Laura Smith
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in Asia, where they are native to. They are known to contain bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, antioxidants, fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals. These compounds are thought to provide various health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, acting as antibacterial agents, reducing inflammation, and even having potential anticancer properties. While some of these health claims have been contested, medicinal mushrooms are widely available as supplements and are being further explored for their potential therapeutic effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Polysaccharides | Beta-glucans, α-1,4-glucans |
| Amino acids | Ergothioneine |
| Antioxidants | Phenolic compounds, Selenium |
| Minerals | |
| Vitamins | Vitamin D, Vitamin B6 |
| Fatty acids | |
| Triterpenes | |
| Sterols | |
| Laccases | Copper-containing oxidases |
| Bioactive compounds | Polysaccharide K (PSK) |
| Macronutrients | |
| Fatty acids | Cordycepin |
| 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) |
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What You'll Learn
Polysaccharides, amino acids, and minerals
Polysaccharides are the most abundant carbohydrate in mushrooms. They pass through the stomach unchanged and reach the colon to encourage bacteria growth. Polysaccharides such as beta-glucans have been linked to healthy cell growth and turnover. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), a nutritional supplement containing polysaccharides, has been obtained from the mycelium of the medicinal mushroom Lentinula edodes (shiitake or ling zhi). AHCC has been shown to have beneficial effects in the treatment of cancer, acting as an immunoenhancer that can alleviate the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system in conjunction with cancer treatment.
Amino acids are another important component of medicinal mushrooms. Ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant, prevents or slows cellular damage. According to a study in Foods, fungi may also contain significant levels of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP), which is used to produce serotonin, a mood-boosting neurotransmitter.
Medicinal mushrooms also contain important minerals such as selenium, which helps the body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage, and vitamin D, which assists with cell growth, boosts immune function, and reduces inflammation. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones.
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Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries as immune-boosters, antibacterial agents, and remedies for inflammation, fatigue, and chronic metabolic conditions. They are mostly native to Asia but are also cultivated in South America, North America, Siberia, and the Mediterranean.
Medicinal mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Some mushroom varieties with high amounts of ergothioneine include shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster.
Mushrooms also contain the macronutrient selenium, which helps the body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage. Cremini and portabella mushrooms are good sources of selenium.
Vitamin D, which is abundant in maitake mushrooms, assists with cell growth, boosts immune function, and reduces inflammation. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones.
Mushrooms of the genus Pleurotus, commonly known as maitake, contain polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, which have been linked to healthy cell growth and turnover.
The Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is widely used in China, Russia, and Korea and has been shown to slow down the progression of infections, cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Chaga contains tree-specific compounds such as betulin and betulinic acid, which exhibit anticarcinogenic activity.
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases, also has antioxidant properties. Its active compound, Polysaccharide K (PSK), is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), used in traditional Chinese medicine for the spleen, digestion, energy, and water regulation, has been shown to promote nerve tissue growth and support motor function.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms are another source of antioxidants. Wood-cultured shiitake has a higher content of terpenoids and phenolic components and exhibits higher antioxidant potential compared to sack-cultured shiitake.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as ling zhi, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote well-being and longevity. It is now listed in various pharmacopoeias and is widely used as an adjuvant in the treatment of various types of cancer.
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Anti-cancer and anti-diabetic compounds
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, particularly in Asia, to treat a variety of ailments, including cancer and diabetes.
Anti-cancer compounds
Mushrooms have been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in reducing the adverse effects of conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy, and their antitumor activity. The bioactive substances in mushrooms are thought to be responsible for their therapeutic potential. For example, the mushroom Agaricus Blazei Murill, also known as the mushroom of the sun or almond mushroom, is known to stimulate the immune system and is used in oncology therapy in Japan and Brazil. It contains high levels of beta glucans. Polysaccharide K (PSK), found in turkey tail mushrooms, is another well-known active compound used to treat cancer in Japan. Reishi mushrooms, used in East Asian medicine for centuries, are also being studied for their potential anticancer effects.
Anti-diabetic compounds
Medicinal mushrooms are known to contain natural bioactive components that may be anti-diabetic. They are low in carbs and sugar and have a low glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL), meaning they do not cause spikes in blood sugar levels. The Maitake mushroom, for example, naturally contains an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, which slows the absorption of carbohydrates. Agaricus Blazei Murill has also been found to improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.
While the research on the anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties of medicinal mushrooms is promising, it is still in its early stages, and more clinical research is needed to fully understand their potential.
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Vitamins and macronutrients
Medicinal mushrooms are a rich source of vitamins and macronutrients. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, selenium, zinc, and folate. Vitamin D in mushrooms is in the form of vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, which is produced when a substance in mushrooms called ergosterol is exposed to ultraviolet light. This makes mushrooms an excellent dietary source of vitamin D for vegans, as vitamin D2 is typically found only in plants.
Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune system function. Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin C, with one cup of mushrooms providing around 1.47 mg of this essential nutrient. Vitamin C contributes to cardiovascular health and helps protect against heart disease. Additionally, mushrooms contain B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, B6, and B12, which play a role in energy production and the formation of red blood cells.
The mineral content of mushrooms includes potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the negative impact of sodium on the body. Selenium, another mineral found in mushrooms, acts as an antioxidant and helps prevent cell damage. Mushrooms also contain zinc, particularly cremini mushrooms, which is essential for immune system health and optimal growth in infants and children.
In terms of macronutrients, mushrooms provide protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. They are a good source of dietary fiber, with beta-glucans found in the cell walls of many mushroom varieties. Fiber has numerous health benefits, including lowering blood cholesterol levels and promoting a healthy gut by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria. Mushrooms are also a source of high-quality protein, accounting for 19-35% of their dry mass. Furthermore, mushrooms are a good source of carbohydrates, constituting 50-65% of their dry mass.
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Neurotransmitters and cognitive enhancers
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicines for centuries, and modern science is now beginning to validate their potential therapeutic effects. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom with pharmacological activities that can prevent age-associated neurological dysfunctions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Its ability to regenerate nerve axons and enhance myelination contributes to improved cognitive function and memory in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is another medicinal mushroom that has demonstrated neuroprotective capabilities. Its antioxidant effects, attributed to its active ingredients' ability to scavenge free radicals, can help reduce age-related oxidation linked to cognitive function decline.
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain types of mushrooms, has been the focus of studies exploring its potential therapeutic effects on the brain. Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors in the brain, which are key receptor sites for serotonin, a neurotransmitter. By activating these receptors, psilocybin reduces the energy needed for the brain to switch between different activity states, promoting neuroplasticity and the formation of new neuron connections.
The effects of psilocybin on individuals with depression have been studied, revealing that psilocybin-assisted therapy led to increased brain connectivity, even weeks after treatment. This increase in brain connectivity is believed to help break the rigid and restricted patterns of brain activity associated with depression, making the brain more flexible and fluid, and potentially freeing individuals from the negative thinking patterns associated with the disorder.
While the potential benefits of psilocybin are promising, it is important to note that patients with depression should not attempt to self-medicate with this substance without careful clinical supervision.
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Frequently asked questions
Medicinal mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, beta-glucans, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, sterols, amino acids, antioxidants, and fatty acids. These compounds are known for their health-promoting and disease-preventing properties.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia. They are known for their immune-boosting, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and fatigue-reducing properties. Recent studies suggest that they may also help combat depression and support brain function. Additionally, certain types of medicinal mushrooms have been linked to anticancer and antidiabetic effects.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as the "mushroom of immortality," has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote longevity and enhance meditative practices. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is another well-known medicinal mushroom that promotes nerve tissue growth, supports brain function, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support the spleen and digestion. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is widely used in China, Russia, and Korea, and is believed to slow down infections, cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their ability to lower cholesterol levels and provide vitamin B6, while Maitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D.
