June 1, 2026
June 1, 2026 – In WholeFoods Magazine’s roundup on stress support and neurowellness, James Roza, VP of Technical Services at BioVivo Science (BVS), spotlights American ginseng’s role in modulating cortisol via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis — while also supporting immune balance when the body’s stress response triggers inflammation. “American ginseng inhibits excitatory neuronal activity and modulates cortisol levels through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,” says James Roza, VP of Technical Services, BioVivo Science.
Even low levels of chronic stress trigger a biochemical response. “At a physiological level, chronic stress is driven by prolonged activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which results in cortisol elevation,” explains Cynthia Suarez-Rizzo, Senior Expert, New Product Development, MartinBauer Nutraceuticals. “Over time, high cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, can disrupt multiple biological systems, including cognitive function, sleep regulation, energy metabolism, and muscle health.”
“Modern stress management requires solutions that act on shared biological pathways across the brain and body,” says Suarez-Rizzo. “Adaptogenic botanicals play a central role in this approach due to their ability to regulate the stress response while supporting energy metabolism and recovery.”
Rhodiola rosea is a standout, says Suarez-Rizzo. “Mechanistically, rhodiola supports regulation of the HPA axis, reduces fatigue perception, and enhances mitochondrial ATP production. Importantly, by modulating cortisol rhythms, it can also contribute to improved sleep quality and reduced stress-related sleep disturbances, particularly in adults experiencing fatigue-driven sleep disruption.”
Historically, a formulation challenges with ashwagandha has been the high dosage required for efficacy, says Keely Johnson, VP of Sales and Marketing, Arjuna Natural, who says Arjuna’s ashwagandha ingredient, Shoden, has shown lasting benefits for stress, sleep, and cognitive function at doses of 60 and 120mg, as reported in 11 published clinical studies.
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Originally Published in
WholeFoods Magazine
Date
June 1, 2026
Read the full article
https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18009-the-pillars-of-mental-resilience