Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Stress Free Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Host Defense MycoBotanicals

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Stress Free is a dietary supplement by Host Defense MycoBotanicals with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and cognitive support, nerve health, mood and anxiety.Based on those ingredients, 1,430 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract, Reishi, Lion's Mane. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Stress Free by Host Defense MycoBotanicals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Stress Free contains five active ingredients: Lion's Mane, Reishi, Skullcap, Lemon Balm leaf extract, and Ashwagandha root extract. The product also includes inactive ingredients—dried myceliated brown rice, pullulan, and maltodextrin—which serve as fillers and capsule material.

Each ingredient is a botanical extract or mushroom with a traditional or researched role in supporting relaxation or stress response.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: stress relief and relaxation support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia, Fatigue, nervousness, sleep quality — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia.
  • Also on file: Lemon Balm is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Insomnia.

The evidence for this product's effectiveness is limited. Lemon balm has been rated Possibly Effective for cold sores and for stress and depression; ashwagandha is rated Possibly Effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder.

However, Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Skullcap all have insufficient reliable evidence in our data for their commonly claimed uses—including support for cognitive function, anxiety, stress, and athletic performance. Reishi is also rated Possibly Ineffective for lowering cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).

If you're considering this product for a specific condition, chat with your pharmacist about what the science actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lion's Mane Mushroom Reishi Mushroom Skullcap Lemon Balm Ashwagandha

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these ingredients are generally well tolerated in the short term, but long-term safety data are sparse. Lion's Mane, Reishi, Skullcap, and Lemon Balm can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, dizziness, or sedation in some people.

Ashwagandha is well tolerated at typical doses, though diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness can occur; rarely, it has been linked to acute liver damage. None of these ingredients have adequate safety data in pregnancy—the data advises against use.

Similarly, breastfeeding safety is not well established for any of them; Lemon Balm carries a caution to discuss with your doctor first, but the others are best avoided. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering this product in either situation, talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lion's Mane Mushroom Reishi Mushroom Skullcap Lemon Balm Ashwagandha

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lemon Balm, Reishi Mushroom, Ashwagandha, Skullcap, Lion's Mane Mushroom.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,431 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Stress Free, check with your pharmacist if you take any of these: drugs that damage the liver (hepatotoxic drugs)—the most serious concern; blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; blood pressure medications; sedatives, sleep aids, or other CNS depressants (including benzodiazepines like Valium or Klonopin); thyroid hormone replacements; or drugs that suppress the immune system. Also mention any medications broken down by the enzyme CYP1A2.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines five botanical ingredients with modest research support for stress and anxiety, but the interaction profile is significant. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, sedatives, benzodiazepines, thyroid hormones, immune-suppressing drugs, or any medication that stresses the liver, you need to check each one with your pharmacist before starting.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Stress Free, straight from the product label.

Brand Host Defense MycoBotanicals
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2017
DSLD ID 74180
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Stress Free by Host Defense MycoBotanicals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Lion's Mane300 mg--
Reishi300 mg--
Skullcap200 mg--
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf extract100 mg--
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract100 mg--

Other ingredients: dried myceliated Brown Rice, Pullulan, Maltodextrin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Host Defense is the #1 best-selling mushroom brand in the U.S.: The highest quality and scientifically validated

Guaranteed, accurate identity of each mushroom

Heat treated to proper temperature to ensure safety & bioavailabilty +200(0)F

Produced under the direct supervision of Paul Stamets, D.Sc. Proceeds help to save bees, trees, people & planet Bee friendly

Source: SPINScan natural/Natural products supermarkets > $2MM/Total US - Natural channel/Mushroom ingredient report/52 wks ending 9/04/2016

Promotes natural calm & tranquility

By including certified organic herbs that have been carefully selected to complement the health benefits of mushrooms, this marriage provides the best of both worlds. Like the dance of the sun and the moon, two kingdoms are paired together to provide the best possible functional food formula for promoting natural calm and tranquility

Feature Benefit Reishi Supports adrenal function Lion's mane Supports a calm and balanced mood Lemon balm Supports a peaceful emotional state Ashwaganda Promotes a healthy stress response Skullcap Promotes mental relaxation

Seals/Symbols

Identity guaranteed

Producer Certified organic Washington State Dept. of Agriculture

Non GMO Project Verified

Formulation

Made with certified organic ingredients

Non-GMO verified ingredients

Gluten free

Certified organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Formula

Made with organic mushrooms, skullcap, lemon balm & ashwagandha

We use activated, dried, certified organic mushroom mycelium, with a full spectrum of constituents which are essential for supporting natural immunity.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions For Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules once per day. Can be taken with food or on an empty stomach or as recommended by your healthcare advisor.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

If you have a medical condition, are taking medications, or are pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare professional before using this product.

Brand IP Statement(s)

MycoBotanicals Stress Free Host Defense MycoBotanicals is a blend of mushrooms and herbs.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Stress Free by Host Defense MycoBotanicals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Stress Free by Host Defense MycoBotanicals

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Lion's Mane

Interacts with
327 drugs
300 mg per serving

Lion's mane is an edible mushroom that is popular as a 'nootropic' for memory, focus, and nerve health, but solid human evidence is still limited and...

Lion's Mane monograph & interactions

Reishi

Interacts with
375 drugs
300 mg per serving

Reishi is a traditional Asian mushroom widely used to support the immune system and overall wellness. Human evidence for most of its claimed benefits...

Reishi monograph & interactions

Skullcap

Interacts with
248 drugs
200 mg per serving

American skullcap is an herb traditionally used to calm anxiety and promote relaxation, but solid human evidence is very limited. It is generally cons...

Skullcap monograph & interactions
100 mg per serving

Lemon balm is a gentle, lemon-scented mint-family herb traditionally used to ease stress, support sleep, and calm digestion, and topically for cold so...

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf extract monograph & interactions
100 mg per serving

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dried myceliated Brown Rice, Pullulan, Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Stress Free by Host Defense MycoBotanicals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Stress Free?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,430Drugs
1,002 Moderate 428 Minor

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Stress Free with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C

Reishi3 drug types · 375 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.
A dose of 1.5 grams daily of reishi mushroom does not seem to decrease platelet aggregation, but a higher dose of 3 grams daily does.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research. Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lion's Mane3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, lion's mane mushroom may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research suggests that lion's mane mushroom extracts can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, lion's mane mushroom may have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that an aqueous extract of lion's mane mushroom can reduce serum glucose and increase serum insulin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of lion's mane mushroom might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In animal and in vitro research, lion's mane mushroom polysaccharides stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf extract2 drug types · 264 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of lemon balm might have additive effects with CNS depressant drugs.
Lemon balm seems to have CNS depressant activity in animals and in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, lemon balm might interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
In vitro, constituents of lemon balm extract bind to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), preventing TSH receptor-binding and leading to the inhibition of TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. In animals, lemon balm extract has been shown to decrease levels of circulating TSH and inhibit thyroid secretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Skullcap1 drug type · 248 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.
Animal and clinical research suggests that skullcap can cause sedation and cognitive impairment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Stress Free, from the product label.

Host Defense MycoBotanicals

See all Host Defense MycoBotanicals products
Name
Fungi Perfecti, LLC
Street Address
PO Box 7634
City
Olympia
State
WA
ZipCode
98507
Phone Number
877-504-6926
Web Address
Hostdefense.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Stress Free by Host Defense MycoBotanicals: Common Questions

Does Stress Free by Host Defense MycoBotanicals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Stress Free has a known interaction with 1,430 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Stress Free contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does Stress Free have any ingredients that can affect how my blood thinner works?
Yes. Both Lion's Mane and Reishi may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Reishi's effect depends on dose—1.5 grams daily seems safe, but higher doses may be risky. Check with your pharmacist before combining this product with any blood thinner.
Can I take this if I'm on medication for diabetes?
Not without checking first. Both Lion's Mane and ashwagandha may lower blood sugar and could add to your diabetes medication's effect, raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Reishi may also have additive effects. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about whether it's safe for you.
What are the most common side effects?
The ingredients most commonly cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and dizziness. Skullcap and lemon balm may cause sedation, and sedation and cognitive impairment are possible at higher doses of skullcap. These effects are usually mild, but product quality and individual response vary.
Will this help my anxiety?
Ashwagandha and lemon balm are both rated Possibly Effective for anxiety and stress in our data. Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Skullcap do not have reliable evidence for anxiety in the data we hold. Results vary person to person, and you should discuss whether this product is right for your situation with your pharmacist or doctor.
Can I take Stress Free if I'm on a blood pressure medication?
Not safely without checking first. Both Reishi and ashwagandha may lower blood pressure, and either could dangerously drop your blood pressure if combined with a blood pressure medication. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using this product.
Is it safe to take Stress Free with my sleep aid or anti-anxiety medication?
Probably not. Skullcap, lemon balm, and ashwagandha all may add to the sedating effects of central nervous system depressants, including sleep aids and anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. This could increase drowsiness and cognitive impairment. Always check with your pharmacist first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Stress Free is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Stress Free label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Stress Free’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Interacts with 327 drugs

Lion's mane is an edible mushroom that is popular as a 'nootropic' for memory, focus, and nerve health, but solid human evidence is still limited and early. It is generally well tolerated as...

Read the full Lion's Mane Mushroom monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Reishi Mushroom

Interacts with 375 drugs

Reishi is a traditional Asian mushroom widely used to support the immune system and overall wellness. Human evidence for most of its claimed benefits is limited or low-quality, so it should...

Read the full Reishi Mushroom monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Skullcap

Interacts with 248 drugs

American skullcap is an herb traditionally used to calm anxiety and promote relaxation, but solid human evidence is very limited. It is generally considered relatively safe for short-term us...

Read the full Skullcap monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Lemon Balm

Interacts with 264 drugs

Lemon balm is a gentle, lemon-scented mint-family herb traditionally used to ease stress, support sleep, and calm digestion, and topically for cold sores. Early studies are promising but gen...

Read the full Lemon Balm monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Stress Free's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 70 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lion's Mane Mushroom 6 references
  1. Product information for <em>Niaspan</em>. Abbott Laboratories. North Chicago, IL 60064. April 2015.
  2. Liang B, Guo Z, Xie F, Zhao A. Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus in experimental diabetic rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013;13:253. PubMed
  3. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009;23(3):367-72.
  4. Mori K, Kikuchi H, Obara Y, et al. Inhibitory effect of hericenone B from Hericium erinaceus on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(14):1082-5. PubMed
  5. Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH, et al. Prevention of early Alzheimer's disease by erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelia pilot double-blind placebo-controlled study. Front Aging Neurosci 2020 Jun 3;12:155. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155. PubMed
  6. Tian B, Liu R, Xu T, et al. Modulating effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides on the immune response by regulating gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-treated mice. J Sci Food Agric 2023;103(6):3050-3064.

See these in context on the Lion's Mane Mushroom monograph →

Reishi Mushroom 17 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Tao J, Feng KY. Experimental and clinical studies on inhibitory effect of ganoderma lucidum on platelet aggregation. J Tongji Med Univ 1990;10:240-3. PubMed
  3. Singh AB, Gupta SK, Pereira BM, Prakash D. Sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum in patients with respiratory allergy in India. Clin Exp Allergy 1995;25:440-7.
  4. Lee SY, Rhee HM. Cardiovascular effects of mycelium extract of Ganoderma lucidum: inhibition of sympathetic outflow as a mechanism of its hypotensive action. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1990;38:1359-64. PubMed
  5. Kwok Y, Ng KFJ, Li, CCF, et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the platelet and global hemostatic effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling-Zhi) in healthy volunteers. Anesth Analg 2005;101:423-6. PubMed
  6. Wanmuang, H., Leopairut, J., Kositchaiwat, C., Wananukul, W., and Bunyaratvej, S. Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007;90(1):179-181.
  7. Seto, S. W., Lam, T. Y., Tam, H. L., Au, A. L., Chan, S. W., Wu, J. H., Yu, P. H., Leung, G. P., Ngai, S. M., Yeung, J. H., Leung, P. S., Lee, S. M., and Kwan, Y. W. Novel hypoglycemic effects of Ganoderma lucidum water-extract in obese/diabetic (+db/+db
  8. Chu, T. T., Benzie, I. F., Lam, C. W., Fok, B. S., Lee, K. K., and Tomlinson, B. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027.
  9. Jin, X., Ruiz, Beguerie J., Sze, D. M., and Chan, G. C. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;6:CD007731.
  10. Kabir, Y., Kimura, S., and Tamura, T. Dietary effect of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom on blood pressure and lipid levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). J Nutr Sci Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 1988;34(4):433-438. PubMed
  11. Kanmatsuse, K., Kajiwara, N., Hayashi, K., Shimogaichi, S., Fukinbara, I., Ishikawa, H., and Tamura, T. [Studies on Ganoderma lucidum. I. Efficacy against hypertension and side effects]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1985;105(10):942-947. PubMed
  12. Gao, Y., Lan, J., Dai, X., Ye, J., and Zhou, S. A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum(W.Curt: Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2004;6. DOI
  13. Jin H, Zhang G, Cao X, and et al. Treatment of hypertension by linzhi combined with hypotensor and its effects on arterial, arteriolar and capillary pressure and microcirculation. In: Niimi H, Xiu RJ, Sawada T, and et al. Microcirculatory Approach to Asi
  14. Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, Kiat H, Cao H, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Feb 17;2:CD007259. PubMed
  15. Zhao H, Zhang Q, Zhao L, Huang X, Wang J, Kang X. Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:809614.
  16. Pazzi F, Adsuar JC, Domínguez-Muñoz FJ, García-Gordillo MA, Gusi N, Collado-Mateo D. Ganoderma lucidum effects on mood and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Healthcare (Basel) 2020;8(4):520. PubMed
  17. Kogure T, Koiwai A, Fukushi D, et al. Hypereosinophilia with hepatic nodule formation caused by Ganoderma lucidum. Intern Med 2021;60(24):3897-3903.

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Skullcap 3 references
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Ashwagandha 32 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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