There is a lot happening in your work and home. Every day brings new challenges, activities, things to remember, and problems to solve. You enjoy this rush, but it's well known what life at high speed entails. Sometimes you don't get enough sleep, and other times you feel like you're lacking energy. In short: you need support.

With active individuals like you in mind, the Osavi brand has prepared a unique combination of ingredients known for their effects on both body and mind: creatine, three adaptogenic mushrooms, rhodiola, vitamins B5 and B6, and zinc. See how these ingredients support the proper functioning of the body and well-being.

Creatine

Creatine is a compound of non-protein amino acids that is produced in the body as a result of chemical reactions occurring in the kidneys and liver. About 95% of creatine in the body is found in skeletal muscles, but it is also present in the brain [1-2].

Creatine increases physical performance in the case of successive short, very intense physical exercises. It is also one of the most researched supplements for physically active individuals – many scientific studies have observed an increase in anaerobic energy capacity and a decrease in protein breakdown, which can support muscle mass building and overall physical fitness [3-5].

Research results suggest that creatine supplementation raises muscle creatine levels and thus affects exercise performance during intense training, as well as has a positive impact on training adaptation [5].

However, that is not all we know about the effects of creatine. Numerous scientific studies have also observed its impact on cognitive functions, which is related to its presence in the brain [6-8]. Preliminary studies conducted on healthy adults suggest that creatine may positively influence memory, and the observed response was stronger among older and stressed participants [9].

A study from 2023 observed a positive effect of creatine supplementation on cognitive performance [10], and a study from 2003 noted a beneficial effect of supplementation on working memory and intelligence in the studied groups [11].

Further preliminary scientific studies have been conducted regarding the impact of creatine on cognitive functions under conditions of sleep deprivation. In the results of the studied groups, better performance in tasks requiring cognitive and psychomotor skills was also observed [12-13].

Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Mushrooms are becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in dietary supplements, and it's no wonder. Most of them have been known for their properties for hundreds of years. Asian folk medicine regarded them as a panacea for many ailments and sought the source of longevity.

Currently, mushrooms are especially valued for their content of polysaccharides, including beta-glucans known for their health-promoting properties [14-15].

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane, or lion's mane mushroom, contains a range of bioactive substances that are the subject of research regarding their impact on well-being and cognitive functions. However, further studies are needed to confirm these observations [16]. So far, it has also been studied in relation to:

• stress resistance,
• improvement of cognitive functions,
• improvement of mood [17-19].

It should be emphasized that regarding the observations of lion's mane's effects on depression, anxiety, or memory improvement, the research stage is very early – mainly pilot studies and animal studies are being conducted.

Although the results of the above studies were promising, it should also be noted that the study groups were small, and some results were inconsistent. Certainly, further research is needed on the effects of Lion’s Mane on the human body.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga is a natural source of polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and polyphenols. It is these compounds that scientists see as potential benefits from the supplementation of this mushroom. Currently, chaga is the subject of research regarding its impact on the immune system, metabolism, as well as reducing fatigue and antioxidant properties [20]. However, further studies are needed to confirm these observations.

In a comparative study of antioxidant activity from 2021, Inonotus obliquus and G. frondosa achieved better results in antioxidant tests than the other 4 species of studied mushrooms [21].

In the results of preliminary studies on the impact of chaga on the immune system, results suggest that the polysaccharides contained in this mushroom may exhibit immunostimulatory activity. Antiviral and antibacterial potential has also been observed, as well as hypoglycemic effects and increased insulin sensitivity [22-23]. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

An interesting study with chaga was also conducted in 2023, where the impact of this mushroom on muscle regeneration and function was checked in vitro. In laboratory conditions, an effect on muscle cell metabolism was observed, but clinical studies are needed to confirm these results in humans [24].

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Cordyceps contains health-beneficial compounds such as polysaccharides, nucleosides, and cyclosporine. Studies indicate that as an adaptogen, it may support the body in combating adverse environmental factors such as stress or aging processes. Research is ongoing regarding the role of this mushroom in the immune system and its antioxidant activity [25].

Additionally, studies are ongoing to determine whether cordyceps can support muscle cell regeneration processes in laboratory conditions [26].

Rhodiola Rosea (Rhodiola rosea)

In traditional folk medicine, rhodiola was used as a panacea for fatigue and stress. Currently, scientists seem to be going in a similar direction, studying the properties of this plant. Some preclinical studies, as well as several clinical studies, suggest a possible impact on the body's resistance to stress, but further confirmations are needed [27].

In a 2018 study, a group of 26 healthy men was subjected to supplementation with rhodiola or placebo. After 4 weeks, improvements in some psychomotor test results were observed, although a direct impact of supplementation on physical performance was not confirmed [28]. A literature review regarding Rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen noted that this plant may influence the improvement of exercise performance in the case of chronic supplementation [29].

Vitamins B5 and B6

Vitamins from the B group are an excellent complement to the action of creatine, adaptogenic mushrooms, and rhodiola.

• maintaining proper energy metabolism,
• proper synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and some neurotransmitters,
• reducing feelings of fatigue and lethargy,
• maintaining mental performance at a proper level [30].

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, supports among other things:

• maintaining proper energy metabolism,
• functioning of the nervous and immune systems,
• maintaining proper protein and glycogen metabolism,
• proper psychological functions,
• reducing feelings of fatigue and lethargy,
• regulating hormonal activity [30].

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral component essential in many processes occurring in the body, such as cell division, maintaining acid-base balance, carbohydrate metabolism, macronutrients and fatty acids, protein synthesis, and even DNA. Moreover, it helps maintain healthy bones, skin, hair, and nails. Zinc also helps maintain proper cognitive functions and supports the functioning of the immune and reproductive systems, as well as helps protect cells from oxidative stress [30].

Due to its properties, zinc is an excellent complement to the other active ingredients contained in the supplement Creatine, mushrooms & rhodiola by Osavi.

Sources:

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