Best for Mood & Stress

Ashwagandha demonstrates clinically meaningful efficacy for stress and anxiety reduction in humans, supported by multiple well-designed RCTs and consistent meta-analytic findings. Effect sizes are moderate to large, with reductions in perceived stress and anxiety scales consistently demonstrated across diverse populations.

L-theanine demonstrates consistent, clinically meaningful effects on stress and anxiety in humans across multiple well-designed RCTs. Meta-analyses confirm efficacy for stress reduction and mood improvement, particularly at 200-400 mg/day doses, with established safety profiles.

Creatine monohydrate shows probable efficacy for mood and depression when combined with conventional treatments (CBT or SSRIs) in small human trials, with measurable improvements in depression scores. However, evidence remains limited to a few small RCTs with inconsistent designs, and efficacy for general stress/mood in healthy individuals is not well-established.

Selank demonstrates probable anxiolytic and stress-reducing efficacy in humans based on 3 RCTs and 3 observational studies, though sample sizes are small (n=30-62) and results lack independent replication. Animal studies consistently support anxiolytic and stress-protective effects, but human evidence remains limited in scale and methodological rigor.

Cerebrolysin shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related outcomes in humans, with evidence primarily from observational studies and secondary analyses of traumatic brain injury trials. However, high-quality RCT evidence is limited, and most positive findings come from small samples or non-randomized designs.

Cortexin shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related symptoms in humans, with multiple observational studies and several RCTs demonstrating improvements in anxiety, depression, and emotional symptoms. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, lack of independent replication, and predominantly Russian-language publications with open-label or non-controlled designs.

Omega-3 supplementation shows probable but inconsistent benefits for mood and stress in humans. Multiple RCTs demonstrate modest improvements in depression and anxiety, particularly in specific populations (those with severe depression or on antidepressants), but large-scale prevention trials found no significant effect in general populations.

Magnesium supplementation shows probable efficacy for reducing stress and anxiety in vulnerable populations, with consistent results across multiple human RCTs. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and heterogeneous study designs that prevent a conclusive claim of clinical efficacy.

Vitamin D3 supplementation shows probable benefit for mood and depression in humans, with multiple RCTs demonstrating modest reductions in depressive symptoms and improved mood scores. However, evidence remains inconsistent, with some large-scale trials showing null or minimal effects, and clinical meaningfulness varies across studies.

Curcumin shows probable efficacy for anxiety and stress symptoms based on multiple human RCTs, with a meta-analysis of 8 RCTs demonstrating significant anxiety reduction (SMD: -1.56). However, evidence for broader mood and stress benefits remains mixed, with some well-designed trials showing null results on depression, anxiety, and cognitive outcomes.

Resveratrol shows modest, statistically significant effects on mood and anxiety-like behaviors in limited human and animal studies, but efficacy in humans remains preliminary with only one small RCT directly measuring mood outcomes.

Collagen peptides show probable benefits for mood and fatigue-related outcomes in one well-designed human RCT, with improvements in fatigue scores and vigor. However, evidence is limited to a single moderate-quality human trial; broader mood/stress efficacy remains unproven.

Probiotics show probable benefits for mood and stress-related outcomes in humans, with multiple RCTs demonstrating reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms. However, evidence remains inconsistent across studies, effect sizes are modest, and mechanisms are not fully established.

Tongkat Ali shows probable but not conclusive efficacy for mood and stress in humans. Multiple small-to-moderate RCTs demonstrate improvements in mood scores and quality of life, but effect sizes are often modest, results are not consistently statistically significant between treatment and placebo, and independent replication is limited.

Rhodiola rosea shows probable efficacy for stress and mood improvement in humans based on multiple RCTs and meta-analyses, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and inconsistent methodological quality. Clinical meaningfulness remains uncertain.

Maca root shows modest efficacy for mood and stress-related symptoms in humans, primarily through small RCTs and observational studies. Evidence suggests improvements in psychological symptoms and anxiety, but sample sizes are limited and effect sizes are not consistently quantified.

Black seed oil shows probable benefit for mood and stress in humans, supported by one rigorous RCT demonstrating significant reductions in stress scores and improvements in sleep/stress biomarkers, plus one clinical trial showing enhanced antidepressant effects when combined with sertraline. However, the total human evidence base is limited to these 2 studies.

Green tea extract and EGCG show probable efficacy for mood and stress reduction based on multiple human studies, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and lack of independent replication. Most robust data comes from animal models and mechanistic studies rather than large-scale human trials.

Vitamin C shows modest evidence for reducing stress-related cortisol levels and may support mood in healthy individuals with inadequate vitamin C status, but efficacy for clinical mood and stress disorders remains unproven. Most human evidence is limited to small studies or secondary outcomes in sepsis trials.

B vitamin supplementation shows modest, clinically meaningful benefits for stress reduction in healthy and at-risk populations, with statistically significant effects demonstrated in multiple human trials. However, evidence for depression and anxiety is inconsistent or nonsignificant, and findings are limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous formulations, and lack of large-scale independent replication.

Vitamin B12 shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related symptoms in humans, with multiple RCTs demonstrating improvements in depression and anxiety scores. However, evidence remains modest in scale and consistency, with most studies involving small samples and limited follow-up duration.

Iron supplementation shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related symptoms, particularly anxiety and fatigue, in iron-deficient or non-anemic populations. Evidence comes primarily from meta-analyses and observational studies rather than robust RCTs, with consistent but modest effect sizes.

Selenium supplementation shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related outcomes, primarily through improvement of thyroid function and reduction of anxiety in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients. Limited direct human evidence for mood in healthy populations, though mechanisms via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways are well-established.

Spermidine shows probable efficacy for mood and stress in humans based on one clinical trial demonstrating depression symptom alleviation, supported by mechanistic evidence of autophagy induction and stress response modulation. However, efficacy is not yet conclusively established—only one human trial exists, and the evidence base is largely composed of animal studies and mechanistic reviews.

Beta-glucans show probable efficacy for improving mood and reducing stress in humans, supported by 1 well-designed RCT demonstrating improved mood state and vigor in stressed women, plus emerging animal evidence of stress-hormone reduction. However, human evidence remains limited to a single study with modest sample size.

Valerian root shows moderate evidence for improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety in humans, with multiple RCTs demonstrating positive effects. However, efficacy is inconsistent across studies, effect sizes vary, and most trials involved small sample sizes, limiting conclusive proof of clinical benefit for mood and stress.

Kava shows probable efficacy for anxiety and stress-related conditions based on multiple human studies and meta-analyses, but recent large RCTs show inconsistent results and generalization to generalized anxiety disorder remains unclear.

Passionflower demonstrates probable efficacy for anxiety and stress-related conditions based on multiple human RCTs showing anxiety reduction comparable to benzodiazepines, but effect sizes are modest and most studies involve small samples or specialized surgical populations rather than generalized anxiety disorder in the community.

Lemon balm shows probable efficacy for anxiety and stress reduction in humans based on multiple RCTs, with a meta-analysis demonstrating significant improvements over placebo. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous study designs, and short treatment durations, preventing a higher confidence rating.

Methylene blue shows probable efficacy for mood and anxiety symptoms in bipolar disorder based on one moderate-quality human RCT, with additional mechanistic support from animal and in-vitro studies. However, evidence is limited to a single small human trial and lacks independent replication.

Lithium orotate shows promise for mood and stress support primarily through animal studies and mechanistic research, with limited but encouraging human data suggesting cognitive and mood benefits at low doses. However, efficacy for mood/stress specifically remains inadequately proven in humans—most human evidence focuses on cognition, psychosis prevention, or neuroprotection rather than mood stabilization directly.

Pregnenolone shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related symptoms in humans, with multiple RCTs demonstrating reductions in anxiety and stress-induced craving, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous populations, and modest effect magnitudes.

SAMe shows probable efficacy for depression based on multiple human RCTs and meta-analyses, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous designs, and inconsistent effect magnitude across studies. Efficacy appears modest when used as monotherapy and more pronounced as an adjunctive treatment.

Peppermint oil shows probable efficacy for IBS-related gastrointestinal symptoms in multiple human trials, but evidence for mood/stress specifically is minimal. The compound is most robustly studied for abdominal pain and global IBS symptom improvement, not psychiatric outcomes.

Lion's Mane shows probable but not conclusive benefits for mood and stress in humans. Three small RCTs demonstrate some positive effects (improved processing speed, reduced subjective stress), but results are mixed and lack independent replication at scale.

Alpha-GPC shows probable efficacy for mood and stress in humans, with one RCT demonstrating increased motivation and multiple reviews supporting potential benefits for depression and stress-related conditions. However, evidence remains limited to a single small human RCT and mechanistic studies; larger, independent replication is needed to confirm clinical significance.

Bacopa monnieri shows probable efficacy for mood and stress in humans based on 6 RCTs, with demonstrated benefits for anxiety, depression, anhedonia, and stress biomarkers. However, effect sizes are modest, sample sizes are small to moderate (n=42-101), and findings have not been independently replicated across all outcome measures.

Phosphatidylserine shows modest, promising effects on stress resilience and cognitive function under stress in humans, but evidence is limited to 2 small RCTs with short durations and no independent replication. Efficacy is probable but not conclusive.

Ginkgo biloba shows probable efficacy for anxiety and stress-related mood symptoms in humans, supported by multiple RCTs and meta-analyses, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and inconsistent effect magnitude across trials.

Phenylpiracetam shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related outcomes based on 2 human RCTs and 1 observational study, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of independent replication. Animal studies consistently support anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, but human proof remains modest.

NSI-189 shows modest antidepressant and cognitive benefits in humans, but efficacy is inconsistent and limited to specific subgroups (moderate depression severity). Two Phase 2 RCTs demonstrate some positive effects, though primary endpoints were not consistently met.

Bromantane (ladasten) shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related disorders in humans based on multiple RCTs, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, Russian-language publications with limited international replication, and heterogeneous outcome measures. Clinical benefits appear consistent across studies but magnitude of effect is not always clearly quantified.

Sulbutiamine shows probable efficacy for mood and stress-related symptoms, particularly psychomotor retardation in depression, supported by 3 human RCTs. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, mixed results on fatigue, and lack of independent replication for most outcomes.

Acetyl-L-carnitine shows probable efficacy for mood and depression in humans, with multiple RCTs and observational studies demonstrating symptom reduction. However, evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent comparisons, and lack of large-scale replication.

5-HTP shows probable efficacy for mood and stress in humans based on multiple RCTs and observational studies, but evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, variable methodologies, and inconsistent effect magnitudes. A 2002 Cochrane meta-analysis found positive but modest effects compared to placebo, and recent RCTs (2021-2025) demonstrate improvements in depression and anxiety scores, though effects are not consistently large or independently replicated across all outcome measures.

L-tryptophan shows probable efficacy for improving mood and reducing anxiety in healthy adults based on a meta-analysis of 11 RCTs, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short treatment durations, and inconsistent effect reporting across studies. Clinical significance remains uncertain.

Two small human RCTs demonstrate that L-ornithine (400 mg/day) reduces stress markers (cortisol, cortisol/DHEA-S ratio) and improves mood and sleep quality in healthy adults, but sample sizes are modest and findings have not been independently replicated.

BPC-157 shows promise for mood and stress-related benefits in animal models, but no direct human evidence exists for mood/stress outcomes. Effects appear mediated through neuroprotective mechanisms and neurotransmitter modulation.

Semax shows plausible stress-reducing and neuroprotective effects in animal models, but no human efficacy data exists for mood or stress. Evidence is limited to rodent studies examining gene expression and cellular protection mechanisms.

PT-141 (bremelanotide) shows efficacy for sexual desire in women based on one human RCT and animal models, but evidence for 'mood stress' specifically is absent. The abstracts do not demonstrate that PT-141 treats mood disorders or stress.

Epithalon shows plausible effects on stress-related neuroendocrine markers in animal models, particularly affecting cortisol and melatonin rhythms, but no rigorous human trials for mood/stress exist. Evidence remains preliminary and preclinical.

DSIP shows plausible stress-protective and mood-related effects primarily through HPA axis modulation in observational human studies and animal models, but efficacy for mood and stress is not proven by rigorous RCTs. Only 2 human RCTs exist, both showing null effects on hormone secretion rather than mood outcomes.

KPV shows anti-inflammatory properties in animal models of stress and colitis, but there is no human clinical trial evidence demonstrating efficacy for mood or stress. The single human observational study (SHANK3 mutations) mentions immunotherapy but does not isolate KPV's effect.

Thymosin alpha-1 shows plausible effects on mood and depression in a very small pilot study of CVID patients (n=5), with preliminary mechanistic support through T-cell and immune markers, but human efficacy for mood/stress is not proven and evidence relies heavily on a single small open-label trial without robust placebo controls.

Sermorelin (GHRH) shows anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in animal models through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, but no human clinical trials for mood or stress have been conducted. Evidence remains preclinical.

Kisspeptin is implicated in mood and stress regulation through effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and emotional processing, but no human clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for mood or stress disorders. Evidence is limited to mechanistic reviews and animal studies.

Tesamorelin has not been proven to improve mood or stress in humans. While one RCT measured mood as a secondary outcome in HIV patients, results were not reported in the abstract, and the primary cognitive outcome showed only a non-significant trend. Evidence for this specific goal is essentially absent.

GHRP-6 has not been demonstrated to improve mood or stress in humans. Available evidence focuses on hormonal effects (GH, ACTH, cortisol) and cardiovascular outcomes in animal models; no human studies directly assessed mood or stress-related psychiatric outcomes.

Melanotan II shows antidepressant and antistress effects in animal models of chronic stress and depression, with one animal study demonstrating reversal of anxiety and memory impairment from high-fat diet. No human RCTs exist for mood or stress; the single human case report describes acute toxicity rather than efficacy.

Gonadorelin (GnRH agonist) has been studied in the context of mood and stress primarily through its use in fertility treatments and hormone suppression protocols. Evidence shows mixed effects on mood: while some studies report mood changes during GnRH agonist use, robust efficacy for mood/stress improvement has not been demonstrated.

GDF-11 has been studied extensively in animal models and mechanistic research for depression-related outcomes, but human efficacy for mood and stress remains largely unproven. One review suggests GDF-11 may attenuate depression-like behaviors through neurogenesis, but no human RCTs demonstrate clinical efficacy for mood or stress disorders.

VIP shows mechanistic promise for mood and stress through effects on cortical interneurons and stress pathways, but human efficacy for mood/stress improvement remains unproven. All direct evidence linking VIP modulation to mood improvement comes from animal studies or mechanistic reviews.

Thymalin shows immunomodulatory properties in human observational studies and animal models, but there is no direct evidence it improves mood or stress in any study. The abstracts discuss immune function, neuroendocrine responses, and conditioned reflexes—not mood or psychological stress outcomes.

Pinealon shows neuroprotective and stress-protective effects in animal models and one human occupational stress study, but efficacy for mood and stress in humans remains unproven. Only 1 human RCT exists, and it did not measure mood or stress outcomes directly.

Vilon shows stress-buffering effects in rodent models, with evidence that it reduces hypothalamic activation markers and improves emotional stress resistance. However, no human trials exist, and all efficacy data come from animal studies with small sample sizes.

ARA-290 shows preliminary promise for mood and stress-related effects in one human RCT, but evidence is insufficient to demonstrate proven efficacy for mood/stress. The single human study found mixed results with modulation of emotional processing but no improvements in actual mood or affective symptoms.

Oxytocin shows promise for mood and stress in animal models and limited human evidence, but human efficacy for mood/stress is not yet proven. The two human RCTs produced mixed results with no clear clinical benefit for anxiety or negative affect.

GLP-1 receptor agonists show emerging but inconsistent evidence for mood and stress improvement in humans. While several meta-analyses report small antidepressant effects and potential benefits for specific psychiatric conditions, recent pharmacovigilance data and observational studies raise significant safety concerns, with reports of increased depression, anxiety, and suicidality risk that contradict earlier findings.

NAC has been studied for mood and stress-related disorders, particularly OCD spectrum disorders and bipolar depression, but human evidence remains limited and largely inconclusive. No rigorous human RCTs have demonstrated clear efficacy for mood or stress in the available literature.

Zinc supplementation shows plausible biological mechanisms for mood and stress support, but human efficacy evidence is minimal and inconsistent. One meta-analysis of depression found a small effect (SMD -0.36), but only 5 RCTs were eligible and results were not robust across all populations.

Berberine shows plausible mechanisms for mood and stress relief through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, but NO human studies in these abstracts directly assess mood, anxiety, or stress outcomes. Evidence is limited to animal and mechanistic studies in metabolic/diabetic contexts.

Quercetin has been studied for mood and stress in humans, but evidence of efficacy is minimal and largely negative. One RCT found no effect on depression in post-MI patients; most other human studies focused on oxidative stress, inflammation, or physical performance rather than mood/stress outcomes specifically.

NMN has not been studied for mood or stress in humans. While two human RCTs show improvements in sleep quality and physical function in older adults, neither directly measured mood or stress outcomes. All evidence linking NMN to stress response comes from animal models and mechanistic studies.

CoQ10 shows promise for mood and stress-related conditions, particularly fibromyalgia with improvements in mood disorders reported, but evidence remains preliminary with no dedicated, well-powered human RCTs specifically targeting mood or stress as primary outcomes.

Alpha-lipoic acid has been studied for mood and stress, but the available evidence shows no consistent efficacy for these outcomes in humans. One pilot study found no effects on mood in elderly subjects, and broader clinical trials show benefits primarily for oxidative stress markers and metabolic parameters, not psychological outcomes.

Melatonin has not been studied directly for mood and stress in the provided abstracts. The evidence base consists of mechanistic studies showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, one small feasibility trial showing no significant mood improvements, and theoretical mechanisms linking sleep and circadian rhythm support to mental health — but no direct, proven efficacy for mood or stress reduction in humans.

Vitamin K2 shows a plausible but unproven link to mood and stress regulation. A 2025 systematic review found inverse associations between vitamin K intake and depression in observational studies, but human RCT evidence is minimal (one small pilot study) and indirect mechanisms dominate the literature.

Aged garlic extract has been studied primarily for cardiovascular and immune benefits in humans, but evidence for mood/stress reduction is absent from these abstracts. The compound shows plausible mechanisms (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant) that could theoretically support stress resilience, but no human studies directly measured mood or stress outcomes.

Spirulina shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in multiple studies, but direct evidence for mood and stress improvement in humans is extremely limited. Most research focuses on oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammation rather than psychological stress or mood outcomes.

Fenugreek has not been meaningfully studied for mood or stress in humans. One small open-label human study reported mood improvements alongside testosterone increases, but there is no rigorous human evidence of efficacy for mood/stress specifically.

Vitamin E shows plausible but unproven benefits for mood and stress in humans. Meta-analyses of depression and anxiety show favorable effect sizes, but results remain inconclusive with high heterogeneity and mixed study quality. Mechanistic evidence from animal models supports antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, but clinical efficacy in human populations remains uncertain.

Iodine supplementation has established roles in supporting thyroid function and fetal neurodevelopment, but evidence for direct mood/stress benefits in humans is absent. Most research focuses on thyroid hormone normalization and cognitive development in iodine-deficient populations rather than mood or stress outcomes.

Copper supplementation shows mechanistic promise for mood and stress through antioxidant and neuroprotective pathways, but direct evidence of efficacy for mood/stress disorders in humans is absent. Only one review article explicitly addresses copper and depression, with no human RCT data demonstrating clinical benefit for mood endpoints.

Chromium has been extensively studied in animals for stress and metabolic effects, with some human trials suggesting benefits for mood-related stress markers like cortisol. However, human evidence is limited to small RCTs and observational studies, and most research focuses on metabolic rather than mood outcomes.

Fisetin shows plausible anxiolytic and stress-related neuroprotective potential through animal and mechanistic studies, but no human RCTs on mood or stress exist. All evidence is from animal models, in vitro experiments, and observational studies on stress-related conditions like cancer progression.

Urolithin A has not been studied directly for mood or stress in humans. All evidence is mechanistic (mitochondrial function, oxidative stress reduction, anti-inflammatory pathways) or from animal/cell models, suggesting biological plausibility but no proven efficacy for mood or stress outcomes in any human study.

Sulforaphane shows plausible mechanisms for mood and stress support through Nrf2 pathway activation and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects, but evidence for this specific goal in humans is absent. Only mechanistic and animal studies are available; no human RCTs or observational studies directly measure mood or stress outcomes.

Astaxanthin has been studied primarily for oxidative stress and inflammation reduction, not directly for mood or stress disorders. Evidence for mood/stress benefits is minimal and indirect, based on theoretical antioxidant mechanisms rather than demonstrated clinical efficacy in mood or stress outcomes.

Glutathione supplementation shows promise for reducing oxidative stress biomarkers in humans, but evidence for direct mood/stress improvement is absent from these abstracts. Most positive findings relate to immune function, antioxidant capacity, and disease-specific outcomes rather than mood or psychological stress.

Pycnogenol has been studied for mood and stress-related outcomes, but direct evidence for efficacy in mood/stress is minimal and indirect. Most studies focus on physical conditions; only one small study explicitly measured mood-related outcomes (sexual function/ASEX score).

TUDCA shows neuroprotective potential in animal models of neurodegenerative disease and one small human RCT for TBI, but lacks robust human evidence for mood and stress specifically. Most data come from animal studies or mechanistic reviews; direct efficacy for mood/stress outcomes in humans is not demonstrated.

Shilajit has demonstrated potential for mood and stress management in animal models through HPA axis modulation and mitochondrial support, but evidence in humans for this specific goal is absent. Only mechanistic reviews and animal studies support efficacy for mood/stress.

Cordyceps shows promise for mood and stress support in animal models through multiple proposed mechanisms including serotonin modulation, HPA axis regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, no human randomized controlled trials exist; efficacy in humans remains unproven.

Reishi shows plausible antidepressant and anxiolytic mechanisms in animal and in-vitro studies, with one small human RCT suggesting stress reduction benefits. However, human efficacy for mood and stress is NOT yet proven; evidence remains largely preclinical.

Chaga shows neuroprotective and antioxidant potential in cellular and animal models through mechanisms involving oxidative stress reduction and apoptosis inhibition, but there is no human clinical evidence demonstrating efficacy for mood or stress.

Epicatechin shows plausible mechanisms for mood and stress support through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, but there is essentially no direct human evidence demonstrating efficacy for mood or stress reduction. The single human RCT identified focuses on cardiac protection, not mood.

Apigenin shows promise for mood and stress support in animal models and plant extract studies, with evidence suggesting GABAergic and antioxidant mechanisms. However, no human RCTs directly testing apigenin for mood or stress exist; human data is limited to observational correlations with chamomile extract.

Pterostilbene shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models and limited human studies, but direct evidence for mood and stress improvement is absent from these abstracts. No human RCTs specifically testing mood or stress outcomes were found.

Pomegranate extract has not been proven effective for mood or stress in humans. While one small RCT showed reduced salivary cortisol levels, there are no human studies directly measuring mood or anxiety outcomes, and the stress-related findings are limited to a single study with modest sample size.

Grape seed extract shows plausible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models and preliminary human studies, but there is no reliable human evidence that it meaningfully improves mood or stress. The one human RCT on cognitive/mood outcomes found no consistent benefits.

Olive leaf extract shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in mechanistic studies and cell models, but direct evidence for mood and stress improvement in humans is absent. No human RCTs specifically measured mood or stress outcomes.

Lactoferrin has not been proven effective for mood or stress in humans. One observational review suggests theoretical neuroprotective mechanisms, but no human clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for mood or stress outcomes.

Stinging nettle shows plausible but unproven efficacy for mood and stress in humans. Only one small human RCT directly tested this goal (n=29, Gulf War Illness), with mixed results; most evidence comes from animal studies, mechanistic reviews, and studies on related conditions like tinnitus or diabetes.

Mucuna pruriens shows anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in animal models and reduces psychological stress markers in one small human observational study, but lacks rigorous human RCT evidence demonstrating efficacy for mood and stress management.

Ecdysterone shows promise for stress resilience and neuroprotection in animal and cell studies, but lacks rigorous human trials demonstrating efficacy for mood or stress management. The only study explicitly testing stress resilience in humans (maral root extract containing ecdysterone) was a review article, not an RCT.

Turkesterone shows stress-protective effects in animal models, with one review suggesting enhanced stress resilience in a nematode model, but no human clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for mood or stress in humans.

Cistanche shows promise for mood and stress in animal models through mechanisms involving HPA axis regulation, BDNF signaling, and gut microbiota modulation, but human evidence is limited to a single small RCT with incomplete reporting of stress outcomes.

Tribulus terrestris has been studied for mood and stress primarily through mechanistic pathways (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory) and animal models showing anxiolytic-like effects, but direct evidence for mood/stress improvement in humans is minimal and indirect. One human RCT found no effects on mood states in resistance-trained males.

Echinacea is primarily studied for immune function and respiratory infection prevention, not mood or stress. No human RCT evidence demonstrates efficacy for mood or stress reduction; limited animal evidence suggests potential stress-response modulation, but this does not translate to proven mood benefits.

Schisandra chinensis is proposed as an adaptogen with potential anxiolytic and mood-supportive effects based on traditional use and animal studies, but human clinical evidence for mood and stress is extremely limited. Only one small human observational study directly assessed anxiolytic activity; the single human RCT identified focused on drug interactions rather than efficacy.

Rapamycin shows antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in animal models of depression and chronic stress through mTOR pathway inhibition, but human evidence is extremely limited. A single human RCT exists for a related condition (cutaneous sarcoidosis), with no published human trials specifically testing rapamycin for mood or stress disorders.

Butyrate shows plausible mechanisms for mood and stress improvement through gut-brain axis pathways, but human efficacy evidence is minimal. A single small RCT found no measurable effect on depression, while observational studies suggest associations with better mental health outcomes, but causality cannot be established.

Betaine shows mechanistic promise for mood and stress through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, but human evidence for mood/stress is limited to one narrative review citing animal studies. No human RCTs specifically measuring mood or stress outcomes were identified in the literature provided.

CDP-Choline shows plausible but unproven efficacy for mood and stress in humans. Evidence consists primarily of small observational studies and animal models; no rigorous human RCTs for mood/stress exist in this dataset. Mechanistic support is strong, but clinical proof in target populations remains limited.

Panax ginseng shows plausible mechanisms for mood and stress support through HPA-axis modulation and adaptogenic effects, but human clinical trial evidence is absent. All evidence comes from mechanistic reviews, animal models, or in-vitro studies with no published RCTs demonstrating efficacy in humans for mood or stress.

Huperzine A shows promise for mood and stress-related conditions in animal models and one human observational study of post-stroke depression, but lacks rigorous human RCT evidence. Current evidence is primarily mechanistic and preclinical.

PQQ shows antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in animal and in-vitro models, but direct evidence for mood and stress improvement in humans is extremely limited. Only one small open-label human trial reported mood improvements; rigorous human RCT data for mood/stress is absent.

Noopept shows consistent anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects in animal models and a small number of human studies, with evidence suggesting reduction in anxiety and stress-related symptoms. However, human efficacy is not conclusively proven—only 3 human studies exist (2 RCTs, 1 observational), all with small samples and limited detail on effect sizes.

Piracetam shows no proven efficacy for mood and stress in humans. A major meta-analysis found it significantly worsened neuropsychiatric symptoms and increased caregiver stress in frontotemporal dementia patients. Animal studies suggest neuroprotective mechanisms, but human evidence is absent or negative.

Aniracetam shows mechanistic promise for mood and stress through dopamine/serotonin modulation in animal models and limited human studies, but clinical efficacy for mood/stress has not been rigorously proven in controlled human trials.

Vinpocetine shows promising neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models and limited human observational studies, but lacks robust human RCT evidence directly demonstrating efficacy for mood and stress disorders. Efficacy remains plausible but unproven in humans for this specific indication.

Centrophenoxine (meclofenoxate) shows plausible benefits for mood and stress in elderly populations based on several small human RCTs, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, lack of independent replication, and focus on complex multi-ingredient formulas rather than centrophenoxine alone.

DMAE shows modest effects on mood and emotional processing in 2-3 small human studies, but evidence is limited to short-term interventions with small sample sizes. No robust proof of efficacy for stress or mood disorders exists.

Oxiracetam has been studied for mood and stress in limited human trials, but evidence of efficacy for these specific goals is weak and inconsistent. Most research focuses on cognition and cerebrovascular effects rather than mood/stress outcomes.

Pramiracetam shows memory-enhancing effects in animal and limited human studies, but no rigorous evidence demonstrates efficacy specifically for mood or stress. The single human observational study found memory improvements but noted complex relationships with depression that were not fully clarified.

L-Tyrosine shows plausible mechanisms for stress resilience through catecholamine synthesis and mitohormesis pathways, but evidence is limited to 4 small human studies and multiple animal models. Human efficacy for mood and stress remains unproven.

L-glutamine has been studied primarily for gut barrier function and immune support in clinical stress states, but direct evidence for mood and stress reduction in humans is sparse and indirect. Most efficacy data come from mechanistic studies or non-mood-specific outcomes.

Glycine has been studied for mood and stress primarily in animal models and mechanistic contexts. Only one small human RCT (n=19) directly addresses glycine supplementation, showing metabolic effects but not specifically measuring mood or stress outcomes. Efficacy for mood/stress in humans is not yet proven.

GABA's efficacy for mood and stress is suggested by mechanistic research and animal studies, but no human RCTs demonstrating direct efficacy exist in this dataset. Evidence is limited to mechanistic reviews, animal models, and theoretical frameworks rather than proven clinical outcomes.

Beta-alanine shows promise for cognitive function and mood in specific populations (older adults, military stress), but evidence is limited to small human RCTs with inconsistent results and no replication in larger studies. Efficacy for mood/stress is not proven.

Taurine shows plausible mechanisms for mood and stress relief through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, but no human RCTs specifically testing mood or stress outcomes are present in this evidence set. Efficacy for mood/stress remains unproven in humans.

BCAAs have been studied for mood and stress outcomes in limited human trials with mixed results. While some studies suggest potential benefits for depressive symptoms and mental stress markers, the evidence is sparse, inconsistent, and mechanistically indirect—most studies focus on exercise-induced mood changes rather than clinical mood or stress disorders.

D-aspartic acid has not been proven effective for mood and stress in humans. The single human RCT showed no significant effects on testosterone or cortisol during hypoxic training, and no studies in this dataset directly measure mood or stress outcomes in humans.

L-carnosine shows promise for stress and mood support primarily through animal studies demonstrating reduced corticosterone release and anxiety-like behaviors. One small human RCT found improvements in sleep disorders in autistic children, but robust human evidence for mood and stress reduction remains limited.

L-Arginine has been studied for mood and stress-related outcomes, but the available evidence does not demonstrate proven efficacy in humans. Most data comes from mechanistic studies of the arginine-nitric oxide pathway in disease states, with only one small human RCT directly addressing cognitive function.

L-lysine supplementation shows potential for mood and stress-related outcomes in animal models of stress-induced conditions, but human evidence is absent. One human RCT found no effect on hormonal markers, and the single relevant animal study demonstrating mood benefits used an IBS model in mice, not a primary stress/mood disorder.

TB-500 has not been directly studied for mood or stress outcomes. Evidence comes primarily from animal and cellular models showing general protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation, but no direct mood/stress benefits are demonstrated.

GHK-Cu has not been studied for mood or stress in humans. All evidence consists of mechanistic reviews and animal/in-vitro studies focused on inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue regeneration—domains that are theoretically related to stress biology but do not demonstrate efficacy for mood or stress disorders.

No evidence supports ipamorelin's efficacy for mood or stress. The 4 available studies focus exclusively on growth hormone secretion, bone growth, and chemotherapy-induced weight loss in animal models—none assess mood, anxiety, depression, or stress-related outcomes in any population.

SS-31 has not been studied for mood or stress in humans. All evidence is from animal models, cell cultures, or mechanistic reviews focused on mitochondrial dysfunction in unrelated conditions like heart failure, neurodegeneration, and kidney disease.

LL-37 has not been demonstrated to improve mood or stress in any human studies. The available evidence consists entirely of mechanistic studies in animals and cells, with no human trials or clinical outcomes related to mood, anxiety, depression, or stress reduction.

GHRP-2 has not been studied for mood or stress in any of the 50 available abstracts. All research focuses exclusively on growth hormone secretion, endocrine function, and metabolic markers in critically ill patients or hormone-deficient populations.

Hexarelin has not been studied for mood or stress in any of the 50 available PubMed abstracts. All identified studies examine hormonal effects (GH, ACTH, cortisol, prolactin) or cardiovascular outcomes, not mood or psychological stress.

Humanin has not been studied for mood or stress in humans. All evidence comes from mechanistic reviews and a single human RCT examining diabetes markers—not mood or stress outcomes. No clinical efficacy for mood/stress has been demonstrated.

FOXO4-DRI has not been studied for mood or stress in humans. All available evidence examines its effects on cellular senescence in cancer, lung disease, and cartilage contexts—not mood or stress-related outcomes.

Cortagen has not been studied for mood or stress in humans or animals. The only available abstract reports that cortagen was ineffective at modifying immune and hemostasis parameters in hypophysectomized chickens, contrasting with the active tetrapeptide epithalon.

Bronchogen has not been studied for mood or stress in humans or animals. The only available evidence is an in-vitro study showing that bronchogen peptide can bind to DNA sequences, with no relevance to mood or stress outcomes.

Ibutamoren has NOT been studied for mood or stress in humans. All available evidence focuses on growth hormone secretion, body composition, and metabolic effects; no abstracts report any mood, anxiety, depression, or stress-related outcomes.

MGF has not been studied for mood or stress in humans. All evidence comes from mechanistic studies in animals and cell cultures focused on muscle growth, tissue repair, and cellular stress responses—not psychological mood or stress outcomes.

No human evidence exists for Argireline's effects on mood or stress. The available abstracts discuss only skin photoaging and cosmetic applications, with no data relevant to the mood/stress health goal.

No evidence exists that Prostatilen affects mood or stress in humans. All available studies are in rodent models, with only one study directly addressing stress-related outcomes, and none measuring mood-specific endpoints.

Boron has not been demonstrated to improve mood or stress in humans. The available evidence consists entirely of animal studies and mechanistic research focused on bone metabolism, hormone levels, and inflammatory markers—none of which directly measure mood or stress outcomes.

Milk thistle has not been shown to improve mood or stress in humans. The few human trials testing silymarin for psychiatric/behavioral conditions (gambling disorder, trichotillomania) found no efficacy beyond placebo, and no RCTs directly measure mood or stress biomarkers.

Elderberry has not been studied for mood or stress in any of the 50 available PubMed articles. All evidence focuses on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune, and other physiological effects unrelated to mental health or mood regulation.

Psyllium husk has not been studied for mood or stress in any of the 18 available abstracts. All evidence concerns gastrointestinal, metabolic, or structural applications. No efficacy data exists for the stated health goal.

Saw palmetto has been extensively studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms, but there is NO credible evidence it affects mood or stress. The 50 articles retrieved are entirely focused on urological, sexual, and metabolic outcomes with no mood or psychological endpoints measured.

Biotin has no demonstrated efficacy for mood or stress in humans. The single human RCT on this topic (PROVIT study) found that both probiotic+biotin and biotin+placebo groups improved equally, with biotin contributing no additional benefit beyond placebo.

DIM has not been studied for mood or stress in humans. All available evidence relates to cancer prevention, hormone metabolism, and reproductive/cellular mechanisms, with no direct assessment of mood or stress outcomes.

Boswellia has not been studied for mood or stress in any of the 50 PubMed articles identified. All evidence concerns inflammation, pain, metabolic markers, and neurodegeneration—not mood or stress outcomes.

Nattokinase has not been studied for mood or stress in any of the 26 available abstracts. All evidence addresses cardiovascular, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects unrelated to mood/stress outcomes.

No human evidence supports colostrum supplementation for mood or stress. The 50 abstracts provided focus exclusively on immune function, athletic performance, and metabolic outcomes in neonates and animals; none measure mood, anxiety, depression, or stress-related psychological outcomes.

MSM has NOT been demonstrated to improve mood or stress in any of the available studies. All identified research focuses exclusively on exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, and joint health—none of the abstracts report outcomes related to mood, anxiety, depression, or stress perception.

No human evidence exists for Fadogia agrestis and mood/stress. The 2 available studies are animal models focused exclusively on erectile dysfunction and testicular function, with no relevance to mood or stress outcomes.

CLA has been studied primarily for oxidative stress and inflammation rather than mood or stress outcomes. No human evidence demonstrates efficacy for mood or stress disorders; all relevant findings come from mechanistic studies in animals or cell culture.

Whey protein has not been studied for or shown to improve mood or stress in any of the provided abstracts. All studies examine unrelated outcomes like muscle mass, strength, cognitive function, sleep, or inflammatory markers—not mood or stress specifically.

D-ribose has not been studied for mood or stress in humans. The 50 abstracts provided contain zero clinical trials or research examining D-ribose as a mood or stress intervention; instead, they focus exclusively on muscle recovery, exercise performance, and cardiovascular/mitochondrial function.

Astragalus has not been studied for mood or stress in the provided abstracts. All 20 top-ranked studies focus on physical health outcomes (skin aging, kidney disease, heart function, muscle atrophy, cancer prevention, liver disease) with no investigation of mood, anxiety, depression, or stress-related endpoints.

Uridine has not been demonstrated to improve mood or stress in humans. The available evidence consists entirely of mechanistic studies, animal models, and observational research focused on neurological diseases, metabolic pathways, and viral infections—none of which directly address mood or stress as clinical outcomes.

Coluracetam is mentioned only as a comparison compound in a review of glutamate-based antidepressants, with no direct evidence of efficacy for mood or stress in humans or animals presented in the available literature.

L-Citrulline has not been studied for mood or stress in the provided abstracts. All reviewed studies examined cardiovascular, respiratory, athletic, or metabolic outcomes—not mood or psychological stress.

Leucine supplementation has not been demonstrated to improve mood or stress markers in humans. The limited human evidence shows no effects on cortisol, testosterone, or stress-related hormones, and the evidence base for mood/stress is essentially absent.