Is the hype around adaptogenic drinks too good to be true?

Looking at the science

The history of adaptogenic use is believed to span back thousands of years.

Evidence of their use can be found in traditional Chinese medicine and in the early beginnings of Ayuverda in India, while the medical application of adaptogens is documented amongst 600 other plants by the Ancient Greeks.

In the West, studies on adaptogenic substances and their benefits remain limited. Scientists say there are ‘only about nine well-researched adaptogens’ while the others can only be classified as ‘probable adaptogens’.

Amongst the most studied is lion’s mane, one of the most-used type of mushrooms in adaptogen drinks and supplements. Research has suggested that lion’s mane has positive effects on cognitive function and stress levels.

That said, functional beverages are classified similarly to dietary supplements. Sitting under the category of food products, companies producing adaptogen drinks aren’t forced to comply with the rigorous testing and regulation required for traditional medicines.

Could companies be lying about the level of health-benefiting adaptogens they include in their products?

Well, one study examined reishi mushroom supplements to understand how much of the ingredient was included in each dose. It found that only a quarter of the products tested contained the ingredient amounts listed on their labels.

It’s also worth noting that the way companies extract and prepare adaptogenic compounds is important. This makes a difference in how effective a product will be, though experts are still in disagreement about what dosages are sufficient.

Despite this lack of clarity, many drink brands continue to prominently market the milligrams of active ingredients in each serving.

Society’s changing habits

All in all, the claims made by many functional drink brands are notoriously difficult to substantiate.

The benefits often promoted – enhanced focus, calmness, and creativity – are also largely subjective. The placebo effect cannot be ruled out either, given that the mere act of consuming these drinks could lead consumers to believe they are experiencing the advertised benefits.

Regardless, adaptogens are growing in popularity thanks to broader health trends that have gained momentum in popular culture since the early 2000s. Gen Z is leading the charge, focusing more on mindfulness, mental well-being, and physical fitness in their day to day lives, and promoting these habits further on social media.

Despite it being virtually impossible to know whether functional drinks actually contain the level of adaptogens they claim to, it’s likely they’re still far healthier than picking up a canned cocktail after work. They’ll probably taste better, too.

Will you drink to that?