Laura Smith
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health concerns. In recent times, they have become increasingly popular in the wellness industry, with a growing list of purported health benefits. But do they really work? There is some scientific evidence to support the use of medicinal mushrooms, with studies suggesting they have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. For example, lion's mane is said to improve cognitive function and has been shown to stimulate nerve cell growth in rodents. Turkey tail, meanwhile, is an approved mushroom product for cancer treatment in Japan, and reishi has been used to help cancer patients in China strengthen their immune systems. However, it is important to note that not all mushrooms are created equal, and more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of medicinal mushrooms and determine the best dosage and scheduling for each type.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal mushroom types | Lion's mane, Reishi, Turkey tail, Maitake, Shiitake, Chaga, Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma sinense, Ling zhi, Mannentake, Yamabushitake, Hericium erinaceus |
| Uses | Improve cognitive function, boost memory, boost immune system, lower blood sugar, prevent infection, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, treat lung diseases, treat cancer, improve gut health, alleviate fatigue, lower blood pressure, treat mild dementia, treat inflammatory bowel disease, treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder |
| Evidence | Limited human studies, animal studies, cell cultures, traditional medicine, personal accounts |
| Availability | Powder, tea, supplement, tincture, whole form, coffee, baked goods |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms and cancer treatment
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system. They have also been used in Japan as an adjuvant therapy alongside standard cancer treatments. The active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, Polysaccharide K (PSK), is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan. PSK has been studied in patients with various types of cancer, including gastric, breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and liver cancer.
Research suggests that turkey tail mushrooms have important anticancer properties and can act as nonspecific immune modulators. They contain polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which have been shown to stimulate the immune system and have anti-tumor effects. For example, in gastric cancer, turkey tail mushrooms were found to improve the antitumor immune ability by modulating immune systems, preventing lymph node metastasis, and improving survival outcomes. Similarly, in a clinical trial conducted in 2012, breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function more quickly after radiation therapy than those who didn't.
In addition to their direct effects on cancer, turkey tail mushrooms are also believed to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. A 2015 review found that using PSK from Trametes versicolor mushrooms helped lung cancer patients who underwent radiation treatment live longer and improved their overall progress, including body weight, immune function, and quality of life. Furthermore, a 2019 study examined the effects of using Trametes versicolor in combination with Grifola frondosa (maitake or hen-of-the-woods mushroom) and found that the two mushroom extracts together could enhance the effectiveness of a drug used to treat colorectal cancers.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe and may provide potential benefits in cancer treatment, it is important for individuals with cancer to consult with their oncologist before incorporating turkey tail mushrooms into their treatment regimen.
Lemon and Mushrooms: A Perfect Pairing?
You may want to see also
Reishi mushrooms and immune system support
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are large, shiny mushrooms native to Asia. They have been used in traditional Eastern medicine for hundreds of years to promote long-term health and longevity. Ancient Chinese medicine, in particular, praises reishi mushrooms for their ability to increase energy, boost the immune system, and improve overall health.
Reishi mushrooms are believed to have immune-boosting properties, which may be due to their ability to affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of the immune system. Test-tube studies have shown that reishi can increase red blood cells, white blood cells, NK T cells, splenic NK cells, and a number of bone marrow cells. Additionally, some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells, which could help manage the function of T lymphocyte cells (T cells) that fight against infections and cancer.
Reishi mushrooms are also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to their immune-boosting effects. By decreasing inflammatory cytokines, reishi mushrooms may help reduce fatigue, anxiety, and other symptoms. Furthermore, studies have shown that reishi mushrooms can increase the activity of white blood cells, which could be beneficial for people with cancer, especially when used alongside traditional treatments.
While reishi mushrooms have a long history of safe use in Eastern medicine, there are some potential risks and side effects to consider. For example, reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinners or those with very low platelet counts. They may also affect blood sugar levels, so caution should be exercised when taking them alongside blood sugar medication for diabetes. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushrooms, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Soaking Morrel Mushrooms: A Guide to Preparing This Delicacy
You may want to see also
Lion's mane and brain health
Lion's mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, hou tou gu or yamabushitake, is a popular extract used in medicinal mushroom products. It is extensively found in East Asian countries including Japan, China, India, and Korea, where it has both culinary and medicinal uses.
Lion's mane mushrooms contain bioactive substances that have many beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain, heart, and gut. They contain two special compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that can stimulate the growth of brain cells. These compounds can easily pass through the blood-brain barrier and have been shown to induce nerve growth factor (NGF), which regulates the growth and survival of brain cells.
Animal studies have found that lion's mane mushroom extract has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain that processes memories and emotional responses. In addition, a study on Japanese women with various health conditions, including menopausal symptoms and poor sleep, found that those who consumed cookies made with lion's mane extracts reported lower levels of depressive symptoms and stress compared to those who consumed placebo cookies.
While lion's mane shows promise in improving cognitive function and mood, it is important to note that most of the research has been conducted on animals or in test tubes, and more human studies are needed. In addition, the human studies that have been conducted have been limited in size and scope and have primarily focused on chronic supplementation in cognitively compromised cohorts. Therefore, while lion's mane may have potential benefits for brain health, further research is needed to confirm these effects.
Mushrooms Multiply: A Guide to Mushroom Reproduction
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Medicinal mushrooms and their anti-inflammatory properties
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in different parts of the world, mainly attributed to their nutritional value and medicinal effects. They are a potential source of anti-inflammatory compounds and exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidative, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, antidepressive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive activities.
The anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal mushrooms are associated with a multitude of signaling pathways. Animal model studies have established the potential inflammation chemopreventive properties of phytochemicals derived from mushrooms. For example, in mice models, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, carrageenan, and dextran-induced acute inflammation, and formalin-induced chronic inflammation have all been shown to be mitigated by mushroom-derived compounds. Human epidemiological data also suggests a central role for mushrooms in inflammation management.
Mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory compounds that comprise a highly diversified group in terms of their chemical structure. These include polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and many other low molecular weight molecules. For instance, cordymin, a low molecular weight peptide, has been purified from the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis and has been shown to significantly inhibit the infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells and IR-induced upregulation of C3 protein produced in the brain, interleukin-1β, and tumour necrosis factor-α, which had a neuroprotective effect on the ischemic brain due to the inhibition of inflammation.
Lion's mane is another popular medicinal mushroom that has been shown to improve cognitive test scores in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and benefit those with mild Alzheimer's disease. It is also purported to help manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Chaga mushrooms are also an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent for fighting free radicals and inflammation.
Turkey tail is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, and it is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan.
Chow Mein: Does It Contain Mushrooms?
You may want to see also
The safety and regulation of medicinal mushrooms
One well-known medicinal mushroom is the Ganoderma lucidum, also known as ling zhi or reishi. Reishi has been used as medicine in East Asia for a long time and is known as the "mushroom of immortality". It has been studied for its potential immune-boosting, anti-cancer, and gut health benefits, among other things. In Japan, it is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer, specifically as an adjuvant therapy to help repair immune cell damage caused by chemotherapy. Turkey tail mushrooms, known as Polysaccharide K (PSK), are also used in Japan for similar purposes. These mushrooms have been safely used in Japan for a long time with few side effects reported.
Despite their traditional use and purported benefits, the regulation of medicinal mushrooms varies worldwide. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require manufacturers of dietary supplements to prove safety and efficacy, although products must have a history of safe use. The FDA does regulate that every finished batch of supplements is safe and that the claims on the labels are true and do not mislead consumers. However, the FDA does not regularly review the way supplements are made, so there may be batch inconsistencies. In contrast, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets stricter rules, requiring toxicological data for nutritional health and disease risk reduction claims.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are regulated differently due to their psychoactive properties. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. While some jurisdictions have prohibited the sale and possession of these mushrooms, others have decriminalized or regulated their use for medicinal purposes. For example, in 2023, the Canadian province of Alberta allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy, and Australia approved its use in prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
As interest in the medicinal properties of mushrooms grows, there is a need for more clinical trials to expand the understanding of their safety and efficacy. While some studies have shown promising results, the scientific community must further investigate the potential benefits and risks associated with medicinal mushrooms to ensure safe and effective use.
Mushrooms: A Rich Source of Potassium?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health concerns. They are known to support the immune system, boost memory, lower blood sugar in people with diabetes, and prevent infection. They are also a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.
Lion's mane is a popular medicinal mushroom that may have benefits for brain health and can help boost focus and memory. Reishi mushrooms, also known as ling zhi or mannentake, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost the immune system, improve sleep, and alleviate fatigue. Turkey tail is another medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system in cancer patients.
Medicinal mushrooms are generally considered safe to consume and are available in various forms, including supplements, powders, teas, and extracts. However, it is important to note that not all mushrooms are created equal, and the effectiveness of medicinal mushrooms may vary depending on the type and form of consumption. The FDA does not pre-approve mushroom supplements, so it is important to purchase them from reputable sources and consult a healthcare professional before consuming them.
