Medicinal mushrooms have long been touted for their immune-enhancing effects and stress relieving properties, but recent research suggests neurohealth benefits as well. Hericium erinaceus stands out as one such mushroom which may stimulate neurite outgrowth to improve cognitive health and enhance cognition.
Other medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, shiitake, turkey tail and cordyceps contain antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective and anticancer properties.
1. Reishi Mushroom
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is an adaptogen and immune booster, used as part of traditional Chinese medicine to support overall body wellness and combat stress.
Medicinal mushrooms have been widely recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, beta-glucan compounds contained in medicinal mushrooms have been proven to boost innate immunity through stimulating leukocyte proliferation and increasing natural killer cell activity.
Grifola frondosa, more commonly known as Maitake mushrooms, have been demonstrated to significantly increase TH1 cytokine production in various studies conducted using animal and in vitro models. Other research indicates that Reishi, Cordyceps sinensis and turkey tail mushrooms also increase this process.
Reishi mushrooms have long been revered symbols of longevity and well-being throughout Asia, where they are commonly known as the “mushroom of immortality.” Reishi contains numerous bioactive metabolites including polysaccharides, triterpenes, lanostane-type polyphenols, amino acids, ganoderic acid and vitamins that may contribute to antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer activities as well as popular supplements derived from fruiting bodies that feature Reishi extract. Reishi is also featured as part of our Coco Dream vegan hot chocolate which features both these ingredients!
2. Cordyceps
Traditional Chinese medicine has long recognized cordyceps as one of the premier medicinal mushrooms, employing it to reduce fatigue and poor appetite symptoms as well as boost immune systems. More recent research has demonstrated this adaptogen’s immune-enhancing potential.
Fungus contains numerous compounds with beneficial biological activities, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory and cytotoxic activities. Common species cultivated for medicinal use include C. sinensis, C. ophioglossoides, C. militaris and C. gracilis.
Cordyceps may help protect against liver damage, oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated its energy boosting capabilities by increasing production of ATP within cells while simultaneously improving oxygen utilization and metabolism.
Studies have revealed that mycelia of this mushroom can be effective against tumors by inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, polysaccharides peptide (PSP) and krestin extracted from deep layer cultivated mycelia has shown strong anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activity – inducing apoptosis among cancer cells while suppressing proliferation through both p53-dependent and independent pathways.
3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Mushrooms are enjoying a surge in popularity, and the lion’s mane mushroom is among those making an impactful statement. People are using it in soups, tea and capsules.
Hericium erinaceus, commonly referred to as the Lion’s Mane Mushroom, has been proven to aid healthy nerve cell growth* and contain two plant compounds–hericenones and erinacines–that may offer protection from Alzheimer’s disease*; more research needs to be conducted before we can ascertain their effects in human studies.
Reishi mushroom has been one of the most extensively researched medicinal mushrooms, with evidence supporting its ability to stimulate immune function*, improve sleep quality, ease occasional stress and restlessness, maintain balanced blood sugar levels, as well as potentially decreasing tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation*.
Reishi has also been shown to help maintain an immune-supportive effect when taken alongside chemotherapy*. When considering taking Reishi for health purposes, it is recommended to speak to a registered dietitian in order to ensure it will meet all your goals safely and appropriately.
4. Shiitake Mushroom
Japanese and Chinese populations enjoy eating these mushrooms both as food and as supplements, with both being used to fight infection, regulate cholesterol, immune modulate against cancer cells, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as provide antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, Shiitake contains two active components called eritadenine and beta-glucan which have the ability to block cholesterol absorption from foods by interference between absorption mechanisms of cholesterol in foods and the body absorbing cholesterol directly from foods themselves.
Shiitake mushroom is an extremely powerful immune tonic and should be included as an ingredient in soups, stews, whole grain dishes and sauces as a food item. Furthermore, its use has proven useful in treating diseases that reduce immune function such as cancer, AIDS, environmental allergies and candida infections as well as high cholesterol and bronchial asthma. Furthermore, Shiitake acts as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with stress by suppressing overactive adrenal responses.
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent solution for people living with diabetes, helping to regulate blood glucose and neutralize free radicals in the body. Shiitake has also proven its cancer-fighting capabilities – its high concentration of lentinan may even repair any damage done during chemotherapy treatments!
5. Turkey Tail
Like other functional mushrooms, turkey tail contains immunomodulating beta-glucans called polysaccharides that help support and regulate immune function. Furthermore, turkey tail boasts an abundance of triterpenes as a group of beneficial plant compounds; one study even demonstrated that Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG) contained within turkey tail prevented tumor development in mice!
Medicinal mushrooms have been demonstrated to stimulate neuronal outgrowth and enhance cognitive performance, while providing essential B vitamins to the brain. Furthermore, studies have identified their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties; potential use could include treating Parkinson’s and dementia symptoms as well as mitigating them altogether.
Cordyceps, lion’s mane and shiitake mushrooms have long been recognized for their cognitive-enhancing effects. One other effective adaptogen mushroom is maitake (Grifola frondosa). As with other medicinal mushrooms, maitake contains many bioactive compounds thought to help with fighting cancer, diabetes and heart disease; its anti-inflammatory properties could reduce blood pressure as well as chronic fatigue and hepatitis B treatment.
