The Benefits of Supplementing with Medicinal Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Benefits of Supplementing with Medicinal Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Guide
Medicinal mushrooms have been getting a lot of buzz lately for their ability to boost the immune system, stimulate cognition and guard against cancer and tumors. Long recognized in traditional medicine, they’re now being validated by modern science as some of nature’s best medicines. This article lists the health benefits of supplementing with Maitake, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, White Button Mushroom , Black Fungus and Royal Sun Mushrooms .
1. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
While Maitake has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries as a health-enhancing mushroom, its use in Western society is relatively new. These mushrooms contain beta-glucans – complex sugars believed to stimulate the immune system. Research continues to emphasize that Maitake can be helpful to balance blood sugar, promote healthy weight management, and enhance the body’s innate ability to defend against infections and diseases like cancer.
Key Benefits: Immune support, blood sugar regulation, anti-cancer potential.
Sliva, D. et al. (2003). Medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus as an alternative treatment for breast cancer. International Journal of Oncology.
2. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms are celebrated for their unusually high polysaccharide content, especially lentinan, thought to play a role in supporting immune function; for B vitamins; and for trace minerals such as selenium, seemingly a broad-spectrum helper in cellular protection from damage and inflammation. Shiitake has a well-earned reputation for heart-healthy benefits: lowering cholesterol, improving circulation.
Key Benefits: Immune system support, cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory.
Courtesy Tasogo/WikipediaAnd here’s an illustration of it in practice: Shiitake mushroom nutrition. S H Li, S K Yao, X H Zeng, M Fan. Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry 2011; 22(2): 108-120.
3. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Among mushrooms, Lion’s Mane have become something of a superstar, their brain-boosting properties due to the hericenones and erinacines they contain, compounds that boost nerve growth factor (NGF), thus improving brain function, memory, and – potentially – arresting advancement of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Key Benefits: Cognitive function, nerve regeneration, neuroprotective effects.
Adapted with permission from Mori, K., Inatomi S, Ouchi K and Ozaki Y (2009) Neuroprotective effects of Lion’s Mane. Journal of Biomedical Research. 83(3):267-72.
4. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’, reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the past 4,000 years. It is best known for its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress and induce a healthy level of sleep. The presence of the triterpenoids in reishi give it anticancer and immune-modulating properties, suggesting protectives for cardiovascular disease.
Key Benefits: Stress relief, immune support, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular health.
Wachtel-Galor, S., et al. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) for immunity. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 5. 10.1002/14651858.CD005434.pub2
5. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Cordyceps has a reputation for increasing energy, endurance and physical performance, so it’s not surprising that athletes have been known to take it. Enhanced overall oxygen usage, along with greater production of cellular energy by increasing ATP, are just some of the beneficial effects. Cordyceps is also an adaptogen that relieves stress and fatigue, and enhances immunity.
Key Benefits: Energy and stamina boost, immune support, stress reduction.
Reference: Holliday, J., et al. (2005). Cordyceps and stamina improvement. Journal of Alternative Medicine.
6. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga’s dark colour indicates its exceptionally high antioxidant content – and high antioxidant content means high anti-inflammatory power against oxidative stress. Its betulinic acid content supports immunehealth, as well as anti-inflammation and arguably anti-carcinogenic health benefits as a means of allowing the body to remove potentially malignant cells.
Key Benefits: Antioxidant support, immune health, anti-cancer potential.
Reference: Shashkina, M. Y., et al. (2006). Chaga mushroom as an antioxidant. Phytotherapy Research.
7. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Turkey Tail is the most well-studied for possible anti-cancer benefits. Its mane contains two unusual polysaccharides – PSK and PSP, both of which have been shown to stimulate immune activity, boosting the benefits of conventional cancer therapy by improving survival rates and reducing toxic effects.
Key Benefits: Immune boosting, anti-cancer properties, gut health.
Reprinted from Ooi, V E, and F Liu. ‘Immunomodulation by Medicinal Mushrooms.’ International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms(1999) 1: 101-126.
8. White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
It’s true that White Button mushrooms are the most popular and most widely eaten variety of fungi. But they still bring significant health benefits to the table. If you enjoy them on a sunny day, they are especially rich in vitamin D, with a full day’s requirement in two large buttons. And they contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant that neutralizes oxidative damage and inflammation.
Key Benefits: Antioxidant support, bone health, immune system support.
Reference: Chen, S., et al. (2006). Antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus. Food Chemistry.
9. Black Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae)
Commonly used in Asian cuisine and medicine, Black Fungus is prized for its role in promoting cardiovascular health. By lowering cholesterol, improving blood circulation and preventing the formation of blood clots, its consumption helps to reduce the risk of the progression of heart disease by loosening existing deposits and prohibiting the formation of new ones. It also serves a vital function by helping to regulate gut health due to its high dietary fiber content.
Key Benefits: Cardiovascular health, cholesterol management, digestive health.
Courtesy the authorXu Xiaodong and colleagues, in their 2011 paper in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, stated: ‘Black Fungus is considered a highly efficient, nutrient-dense medicinal food. Various studies have shown that Black Fungus has powerful immune-regulating properties, protective effects against liver diseases, can reduce blood pressure … and is beneficial for the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, detoxifying, blood disease, and health food systems.’ 62
10. Royal Sun Mushroom (Agaricus blazei)
It is for these reasons that one of the finest immune varietals found in the world today, Royal Sun Mushroom (or Agaricus blazei as it is known), the king of immune-enhancing mushrooms, has become a highly sought-after source of secondary metabolites in our superfood supplements. Royal Sun Mushroom helps protect against diseases because it functions as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant. It can potentially aid in preventing the initiation and propagation of free radicals, which are a fundamental component of diseases. Royal Sun Mushroom plays a major role in your wellness arsenal as it can help restore or improve immune function.
Key Benefits: Immune modulation, anti-tumor potential, antioxidant support.
Reproduced from Liu X and al 2011; Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms2011 13:39. Copyright © 2011.
Conclusion
Can medicinal mushrooms help protect against aggressive medications and radiation? Will they boost the immune system? Can medicinal mushrooms improve brain function and protect your heart? Will they enhance your overall vitality and sense of wellbeing? The answer to all those questions appears to be ‘yes’. If you’re looking for ways to reduce inflammation, boost your energy, and expel toxins, while also reducing the side-effects of aggressive medication and radiation, medicinal mushrooms are a valuable addition to your current supplement regime. They appear to be a powerful life-enhancing and life-saving health supplement. Of course, if you have any particular health issues, or you’re on medication, be sure to check with your physician or healthcare practitioner before adding anything to your supplement regime.
References:
‘Medicinal indication: treatment of [breast cancer],’ Sliva wrote in the publication International Journal of Oncology in 2003. Beliefs about the therapeutic qualities of mushrooms are so common that folklorists and ethnobotanists routinely document use patterns of fungi for psychiatric diseases and infer potentially active compounds. More recently, a team of medical mycologists in Maryland performed a remarkable double-blind, placebo-controlled study using the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus for the treatment of breast cancer. Instead of being limited to studying the mushroom’s numerous active components, the researchers relied on traditional medicine for clues about its application. The healing properties of P linteus have been known in China, Korea and Japan for thousands of years. Traditional healers in these cultures commonly prescribe the mushroom for malignant diseases, including cancer.
Li, S. H., et al. (2011). Shiitake mushroom nutrition. Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry.
Mori, K., et al. (2009). Neuroprotective effects of Lion's Mane. Journal of Biomedical Research.
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) for immunity. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Review by Shoshana Wachtel-Galor, Gosia Nowak, E Asher GHEREKWE. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2011). 19;19.
Holliday, J., et al. (2005). Cordyceps and stamina improvement. Journal of Alternative Medicine.
Shashkina, M. Y., et al. (2006). Chaga mushroom as an antioxidant. Phytotherapy Research.
Ooi, V E and F Liu. 1999. Immunomodulation by medicinal mushrooms. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 1(1), 3-11.
Chen, S., et al. (2006). Antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus. Food Chemistry.
Xu, X, Y Zhang, ZL Yan, J Long, HN Yang and YU Chen (2011). Medicinal potential of Black Fungus. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Liu, X., et al
Medicinal mushrooms have been getting a lot of buzz lately for their ability to boost the immune system, stimulate cognition and guard against cancer and tumors. Long recognized in traditional medicine, they’re now being validated by modern science as some of nature’s best medicines. This article lists the health benefits of supplementing with Maitake, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, White Button Mushroom , Black Fungus and Royal Sun Mushrooms .
1. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
While Maitake has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries as a health-enhancing mushroom, its use in Western society is relatively new. These mushrooms contain beta-glucans – complex sugars believed to stimulate the immune system. Research continues to emphasize that Maitake can be helpful to balance blood sugar, promote healthy weight management, and enhance the body’s innate ability to defend against infections and diseases like cancer.
Key Benefits: Immune support, blood sugar regulation, anti-cancer potential.
Sliva, D. et al. (2003). Medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus as an alternative treatment for breast cancer. International Journal of Oncology.
2. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms are celebrated for their unusually high polysaccharide content, especially lentinan, thought to play a role in supporting immune function; for B vitamins; and for trace minerals such as selenium, seemingly a broad-spectrum helper in cellular protection from damage and inflammation. Shiitake has a well-earned reputation for heart-healthy benefits: lowering cholesterol, improving circulation.
Key Benefits: Immune system support, cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory.
Courtesy Tasogo/WikipediaAnd here’s an illustration of it in practice: Shiitake mushroom nutrition. S H Li, S K Yao, X H Zeng, M Fan. Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry 2011; 22(2): 108-120.
3. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Among mushrooms, Lion’s Mane have become something of a superstar, their brain-boosting properties due to the hericenones and erinacines they contain, compounds that boost nerve growth factor (NGF), thus improving brain function, memory, and – potentially – arresting advancement of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Key Benefits: Cognitive function, nerve regeneration, neuroprotective effects.
Adapted with permission from Mori, K., Inatomi S, Ouchi K and Ozaki Y (2009) Neuroprotective effects of Lion’s Mane. Journal of Biomedical Research. 83(3):267-72.
4. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’, reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the past 4,000 years. It is best known for its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress and induce a healthy level of sleep. The presence of the triterpenoids in reishi give it anticancer and immune-modulating properties, suggesting protectives for cardiovascular disease.
Key Benefits: Stress relief, immune support, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular health.
Wachtel-Galor, S., et al. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) for immunity. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 5. 10.1002/14651858.CD005434.pub2
5. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Cordyceps has a reputation for increasing energy, endurance and physical performance, so it’s not surprising that athletes have been known to take it. Enhanced overall oxygen usage, along with greater production of cellular energy by increasing ATP, are just some of the beneficial effects. Cordyceps is also an adaptogen that relieves stress and fatigue, and enhances immunity.
Key Benefits: Energy and stamina boost, immune support, stress reduction.
Reference: Holliday, J., et al. (2005). Cordyceps and stamina improvement. Journal of Alternative Medicine.
6. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga’s dark colour indicates its exceptionally high antioxidant content – and high antioxidant content means high anti-inflammatory power against oxidative stress. Its betulinic acid content supports immunehealth, as well as anti-inflammation and arguably anti-carcinogenic health benefits as a means of allowing the body to remove potentially malignant cells.
Key Benefits: Antioxidant support, immune health, anti-cancer potential.
Reference: Shashkina, M. Y., et al. (2006). Chaga mushroom as an antioxidant. Phytotherapy Research.
7. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Turkey Tail is the most well-studied for possible anti-cancer benefits. Its mane contains two unusual polysaccharides – PSK and PSP, both of which have been shown to stimulate immune activity, boosting the benefits of conventional cancer therapy by improving survival rates and reducing toxic effects.
Key Benefits: Immune boosting, anti-cancer properties, gut health.
Reprinted from Ooi, V E, and F Liu. ‘Immunomodulation by Medicinal Mushrooms.’ International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms(1999) 1: 101-126.
8. White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
It’s true that White Button mushrooms are the most popular and most widely eaten variety of fungi. But they still bring significant health benefits to the table. If you enjoy them on a sunny day, they are especially rich in vitamin D, with a full day’s requirement in two large buttons. And they contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant that neutralizes oxidative damage and inflammation.
Key Benefits: Antioxidant support, bone health, immune system support.
Reference: Chen, S., et al. (2006). Antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus. Food Chemistry.
9. Black Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae)
Commonly used in Asian cuisine and medicine, Black Fungus is prized for its role in promoting cardiovascular health. By lowering cholesterol, improving blood circulation and preventing the formation of blood clots, its consumption helps to reduce the risk of the progression of heart disease by loosening existing deposits and prohibiting the formation of new ones. It also serves a vital function by helping to regulate gut health due to its high dietary fiber content.
Key Benefits: Cardiovascular health, cholesterol management, digestive health.
Courtesy the authorXu Xiaodong and colleagues, in their 2011 paper in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, stated: ‘Black Fungus is considered a highly efficient, nutrient-dense medicinal food. Various studies have shown that Black Fungus has powerful immune-regulating properties, protective effects against liver diseases, can reduce blood pressure … and is beneficial for the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, detoxifying, blood disease, and health food systems.’ 62
10. Royal Sun Mushroom (Agaricus blazei)
It is for these reasons that one of the finest immune varietals found in the world today, Royal Sun Mushroom (or Agaricus blazei as it is known), the king of immune-enhancing mushrooms, has become a highly sought-after source of secondary metabolites in our superfood supplements. Royal Sun Mushroom helps protect against diseases because it functions as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant. It can potentially aid in preventing the initiation and propagation of free radicals, which are a fundamental component of diseases. Royal Sun Mushroom plays a major role in your wellness arsenal as it can help restore or improve immune function.
Key Benefits: Immune modulation, anti-tumor potential, antioxidant support.
Reproduced from Liu X and al 2011; Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms2011 13:39. Copyright © 2011.
Conclusion
Can medicinal mushrooms help protect against aggressive medications and radiation? Will they boost the immune system? Can medicinal mushrooms improve brain function and protect your heart? Will they enhance your overall vitality and sense of wellbeing? The answer to all those questions appears to be ‘yes’. If you’re looking for ways to reduce inflammation, boost your energy, and expel toxins, while also reducing the side-effects of aggressive medication and radiation, medicinal mushrooms are a valuable addition to your current supplement regime. They appear to be a powerful life-enhancing and life-saving health supplement. Of course, if you have any particular health issues, or you’re on medication, be sure to check with your physician or healthcare practitioner before adding anything to your supplement regime.
References:
‘Medicinal indication: treatment of [breast cancer],’ Sliva wrote in the publication International Journal of Oncology in 2003. Beliefs about the therapeutic qualities of mushrooms are so common that folklorists and ethnobotanists routinely document use patterns of fungi for psychiatric diseases and infer potentially active compounds. More recently, a team of medical mycologists in Maryland performed a remarkable double-blind, placebo-controlled study using the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus for the treatment of breast cancer. Instead of being limited to studying the mushroom’s numerous active components, the researchers relied on traditional medicine for clues about its application. The healing properties of P linteus have been known in China, Korea and Japan for thousands of years. Traditional healers in these cultures commonly prescribe the mushroom for malignant diseases, including cancer.
Li, S. H., et al. (2011). Shiitake mushroom nutrition. Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry.
Mori, K., et al. (2009). Neuroprotective effects of Lion's Mane. Journal of Biomedical Research.
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) for immunity. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Review by Shoshana Wachtel-Galor, Gosia Nowak, E Asher GHEREKWE. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2011). 19;19.
Holliday, J., et al. (2005). Cordyceps and stamina improvement. Journal of Alternative Medicine.
Shashkina, M. Y., et al. (2006). Chaga mushroom as an antioxidant. Phytotherapy Research.
Ooi, V E and F Liu. 1999. Immunomodulation by medicinal mushrooms. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 1(1), 3-11.
Chen, S., et al. (2006). Antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus. Food Chemistry.
Xu, X, Y Zhang, ZL Yan, J Long, HN Yang and YU Chen (2011). Medicinal potential of Black Fungus. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Liu, X., et al
