Laura Smith
Medicinal mushrooms have been tied to at least 130 therapeutic applications, ranging from anti-aging effects to mental health benefits and cancer-fighting properties. They are available as pills, powders, teas, gummies, liquid extracts, and coffee alternatives. While some research suggests that mushroom supplements may help prevent obesity due to their anti-inflammatory properties, there are other, better-researched ways to lose weight. There is also some evidence that mushroom extracts may help with conditions like depression, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation. However, the majority of the research on mushroom extracts is preliminary, and more robust, long-term human studies are needed to substantiate health claims. While mushroom supplements are not known to cause side effects in healthy adults, they may not be well tolerated by individuals with a mushroom allergy. Taking more than the recommended amount on the supplement label may lead to stomach discomfort, nausea, and dizziness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potential side effects | Allergic reactions, skin rashes, difficulty breathing, stomach discomfort, nausea, dizziness, diarrhoea, bloating |
| Potential benefits | Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, immune-boosting, anti-aging, mental health benefits, improved cognition, improved daily living skills, improved quality of life |
| Lack of research | Most research is preliminary, conducted on animals or in test tubes, or in small human studies; there is a lack of standardisation in preparation and dosage |
| Lack of regulation | No internationally recognised standards or methods for testing; no guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions
Mushroom allergy is an immune system response to the proteins in mushrooms. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening in some cases. An allergic reaction to mushrooms can cause a range of symptoms, from mild irritation to severe respiratory distress. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction to mushrooms may include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, and itching. These mild symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream.
More severe symptoms can indicate an anaphylactic reaction, a life-threatening allergic response that requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with epinephrine, a medication that can rapidly reverse the symptoms.
It is important to note that mushroom allergies are rare, and most people can consume mushroom extracts without experiencing any adverse effects. However, if you suspect that you may have a mushroom allergy, it is important to consult with an allergist for diagnosis and treatment. Cross-contamination in the kitchen can pose a hidden risk, especially in dishes that use mushroom-based stock. Even if you only have mild symptoms, it is important to stay proactive by keeping a food diary, asking for detailed ingredient information when ordering food, and joining allergy support groups.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that lion's mane mushroom, a type of medicinal mushroom with potential brain health benefits, may not be well tolerated by individuals with a mushroom allergy. There have been documented cases of people experiencing difficulty breathing or skin rashes after exposure to lion's mane mushrooms, likely due to an allergic reaction.
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Nausea and vomiting
Mushroom supplements are generally well-tolerated by healthy adults and are not known to cause side effects when taken in normal amounts as part of a diet. However, taking more than the recommended amount on the supplement label may lead to stomach discomfort, nausea, and dizziness.
It is important to note that the research on mushroom extracts is still in the early stages, and most studies have been conducted on animals or in test tubes. While some studies suggest that mushroom supplements may help prevent obesity and support weight loss due to their anti-inflammatory properties, experts advise that there are other, better-researched methods for weight loss.
Additionally, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any mushroom supplements, especially if you have a mushroom allergy or are taking other medications. Some mushroom species, such as lion's mane, should be avoided by those with a mushroom allergy. Reishi mushroom, for example, may increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Lack of research
While mushroom supplements are associated with a plethora of health benefits, the majority of the research on mushroom extracts is preliminary. The potential benefits of mushroom supplements are being studied, but most studies are small, or conducted on animals or cells, and are usually short-term.
For example, lion's mane mushroom extract has been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice, as well as prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer's disease. A 2020 study of people with mild Alzheimer's disease found that supplementation with 1 gram of lion's mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores compared to a placebo. However, most of the research on lion's mane mushroom has been conducted on animals or in test tubes, and more human studies are needed.
Similarly, a 2024 study found that a beverage containing Cordyceps militaris lowered some inflammation markers in participants. Medicinal mushrooms have also been shown to provide anti-cancer properties, with one study finding that an extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill Kyowa reduced chemotherapy-related side effects such as loss of appetite and alopecia. However, it is important to note that this was a small study of only 100 patients with various gynecological cancers.
There is a lack of standardized recommended dosages for mushroom supplements, and it is unknown whether any effects are caused by a single ingredient or a combination of ingredients. The quality and active ingredients in supplements can vary widely, making it difficult to set a standard dose. Additionally, there are no internationally recognized standards and methods for testing fungus products, and products vary significantly in how they are prepared.
While mushroom supplements are not known to cause side effects in healthy adults, they may not be well tolerated by individuals with a mushroom allergy. It is important to speak with a doctor before taking any mushroom supplements to ensure they are safe for your individual needs and will not interact with any medications you may be taking.
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Drug interactions
While mushroom supplements are not known to cause side effects in healthy adults, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to stomach discomfort, nausea, and dizziness. However, individuals with a mushroom allergy should avoid mushroom supplements as they may experience allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing or skin rashes.
Mushroom supplements may interact with certain medications and health conditions. Here are some specific examples and precautions:
- Blood pressure medications: Reishi mushroom supplements may interact with blood pressure medications. If you are taking medication for high or low blood pressure, consult your doctor before using reishi mushroom supplements.
- Diabetes medications: According to WebMD, taking reishi mushrooms may be riskier if you are taking diabetes medications or have immune system disorders. It is recommended to discuss possible interactions with your doctor if you are on any diabetes medications.
- Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs: Reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to talk to your doctor before consuming reishi mushroom supplements if you are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or warfarin.
- Cancer treatments: Medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their potential to support the immune system and reduce the adverse effects of conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before combining mushroom supplements with any cancer treatments to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.
- Mental health: Some mushroom extracts, such as lion's mane, have shown promising results in reducing anxiety and depressive behaviours in animal studies. However, human studies are limited, and it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using mushroom supplements for mental health concerns.
- Weight loss: While mushroom supplements have been linked to potential weight loss benefits due to their anti-inflammatory effects, experts advise that there are more proven methods for weight loss. It is important to combine mushroom supplements with a calorie-controlled diet and lifestyle changes to achieve significant weight loss results.
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Cancer treatment
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various illnesses. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. However, it is important to note that mushrooms cannot cure or prevent cancer.
Mushrooms contain potent biological compounds and can have side effects, so they should be treated like medication. Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer, possibly due to a positive immune response. Mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several common quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients. They may also help patients tolerate more rounds of chemotherapy treatment by reducing side effects such as loss of appetite, alopecia, and general weakness.
Polysaccharides isolated from Phellinus linteus (PLP) suppressed tumour growth and pulmonary metastasis by stimulating the immune response. Triterpenoids and β-D-glucans from Ganoderma lucidum exhibited anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cells, protecting normal cells, and reducing cell damage. Maitake mushroom extract, or the maitake D-fraction, acts as a biologic response modifier, providing T-cell-dependent immune enhancement and activation, enhancing antitumor effects, and reducing chemotherapy side effects.
Turkey tail mushroom extract, or Polysaccharide krestin (PSK), is another well-known active compound in mushroom extracts. It is an anticancer drug used as an adjuvant treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for various cancers. PSK has been safely used in Japan for a long time with few side effects reported. However, it is not approved by the FDA for cancer treatment in the United States.
While mushroom extracts show promise in cancer treatment, it is important to consult with a doctor before using them. The research on mushroom extracts is ongoing, and the quality and results of studies can vary.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no known side effects from eating normal amounts of mushrooms in our diet. However, mushroom extracts are classed as dietary supplements, and most of these supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Some mushroom extracts, such as shiitake, are generally considered safe, but there are some reports of diarrhea or bloating. Other types of mushrooms have caused allergic reactions.
Yes, avoid using reishi mushroom if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there hasn't been enough research on their safety in these circumstances. Reishi mushrooms may also increase the risk of bleeding and may be riskier if you have low blood pressure or are taking diabetes medications.
Medicinal mushrooms have been tied to at least 130 different therapeutic applications, including immune system support and anti-inflammatory effects. They have also been shown to have anti-cancer effects on skin, lung, and prostate cancer cells.
Mushroom extracts are supplements that contain dried mushrooms or mushroom extracts and are available as pills, powders, teas, gummies, liquid extracts, and coffee alternatives.
The most important thing to look for in a mushroom supplement is third-party testing. Look for seals from external, third-party labs like NSF, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab.com. Third-party testing can verify the potency of a product and ensure it is free from contaminants.
