Michael Davis
The effectiveness of mushroom extracts has been a topic of interest for centuries in traditional medicine, but what does modern science have to say about it? Mushroom supplements are now widely available in various forms, including capsules, powders, liquids, mouth sprays, teas, and coffees. They are claimed to have a wide range of health benefits, from boosting immunity and fighting cancer to improving mental health and enhancing athletic performance. While initial research and clinical trials show promising results in these areas, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm the full range of benefits and the effectiveness of different extraction methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese medicine | Dried mushrooms and mushroom extracts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. |
| Scientific evidence | There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of mushroom extracts. |
| Bioactive compounds | Mushroom extracts are composed of bioactive compounds such as β-glucans, erinacines, hericenones, and polyphenols. |
| Health benefits | Mushroom extracts are claimed to have various health benefits, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immune-boosting, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects. |
| Clinical studies | Clinical studies on mushroom extracts have shown promising results, but there are limitations to the validity of the studies, such as small sample sizes and a lack of control groups. |
| Vitamin D source | Mushrooms are a natural source of vitamin D, which is important for maintaining strong bones. |
| Prebiotic effects | Mushroom extracts may have prebiotic effects, positively impacting the gut microbiome and potentially aiding in weight management. |
| Fermentation | Fermentation is a common practice in the mushroom extract industry, but it may not effectively release therapeutic components. |
| Extraction methods | Different extraction methods, such as hot water extraction and membrane separation technology, are used to isolate and concentrate active compounds. |
| Extraction ratios | Extraction ratios listed on product labels may not accurately reflect the concentration of beneficial compounds. |
| Regulatory concerns | The mushroom extract market is largely unregulated, and products may not be evaluated or approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA. |
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What You'll Learn
Anti-ageing and skin benefits
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are now being increasingly used in cosmetics. The use of mushroom extracts in skincare products is becoming popular due to their anti-ageing and skin-beneficial properties.
Mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds such as carbohydrates, bioactive proteins, fungal lipids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds have been found to possess antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, and anti-ageing properties. For example, ergothioneine and glutathione are two specific antioxidants found in mushrooms that may help protect against free radical damage, which can contribute to signs of ageing.
Mushrooms are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce skin sensitivity and improve skin resilience, making them suitable for sensitive and damaged skin. The Reishi mushroom, for instance, contains beta-glucans that act as powerful antioxidants to protect the skin against damaging free radicals. Additionally, beta-glucans can help brighten skin pigmentation through their anti-tyrosinase activity.
Mushrooms are also being used for their hydrating properties. Tremella mushroom, also known as the silver ear or snow mushroom, hydrates and plumps skin cells, and its efficiency has been compared to hyaluronic acid. Reishi mushroom is another hydrating agent that contains beta-glucans, which extract moisture from the environment and provide it to the skin, creating a protective layer.
Some mushrooms have also been found to have skin-lightening properties. For example, shiitake mushrooms contain kojic acid, a well-known skin-lightener, and a study found that chaga mushroom extract curbs melanin production, indicating its potential for skin lightening.
Overall, mushroom extracts have shown promising results in combating skin ageing and age-related diseases, making them an exciting and effective ingredient in the skincare industry.
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Cancer-fighting properties
Cancer is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While surgery, radiotherapy, and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy) are the standard cancer treatments, these treatments can cause severe side effects and induce resistance. This has prompted the search for novel anticancer agents with minimal or no side effects.
Mushrooms, which are part of the fungus family, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional medicines for centuries to treat various illnesses. They are also used as an addition to standard cancer treatments in some parts of Asia, such as Japan and China. In these regions, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments.
Mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides in their fruit bodies or mycelia. The -glucans of mushrooms resemble bacterial cell walls and complex with complement on macrophages to activate an immune response, triggering the release of various cytokines that are active in tumor inhibition. They are also a reliable source of bioactive compounds and have numerous nutritional values.
Research has shown that mushroom extracts from 92 species, prepared using 12 different solvents, could reduce the viability of 38 various cancers. For example, in Japan, 123 patients with benign colorectal tumors were given an extract of the mushroom G. lucidum mycelia (MAK) for 12 months, while 102 patients did not receive treatment with MAK. At the 12-month follow-up, the number and size of tumors decreased in the group that received MAK, but not in the group that did not. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, which are also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor. PSK has been studied in patients with gastric cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer and can be taken as a tea or in capsule form.
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Boosting the immune system
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine, to treat infections, lung disease, cancer, and other conditions. They have antibacterial and antiviral compounds and are rich in beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and other compounds that have been shown to support immune health.
Mushrooms can be consumed in a variety of ways, including as dietary supplements in powder, capsule, or liquid extract form. The dosage is typically 1 to 2 tablespoons per day. However, it is important to consult a doctor before adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet, especially if you are taking medication or are pregnant.
- Turkey Tail: This mushroom contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the immune system. It is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan and has been shown to improve the survival rate of people with leukemia.
- Cordyceps: This mushroom is stimulating and can boost energy and the libido. It has been shown to improve exercise performance and has antiviral activity against several viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus and dengue virus.
- Reishi: This mushroom has calming properties and can alleviate anxiety and improve sleep. It can also reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and inflammatory responses following viral infections.
- Maitake: This mushroom has immune-stimulating effects and has been shown to decrease mammary tumor cell behavior in mouse models. It also has antiviral activity against hepatitis B and HIV.
- Shiitake: These mushrooms are rich in fiber and support a healthy microbiome. They are also a source of selenium, magnesium, and zinc, which may contribute to their anti-influenza properties.
- AHCC: This is a mushroom culture extract derived from the cells of shiitake mushroom mycelia. It stimulates specific receptors on human immune cells in the gut that recognize foreign pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. It has been studied for its potential to help fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
While mushrooms have been shown to have immune-boosting properties, it is important to note that the research is still emerging, and more studies are needed to verify their benefits fully.
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Improving mental health
While mushrooms have been lauded for their medicinal properties for centuries, the research on their effectiveness for improving mental health is still limited. Most of the studies on the adaptogenic properties of mushrooms have been conducted on cells and animals, with very few human studies. However, some initial findings suggest that mushroom extracts may hold promise for improving mental health in certain areas.
Cognition and Brain Health
Lion's mane mushrooms, in particular, have been the focus of several studies investigating their potential cognitive benefits. Research suggests that lion's mane mushrooms contain compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells, specifically hericenones and erinacines. Animal studies have shown that these mushrooms may help protect against Alzheimer's disease and reduce symptoms of memory loss. A small human study also found that supplementation with lion's mane mushroom daily for 4 months led to improved cognitive test scores in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Anxiety and Depression
Some studies indicate that mushroom extracts may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. For example, a small 2010 study found that menopausal women who consumed lion's mane mushrooms daily for a month reported reduced feelings of irritation and anxiety. Additionally, a 2025 study suggested that a single dose of psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, can alleviate depression for up to five years in most patients. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the potential long-term side effects.
Gut Health
Mushrooms are a source of prebiotics, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved mental health and mood. Additionally, the polysaccharides in mushrooms can pass through the stomach unchanged and reach the colon, further supporting gut health.
While the initial research on the mental health benefits of mushroom extracts is promising, more comprehensive human studies are needed to establish their therapeutic benefits and potential risks fully. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplements into your routine.
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Wound healing
Mushrooms have been consumed for many years due to their flavour, economic and ecological benefits, and therapeutic properties. They contain an excellent variety of bioactive metabolites that can be successful in both the prevention and treatment of various human health hazards. The main medicinal properties ascribed to mushrooms include antibiotic, antitumor, antiviral, immunostimulant, and hypolipidemic activities.
Several studies have reported the potential of mushroom extracts in wound healing. For example, a study on rats showed that wounds treated with lion's mane mushroom extract healed faster, showed less scar width, and contained more collagen for the growth of new blood vessels. Another study by Amin et al. (2015) found that Antrodia camphorata extract, rich in total polyphenols and flavonoids, promoted wound healing in vivo and in vitro.
Mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, which are among the best substances for accelerating wound healing. The polysaccharides from G. lucidum, for instance, can bind to specific receptors on leucocyte surfaces and alter the activities of various immune cells. In addition, G. lucidum polysaccharides are potent immune-modulating agents.
Furthermore, mushroom extracts have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-hyaluronidase properties, which can contribute to their wound-healing capabilities. However, it is important to note that some mushroom species can cause serious, sometimes deadly, poisonings, and further studies are needed to fully understand the potential of mushroom-derived compounds and extracts in wound healing.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom extracts are made from various types of mushrooms and are available in capsules, powders, liquid extracts, mouth sprays, teas, coffees, gummies, etc.
While there is ongoing research on the effectiveness of mushroom extracts, there is no definitive scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. However, some studies have shown promising results in specific areas.
Mushroom extracts are claimed to have various benefits, including immune system support, anti-inflammatory effects, protection against diabetes and heart disease, anti-aging effects, improved mental health, enhanced athletic performance, and cancer-fighting properties.
While there is no conclusive scientific evidence, some studies suggest that mushroom extracts may have potential benefits. For example, a study on mice found that chaga mushroom extracts improved learning and memory, reduced inflammation, and increased endurance. Another study suggested that lion's mane mushrooms may speed up wound healing and help repair nerves.
Yes, it is important to note that not all mushroom extracts on the market are effective, and the regulation of these products may vary. Additionally, while some claim that mushroom extracts can aid in weight management, there are more well-researched methods to achieve this, such as focusing on overall diet and proven weight-loss strategies. As with any supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use.
