporting healthy aging and skin vitality. Lion’s Mane offers two distinct sets of compounds — hericenones in the fruiting body and erinacines in the mycelium — each contributing to its cognitive and nervous system support.
By cultivating mycelium under carefully controlled conditions, we preserve the integrity of the whole organism while ensuring precision, consistency, and maximum functional potential. Too often, the supplement industry hides behind vague claims, leading to products with inconsistent quality and diluted benefits. At Micelia Labs, we do the opposite: we prioritise transparency, traceability, and education. Our goal is to help you build a stronger relationship with your own health system — supported by products you can trust, down to every active compound.
Whether you’re starting with one adaptogen or diving into a full blend, you’ll find your perfect match. Browse our Functional Formulas here and start your journey incorporating adaptogens today.
How To Use Adaptogens & Bioactives?
Adaptogens and bioactives can be part of your daily routine in simple, intentional ways — and you don’t have to choose just one. Many companies and brands are developing new methods and formats that allow people to ingest adaptogens in ways that fit naturally, and simply within your routine.
Many of our formulas combine multiple ingredients to target benefits like stress support, focus, immune strength, or energy in the form of Single Fungus Formulas and blended Functional Formulas to target multiple stress areas at once.
They’re generally safe, but like all functional tools, they’re not one-size-fits-all:
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If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or managing a chronic condition — check with your doctor first.
Some compounds may feel strong for sensitive stomachs, so start slowly.
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“Natural” doesn’t mean “neutral” — consistency over time matters more than large doses. In many peer-reviewed studies, benefits have a tendency to decline after the discontinuation of supplementation, suggesting a need for sustained intake to maintain cognitive enhancements ->read more about it here.
There is a lot of information out there, can often confuse the reader, and oversells and overpromises. We recommend doing your own research, where many of the studies have been peer-reviewed making the claims realistic and undeniable. For instance, a good research paper on how adaptogens support overall wellness, see this study in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients.
