Introduction to medicinal mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are one of the most interesting yet least understood dietary supplements on the market today. Yet, some cultures have been reaping the benefits of this ingredient for over 5000 years.
In this post, we’ll look at how these “wonder-fungi” can help your health in ways that you may not have even thought possible.
The Forgotten Superfood - Why Mushrooms are Good for You
With a long history of medicinal use in the East, mushrooms are now rapidly gaining popularity in the West. However, a lot remains to be discovered, and researchers have a lot of catching up to do.
Thus far, mushrooms have been shown to contain a remarkable array of bioactive compounds.
Bioactive Compounds found in Mushrooms
1. Polysaccharides - found in most medicinal mushrooms- are large molecules made up of multiple simple sugars linked together, like a chain. They can be highly active biologically, having an immuno-stimulating activity or anti-inflammatory properties.
Some polysaccharides also inhibit tumor growth through various mechanisms, including inducing apoptosis (cell suicide) in cancer cells, or by inhibiting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels).
2. Polyphenols - these are very potent antioxidants that scavenge free radicals in the body and protect us from oxidative damage. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce cardiovascular disease risk by inhibiting LDL oxidation.
Polyphenols are also thought to stimulate the production of nerve growth factors (NGF). This compound plays a vital role in protecting against age-related memory loss and promoting new neural connections in the brain.
3. Terpenes /terpenoids – these are aromatic compounds responsible for the smell of most plants, including medicinal mushrooms. Terpenes/terpenoids appear to have quite a diverse set of biological effects: they can be analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory.
One group of terpenes found in many medicinal mushrooms, called monoterpenes (a subcategory of terpenoids), have been shown to stimulate the immune system. Similarly, novel diterpenoids discovered in Hericium erinaceum (Lion’s mane) can stimulate brain cell regeneration and growth.
Medicinal Mushrooms Benefits
Gut health
Digestive (Improved Gut Health)
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-microbial properties
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Blood health
Antihyperlipidemic (Cholesterol-lowering properties)
Anti-hypertensivity
Liver protection
Antidiabetic
Cytotoxic
Hepatoprotective
Blood pressure regulation
Cell Health
Antioxidative
Antiviral
Antiallergic
Nerve Health
Immunomodulating
Antidepressive
Neuroprotective
Organ Health
Nephroprotective
Bone Health
Osteoprotective
What to look for in Mushroom Supplements
1. The right mushrooms - you want to be sure that you are getting a mushroom extract that contains a good mix of the active compounds described above. Not all medicinal mushrooms contain all three types of bioactive compounds.
2. The right dose - medicinal mushrooms are not like pharmaceutical drugs where you can take too much or too little, and they will have no effect whatsoever.
They are food ingredients, so it is essential to find a product that contains the right dose for your needs. As with most dietary supplements, there is no “one size fits all” formula when it comes to dosing.
3. Quality control – there are no regulations in place currently to ensure that medicinal mushroom supplements are of consistent quality (ie uniform dose contained within the product).
As with most dietary supplements, you have to take extra time choosing which brand to trust.
Best Medicinal Mushrooms List for Daily Use
Lion’s Mane - Supports Brain Function & Gut Health*
This is a truly unique mushroom in terms of its abundance of bioactive compounds. It promotes nerve growth factor (NGF) production and improves memory function.
Furthermore, Lion’s mane has always been used traditionally as a probiotic for gut health.
A recent study found that this mushroom helps bring about positive changes in the composition and activity of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota. This, in turn, helps nutritional uptake and digestion.
Supports memory and cognitive function*
Promotes new brain cell connections*
Turkey Tail - Anti-inflammatory*
Turkey Tail has more beta-glucans than any other mushroom. Because of the potential cancer-fighting properties, this is one of the most well-researched mushrooms on the market today.
Numerous studies have found that its active ingredients - polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) - have anticancer activity. What’s more, several gastric and colorectal cancer studies have shown that treatment coupled with PSK improved recovery.
Cancer-fighting properties*
Traditionally used to boost the immune system and improve liver health*
Cordyceps - Energizer*
Famous as energy boosters and stress regulators, it’s clear why cordyceps is a common addition in mushroom extract blends. Due to the presence of adenosine and cordycepin, this mushroom boosts the body's natural production of ATP (our primary energy carriers throughout our cells.)
Active ingredients adenosine and cordycepin help boost energy*
Boosts stamina and sexual performance*
Reishi - Supports Homeostasis*
Because of its high triterpene count, Reishi has been used for thousands of years as mental support. Its calming properties and mood-boosting qualities help alleviate anxiety and depression. Reishi also helps maintain homeostasis and improves blood flow to the brain.
Mood Booster*
Improves mental performance*
Chaga - Complete Support*
Chaga is a superfood on its own. It delivers a powerful boost to the body with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. What’s more, the high level of antioxidants that are derived from this mushroom help alleviate oxidative stress (slowing the aging process) and help fight inflammation. In addition, the antioxidants may also help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and stabilize blood pressure levels.
Superfood - high levels of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
High in antioxidants
Maitake - Immune Enhancer*
Rich in β-glucans, Maitake supports the immune system to help fight bacterial infections. One study found that the Maitake significantly increased phagocytosis. This is the ingestion of bacteria and other microorganisms by phagocytes in the body. The phagocytes are the first line of defense against microorganisms.
Supports Immune System*
Boosts First Line of Defense*
Disclaimer
*The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements in this article. There is no intent to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease with any of these products. The purpose of this article is to be educational. Licensed physicians should always be consulted for medical advice. For any medical advice, you should always consult your doctor.