Best Adaptogen Drinks and Functional Drinks of 2025: Get Clear
Look, chances are you don’t know half the ingredients in any given adaptogen drink — or if you’ve heard the name, you don’t know what each ingredient is supposed to do for you. A little glossary is therefore necessary, among some of the most common ingredients.
Note, however, that homeopathic adaptogens are not prescription medications. The science is generally not there. Conventional wisdom, bolstered by a promising study or two, is often what you’ll get in terms of evidence of effectiveness for most ingredients. Here are the most common ingredients you will find.
Functional mushrooms
For a complete account of each type of mushroom, its effects, and the best evidence for each’s effectiveness, check out WIRED’s guide to mushroom supplements. But in practice, you’ll see about three types of functional mushrooms in adaptogenic and nootropic drinks.
Note that many sources recommend avoiding the use of medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy, mainly due to lack of data.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
A variety of mushroom rich in polysaccharides believed to promote calm and concentration, studied for possible uses to facilitate lung function or glucose regulation. Evidence of benefits is slim, but ingestion is generally considered safe over several months.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
A mushroom widely considered a “brain superfood,” believed to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that helps maintain and regenerate neurons. Limited evidence suggests that lion’s mane improves performance in certain tasks and reduces stress.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Seen The last of us on HBO? Well, it’s cordyceps. It is a parasitic fungus that infects insects and manipulates their behavior. In the human world, it is primarily used as a performance-enhancing tool for endurance and post-workout recovery – a notion that is very tentatively supported by some preliminary research.
Other Common Nootropics
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that has long been used as a folk remedy for stress, anxiety, and improving sleep — uses that appear to be supported by preliminary research. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal.
L-Theanine
Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea. There is evidence that theanine reduces stress, increases dopamine and serotonin, and improves both concentration and sleep. Side effects are largely poorly documented at low doses.
L-Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that your brain converts into serotonin, with documented benefits on mood and sleep, found in poultry and a number of other foods. It is not recommended to take tryptophan if you are taking an SSRI for depression or other conditions.
Ginseng (Panax-ginseng)
A popular remedy for a very long time, ginseng has been associated with health improvements as disparate as anti-carcinogenic properties, increased mental performance and better glucose regulation.
Maca powder (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is considered beneficial for improving stamina, erectile function, and libido — at least in animal studies — as well as easing some menopausal symptoms.
