What Supplements Increase ACTH?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a vital role in regulating cortisol production, which impacts the body's stress response. For those with low levels, understanding what supplements increase ACTH is key to supporting proper adrenal function and overall hormonal balance.

Quick Summary

This guide explores specific supplements known to influence ACTH and the HPA axis, such as Panax ginseng and magnesium. Learn how different compounds affect the adrenal glands and impact your body's stress response.

Key Points

Panax Ginseng Stimulates ACTH: Panax ginseng is one of the few supplements with some evidence suggesting it can directly stimulate ACTH release and increase alertness.
Magnesium's Mixed Effects: The impact of magnesium on ACTH is complex, with some research indicating a potential increase under specific conditions, while other studies point to its role in reduction.
Adaptogens Often Reduce Stress Hormones: Many common adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola are used to lower cortisol and modulate the HPA axis, not necessarily to increase ACTH.
B Vitamins and Vitamin C Support Adrenals: A healthy intake of B-complex vitamins, especially B5, and Vitamin C is crucial for overall adrenal function and hormone synthesis, indirectly influencing the HPA axis.
Consult a Doctor Before Supplementing: Due to the delicate balance of the HPA axis, it is vital to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplements to address ACTH levels, especially for complex conditions like adrenal insufficiency.
Lifestyle Factors Are Key: Alongside supplements, lifestyle changes such as stress management, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet are crucial for supporting the HPA axis and adrenal health.

Understanding ACTH and the HPA Axis

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a crucial peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Its primary function is to regulate the production and release of cortisol from the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys. This entire process is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's central stress response system. When stress occurs, the hypothalamus releases a signal to the pituitary, which in turn releases ACTH. ACTH then tells the adrenals to produce cortisol. A healthy HPA axis is essential for maintaining energy levels, managing stress, and regulating various bodily functions.

Panax Ginseng: A Potent Stimulant of ACTH

Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, has been recognized for its ability to stimulate the release of ACTH. Research indicates that its active compounds, ginsenosides, influence the HPA axis at the level of the brain. By stimulating ACTH and subsequent cortisol production, ginseng can increase alertness and improve physical performance, making it a popular supplement for combating fatigue. The effect is believed to help the body adapt to and manage stress more effectively. Individuals seeking to raise ACTH should look for Panax ginseng products standardized to contain 4 to 5% ginsenosides.

The Ambiguous Role of Magnesium in ACTH Regulation

Magnesium is a mineral with a complex and sometimes conflicting relationship with ACTH. Several sources indicate that magnesium can help regulate the HPA axis, often by reducing ACTH and cortisol levels, which is beneficial for mediating stress. However, a specific study on athletes and sedentary subjects found that magnesium supplementation actually increased both ACTH and cortisol levels. The increases were more pronounced in the training subjects. This suggests that the effect of magnesium on ACTH may depend heavily on an individual's baseline health, stress levels, and physical activity. Given these mixed findings, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using magnesium to specifically increase ACTH.

Adaptogens and Their Balancing Act

Many popular adaptogenic herbs are often used for adrenal support but function by reducing stress hormones rather than increasing them. Herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea are well-regarded for their stress-modulating properties and their ability to help the body adapt to stress. Ashwagandha, in particular, has been shown to reduce cortisol levels significantly. For those with chronically elevated stress or cortisol, these herbs can be beneficial. However, for individuals needing to stimulate ACTH, their primary effect is not aligned with that goal. In fact, improper use of some adaptogens can have unintended consequences, especially in cases of advanced adrenal fatigue.

Vitamins Critical for Adrenal Function

Supporting overall adrenal health can indirectly influence ACTH production by regulating the HPA axis. Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance. Certain B vitamins, particularly pantothenic acid (B5), are crucial cofactors needed for the synthesis of adrenal hormones, including cortisol. A B-complex supplement can help support the adrenal glands, especially during periods of stress when these vitamins are depleted. Vitamin C is another vital nutrient, concentrated in high amounts within the adrenal glands, where it plays a key role in cortisol production. While these vitamins support the adrenal glands, they do not directly stimulate ACTH in the same manner as Panax ginseng.

Comparison of Supplements Affecting ACTH


Supplement	Primary Effect on ACTH/HPA Axis	Evidence Strength	Caveats & Considerations
Panax Ginseng	Direct stimulation of ACTH release.	Strong, based on some research.	Dosages vary; standardized extract is key. Consult a doctor before use.
Magnesium	Can increase ACTH in specific contexts (e.g., athletes) but often reduces it in others.	Mixed, depends on individual and context.	Conflicting reports; requires medical supervision, especially for low ACTH concerns.
B-Vitamins	Indirect support of adrenal glands and HPA axis function.	Supports adrenal health, not a direct ACTH stimulant.	Supports overall adrenal function, but won't 'force' ACTH production.
Ashwagandha	Generally lowers cortisol and modulates HPA axis.	Strong evidence for stress and cortisol reduction.	Not for increasing ACTH; can be over-stimulating in advanced adrenal fatigue.

Conclusion: Navigating ACTH-Influencing Supplements

When considering supplements to influence ACTH, it's essential to recognize the complex and sensitive nature of the HPA axis. While Panax ginseng has some evidence suggesting it can directly stimulate ACTH release, other substances like magnesium have more ambiguous or even contradictory effects. Many popular adrenal support supplements, such as ashwagandha, actually work to reduce stress hormones, making them unsuitable for the specific goal of increasing ACTH. Before starting any new supplement regimen, especially for hormonal modulation, a consultation with a healthcare provider is paramount. They can help diagnose the root cause of any adrenal or HPA axis imbalance and recommend a safe, personalized course of action. This holistic approach ensures you are addressing your body's specific needs and not just treating symptoms in isolation.

Essential Adrenal-Supportive Nutrients

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): A B-vitamin vital for cortisol synthesis.
Vitamin C: An antioxidant heavily concentrated in the adrenal glands, supporting hormone production.
Magnesium: Involved in HPA axis function, though its effect on ACTH can vary.
Zinc: A mineral that supports hormone functioning and production.
Fish Oil (Omega-3s): Contains EPA/DHA, which supports overall hormone function and can regulate the HPA axis.

Adaptogenic Herbs and the HPA Axis

Ashwagandha: A prominent adaptogen that generally lowers cortisol and helps manage stress.
Rhodiola Rosea: Helps improve resilience to stress and combats fatigue.
Holy Basil (Tulsi): Another adaptogen that helps balance cortisol and support a healthy stress response.
Licorice Root: Supports cortisol balance, though effects can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Individuals might want to increase ACTH if they have certain types of adrenal insufficiency, where the pituitary gland is not producing enough ACTH, leading to low cortisol.

No, ashwagandha is primarily known as an adaptogen that helps to reduce cortisol levels and modulate the stress response, not increase ACTH.

While diet doesn't directly increase ACTH, a healthy diet rich in B vitamins, Vitamin C, and other nutrients is crucial for supporting overall adrenal function, which can indirectly help normalize the HPA axis.

No, it is highly recommended to seek medical advice. Self-treating can have unintended consequences on the delicate HPA axis and potentially worsen underlying health issues. A healthcare provider can diagnose the root cause and ensure a safe treatment plan.

Panax ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are believed to interact with the HPA axis in the brain, leading to the stimulation of ACTH and subsequent cortisol production.

Yes, some studies suggest that magnesium can help lower ACTH levels by modulating the HPA axis, making its effects on this hormone complex and context-dependent.

Other key strategies include stress management techniques, getting consistent and sufficient sleep, regular but moderate exercise, and managing blood sugar levels throughout the day.