Emma Wilson
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, with a variety of purported health benefits, from boosting energy and immunity to improving digestion and mood. Modern research has confirmed that compounds found in certain mushrooms, such as turkey tail, maitake, and reishi, can have beneficial effects on the immune system. These mushrooms are thought to contain bioactive ingredients, such as polysaccharides, that may strengthen the immune system and improve immune response, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy. While the majority of studies have been conducted on animals or in laboratories, there is growing interest in the potential for medicinal mushrooms to boost human immunity and treat a range of diseases, including cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal mushrooms | May improve cancer treatment and patients' survival |
| Have been used medicinally since at least 3000 BCE | |
| Have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties | |
| Affect hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells | |
| Slow growth of tumors, regulate tumor genes, decrease tumoral angiogenesis, and increase malignant-cell phagocytosis | |
| May safely boost chemotherapeutic efficacy and simultaneously protect against bone marrow suppression | |
| Stimulate cytokine production | |
| Stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way | |
| May help the immune system to fight human papillomavirus (HPV) infection | |
| May activate immune cells against West Nile virus, influenza, and avian flu | |
| May boost antibody titre when given at the time of vaccination for influenza B | |
| May assist with global efforts to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus through supporting the immune system | |
| Mushroom supplements | May not contain the active ingredient used in clinical trials |
| May not contain enough active ingredient to affect the immune system in any significant way | |
| May cause side effects like an upset stomach or allergies | |
| Should be consumed in small doses, and only after consulting a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms act as immune modulators
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, with medicinal mushrooms being investigated for their potential ability to affect the immune system and slow or stop the growth of tumours. Turkey tail mushrooms, or Trametes versicolor, are one such type of medicinal mushroom. They are multicoloured fungi that grow on tree trunks and fallen logs and are named for their resemblance to a turkey's tail. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and to treat lung conditions.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP), polysaccharide-K (PSK), and Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG), which have been found to have immune-boosting properties. PSP and PSK are polysaccharopeptides, or protein-bound polysaccharides, that may strengthen the immune system. PSK, in particular, has been found to stimulate the immune system and is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan. A 2012 clinical trial found that breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy more quickly than those who didn't. Another study found that turkey tail mushrooms appeared to boost the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms also have antibacterial properties and can help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is critical for maintaining a strong immune system. A test-tube study found that turkey tail extract increased populations of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while reducing harmful bacteria. Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms contain phenol and flavonoid antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and stimulate the release of protective compounds.
Overall, turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to act as immune modulators, either stimulating or suppressing immune function in a general way. While they have been found to have immune-boosting properties, it's important to consult a doctor before taking any mushroom supplements, as they can have side effects or interact with other medications.
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Reishi mushrooms contain calming properties
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years and are still used by Buddhists and Taoists as an elixir of vitality and longevity.
Reishi mushrooms are well-known for their calming properties. The compound triterpene, which is found in Reishi, is responsible for its calming effects. Reishi works on the HPA axis by improving the function of the adrenal glands, which in turn helps to calm the mind, ease anxiety, promote sleep, and build resilience to stress.
Reishi mushroom powder is now commonly added to beverages such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, making it easy for people to consume and potentially benefit from its calming properties without significantly changing their daily routines.
In addition to its calming effects, Reishi is also believed to have immune-boosting properties. Research suggests that Reishi may help manage the function of T lymphocyte cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in fighting infections and cancer. Furthermore, Reishi's ability to alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells may contribute to its immune-boosting potential.
While Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries and are generally considered safe, more research is needed to fully understand their effects, especially in healthy individuals without underlying conditions. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating Reishi or any other supplement into your diet.
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Lion's mane boosts brain health
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, with medicinal uses in Asia. One such mushroom, the Lion's Mane, is said to have many health benefits, particularly for the brain.
Lion's Mane mushrooms, also known as Hericium erinaceus, are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion's mane. They contain bioactive substances that have beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain. These mushrooms contain two special compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that can stimulate the growth of brain cells. This may be due to their ability to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from Alzheimer's-related damage.
Animal studies have shown that Lion's Mane extract can help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, the region of the brain that processes memories and emotional responses. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting abilities, which may lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, ulcers, and diabetes.
A pilot study on healthy young adults found that a single dose of Lion's Mane extract improved reaction time on a Stroop task. A 28-day supplementation also showed a trend towards reduced subjective stress. However, it is important to note that most of the research on Lion's Mane has been conducted on animals or in test tubes, and more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Lion's Mane mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including supplements, powders, and capsules, but it is important to consult a doctor before adding them to your diet, as they may have side effects.
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Maitake mushroom has a dual effect on the immune system
Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. They are believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. Medicinal mushrooms are being investigated for their effects on the immune system and their potential to slow or stop the growth of tumours or kill tumour cells.
Maitake mushrooms, also known as the "King of Mushrooms", are an edible variety prevalent in northeastern Japan and China. They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are prized for their culinary value. Maitake mushrooms contain bioactive polysaccharides, including alpha and beta glucans, which exhibit strong immunomodulating and antitumour effects.
Maitake mushroom extract has been found to have a 'dual effect' on the immune system, acting as both an immune stimulator and an immune suppressor. On the one hand, it can help the body produce more natural killer (NK) cells, which are white blood cells that play a crucial role in immune defence. Beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms activate complement systems and enhance macrophages and NK cell function. This stimulation of the immune system may be beneficial for cancer treatment.
On the other hand, the immunosuppressive effect of maitake mushrooms can be advantageous in certain contexts. For example, in patients with autoimmune diseases or those undergoing chemotherapy, an extract that suppresses the immune system may be advisable. The goal of maitake mushroom supplementation is to encourage the body to engage in constructive activities while avoiding destructive ones. It provides feedback and direction to the immune system, helping it to do more of the 'right stuff' and less of the 'wrong stuff'.
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Mushroom supplements may not contain the active ingredient
Mushroom supplements are becoming increasingly popular, but it is important to be aware that they may not contain the active ingredients that are purported to have health benefits.
Firstly, it is worth noting that the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require manufacturers to prove the safety and efficacy of their products. This means that many mushroom supplements on the market have not been adequately tested, and their health benefits may be exaggerated or non-existent.
Secondly, many mushroom supplements contain only crude mushroom powder or mycelium (the invisible roots of the mushroom), rather than the polysaccharide extracts that have been used in clinical trials. This means that the product may not contain enough of the active ingredient to have a significant effect on your immune system.
To ensure that you are getting a product that contains what it claims to, look for third-party testing from external labs such as NSF, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab.com. These labs can verify that the product contains the stated ingredients and is free from contaminants.
It is also important to remember that the health benefits of mushrooms are still being researched, and there is a lack of standardization in the doses, preparations, and manufacturing practices of mushroom supplements. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or taking medication.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are full of bioactive compounds and have been used to treat infections, lung disease, cancer, and other conditions for thousands of years. They are also believed to boost energy and immunity, improve digestion and mood, and alleviate anxiety.
The mycelium, or roots of mushrooms, are not typically used in clinical trials. However, the polysaccharides found in mushrooms are bioactive ingredients that may strengthen the immune system.
Adding a spoonful of mushroom powder to your recipes is a great way to gain the health benefits of mushrooms. However, it is important to speak to your doctor before adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet, as they can cause side effects and interact with certain medications.
