Sunhorse Proprietary Liquid Adaptogenic Herbal Blend
Also known as: Sunhorse Proprietary Liquid Adaptogenic Herbal Blend, Sunhorse blends, Adaptogenic herbal supplement, multi-ingredient liquid formula
Overview
Sunhorse Proprietary Liquid Adaptogenic Herbal Blend is a multi-ingredient liquid herbal supplement designed to help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors and restore homeostasis. These blends typically combine well-known adaptogenic herbs such as Rhodiola rosea, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), various Ginseng species, Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus), Angelica root, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Epimedium, Tribulus, and medicinal mushrooms like Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail). The liquid format is intended for ease of use and rapid absorption. While individual adaptogens have extensive research supporting their benefits in stress reduction, hormonal balance, cognitive support, and immune modulation, direct clinical evidence for specific multi-ingredient proprietary blends like Sunhorse's is limited due to their unique formulations and variability. The overall quality of evidence for adaptogens ranges from preliminary to moderate, with some herbs supported by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews.
Benefits
The Sunhorse Proprietary Liquid Adaptogenic Herbal Blend aims to provide a range of benefits primarily derived from its individual adaptogenic components. Primary effects include significant reductions in stress, fatigue, and anxiety, as demonstrated by moderate effect sizes in RCTs for ingredients like Rhodiola rosea and Ashwagandha, which have shown to reduce cortisol levels and improve mental performance. For instance, Rhodiola has shown statistically significant reductions in fatigue scores (p < 0.05) in RCTs. Additionally, Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail mushroom) contributes immune-enhancing effects, particularly as an adjunct in cancer therapy, by improving lymphocyte function and natural killer (NK) cell activity. Secondary benefits encompass hormonal balance, with ingredients like Vitex agnus-castus supporting female endocrine health, cognitive enhancement from Holy basil and Rhodiola, and metabolic support from Tribulus and Epimedium. Benefits typically become noticeable after several weeks of consistent use, usually within 4–8 weeks. Specific blends may target populations such as women seeking hormonal health (e.g., Thrivagen formula), physically active individuals (e.g., Mojo 8.5), or those experiencing chronic stress (e.g., Ultimate Energy, Fog Cutter). While individual components are well-researched, the efficacy of the combined blend relies on the synergistic action of its ingredients.
How it works
Adaptogens in the Sunhorse blend primarily function by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the body's central stress response system. This modulation helps to reduce excessive cortisol secretion and normalize the body's physiological response to stress. Beyond stress response, these herbs influence immune function by modulating cytokine production, enhancing lymphocyte proliferation, and increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity. At a molecular level, adaptogens interact with various targets, including glucocorticoid receptors, inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, and antioxidant systems, contributing to their protective and balancing effects. The liquid extract format is believed to offer improved bioavailability compared to dried powders, facilitating faster and more efficient absorption of the active phytochemicals into the bloodstream, thereby potentially enhancing their therapeutic effects.
Side effects
Sunhorse Proprietary Liquid Adaptogenic Herbal Blends are generally considered safe, with a low incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs). Common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, are typically mild and include gastrointestinal discomfort and occasional dermatological reactions. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1–5% of users, may involve mild allergic reactions or transient headaches. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, can include hypersensitivity reactions, particularly with blends containing propolis or mushroom extracts. Due to the multi-ingredient nature, attributing adverse events to a specific component can be challenging. Drug interactions are a significant consideration; some adaptogens, such as Reishi mushroom, may interact with anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or blood pressure medications. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals with bleeding disorders or low blood pressure. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and autoimmune diseases due to the immune-modulating properties of some ingredients. Concurrent use of immunosuppressive drugs also necessitates medical supervision. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using these blends, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing for proprietary multi-ingredient blends like Sunhorse's; dosage recommendations are typically provided by the manufacturer. For individual adaptogens commonly found in these blends, typical effective daily doses include 200–600 mg for Rhodiola, 300–600 mg for Ashwagandha, and 3–9 g of mycelial powder for Trametes versicolor in clinical trials. As Sunhorse products are liquid formulations, they may require smaller volumes due to their concentrated nature. Optimal dosing requires strict adherence to the product's specific instructions and careful monitoring for individual tolerance and effects. These blends are usually taken daily, with or without food, and consistent use over several weeks (typically 4–8 weeks) is often necessary to achieve the desired benefits. For optimal efficacy, some adaptogens may also require adequate nutrition and hydration. It is important to consult the product label for specific dosing guidelines and to discuss with a healthcare professional, especially when combining with other supplements or medications.
FAQs
Is Sunhorse blend safe for long-term use?
Generally, individual adaptogens have established safety profiles for long-term use. However, long-term safety data specifically for proprietary multi-ingredient blends like Sunhorse's are limited, so consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How soon will I notice effects?
Benefits from adaptogenic blends typically do not appear immediately. Most users report noticing effects after 4–8 weeks of consistent daily use, as the body gradually adapts to the herbal compounds.
Can I take it with medications?
Due to potential interactions, especially with blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or blood pressure medications, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before taking Sunhorse blends with any prescription medications.
Are the blends standardized?
Proprietary blends often lack full standardization of active compounds across batches, which can lead to variability in consistency and efficacy. Always check the manufacturer's information for any standardization claims.
Does the liquid form improve absorption?
Yes, liquid extracts are generally believed to enhance bioavailability compared to capsules or powders. This can lead to faster and potentially more efficient absorption of the active phytochemicals, though individual results may vary.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12389708/ – This scoping review analyzed 285 clinical trials on single adaptogenic ingredients and 54 on multi-ingredient products, identifying their safety profiles. It concluded that serious adverse events are rare but noted the difficulty in attributing adverse events to specific components in multi-ingredient products due to heterogeneity and incomplete reporting. The study provides a comprehensive overview of adaptogen safety but highlights limitations in data quality for blends.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/med.21743 – This Phase I randomized controlled trial investigated the safety of Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail mushroom) in breast cancer survivors. It found that doses up to 9 g/day were safe and well-tolerated, and observed improvements in lymphocyte and natural killer (NK) cell activity. While a rigorous study, its small sample size and Phase I design mean the findings are preliminary regarding efficacy.
- https://www.apexhospitals.com/blogs-articles/exploring-the-potential-of-adaptogenic-herbs-for-immune-function – This narrative review explores how adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and Holy basil modulate immune function. It discusses their roles in influencing cytokine production, improving stress response, and enhancing various immune parameters. The review supports the biological plausibility of adaptogens' immune benefits but notes the lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials specifically on multi-ingredient blends.
Recommended Articles
Top Fertility Supplements for Women in 2025
By 2025, new FDA-approved fertility supplements, emphasizing organic ingredients, have shown significant effectiveness in aiding conception for women in their 30s.
Barcode-Scanner Apps & Supplements: A Reality Check
Barcode-scanner supplement apps vary in accuracy, especially with proprietary blends, but advancements are improving their reliability.
Legal Pre-Workout Supplements for Athletes
Legal pre-workout supplements like those with caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine can safely enhance athletic performance without failing doping tests.
Top Testosterone Boosters for Cyclists: A Buyer's Guide
For cyclists, choosing testosterone boosters involves finding scientifically-backed, third-party tested products, with top picks including brands like TestoGen and Prime Male.