Medicinal Mushrooms and health benefits

Mushrooms are a rich source of nutrients. A good source of vitamins B, D, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and manganese. They are especially high in antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and boost the immune system. Mushrooms also contain bioactive constituents: beta-glucans, compounds that have been shown to promote heart health and fight inflammation.

Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In recent years, modern science has begun to unravel the mysteries of these fungi, and researchers are discovering that mushrooms have a wealth of potential benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the many medicinal properties of mushrooms. We will also discuss how to use them safely and effectively. So read on to learn all about the incredible healing power of mushrooms!

Mushrooms are a rich source of nutrients. A good source of vitamins B, D, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and manganese. They are especially high in antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and boost the immune system. Mushrooms also contain bioactive constituents: beta-glucans, compounds that have been shown to promote heart health and fight inflammation.

Bioactive Constituents

Mushrooms contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds. These include:

• Ergothioneine: an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage
• Beta-glucans: compounds that have been shown to promote heart health and fight inflammation
• Terpenoids: compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties
• Nucleotides: compounds that play a role in DNA synthesis and repair

It is these bioactive constituents that give rise to so many physiological actions reported for medicinal mushrooms. The most widely characterised actions are stimulation of the immune system, and modulation of both innate and adaptive immune systems (immunomodulation) along with antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal activities.

We take a look at 7 of the most common medicinal mushrooms

1. Maitake, The Warrior, the fighter of inflammation
2. Lion's Mane, The Mastermind, the mind booster
3. Cordyceps, The Athlete, the energy giver
4. Turkey Tail, The Defender, the immunity booster
5. Reishi, The Immortal, the stress supporter
6. Shiitake, The Nourisher, the bearer of nutrients
7. Chaga, The King, antioxidant rich.

Maitake

Maitake is a mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is especially prized for its ability to boost the immune system.  Maitake mushrooms are high in antioxidants and beta-glucans, which can help to protect cells from damage and fight inflammation. They also contain compounds known as terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Maitake also has ongoing investigations into preventing and improving diabetes and metabolic-related syndromes including obesity. Studies have shown that this mushroom can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It may also help to reduce cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.

Lion's Mane

Lion's mane is perhaps the most well known mushroom in the West, with increasing popularity for its revered mind benefits for memory and concentration.  Lion's Mane mushrooms are another type of medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. These mushrooms are commonly used to boost cognitive function and memory. They contain compounds called hericystins and erinacines, which can promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production. NGF is a protein that helps to support the health of neurons and keep them functioning properly. Additionally, Lion's Mane is high in antioxidants and beta-glucans, which can help to protect cells from damage and fight inflammation.

Studies have shown that lion's mane can be effective in treating mild cognitive impairment and reducing the risk of dementia. It may also help to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The potential neuroprotective benefits of Lion's Mane bring promise for its use in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases. Current trials under active recruitment focus on this area as well as cognition and mood.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps the energy mushroom, is a mushroom that has been used in traditional Tibetan medicine for centuries. It is especially prized for its ability to improve energy levels and endurance.  Cordyceps mushrooms are high in beta-glucans, compounds that have been shown to promote heart health and fight inflammation. They also contain compounds known as terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Cordyceps has ongoing investigations into its potential to improve exercise performance. Studies have shown that this mushroom can help to increase oxygen uptake, improve stamina, and reduce fatigue. It may also help to protect against heart disease and stroke.

The potential benefits of cordyceps bring promise for its use in the treatment of a variety of conditions. Current trials under active recruitment focus on exercise performance, heart health, and stroke.

Turkey Tail or Yun Zhi

Turkey Tail mushrooms get their name from their distinctive fan-like shape. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Turkey Tail mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants and beta-glucans, compounds that have been shown to promote heart health and fight inflammation. Additionally, they contain compounds known as terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Anti-viral clinical trials are limited although preliminary clinical trials using Turkey Tail and Reishi together was conducted on the clearance of oral human papillomavirus (HPV). After 2 months the clearance in HPV in the Turkey Tail and Reishi group was 88% vs 5% of the group taking another fungi.

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms are, worldwide, one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Reishi mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants and beta-glucans, compounds that have been shown to promote heart health and fight inflammation. Additionally, they contain compounds known as terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Reishi also contains polysaccharides, which can help to protect cells from damage and fight inflammation. They also contain compounds known as triterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Studies have shown that Reishi can help to improve immune function and reduce inflammation. Additionally, this mushroom has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. Reishi may also help to protect the liver from damage and improve liver function.

"In Ancient China, it was said that Reishi could calm the mind, strengthen the heart and build wisdom. It has often been favoured "the ultimate anti-stress herb", as many mountain hermits, monks, spiritual seekers and Taoist adepts would seek it due to its ability to calm the mind, aid meditation and promote sound, healthy sleep.

Throughout time, Reishi Mushroom has been immortalised on paintings, statues and the robes of emperors, such is the esteem that it is held. Therefore, Reishi Mushroom is considered by many to be one of the greatest herbs of all time."

Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms are a popular culinary mushroom. They have also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their medicinal properties. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, compounds that have been shown to promote heart health and fight inflammation. Additionally, they contain compounds known as terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Shiitake mushrooms are extremely rich in polysaccharides including beta-glucans and lentinan. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in protein and Vitamin C, D, B2, B6, fibre, copper, pantothenic acid, selenium, manganese, niacin and folate.

Chaga

We save the best till last! Chaga is a unique fungus that grows wild on birch trees throughout North America, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

Chaga is believed to be one of the most powerful healing fungi found on earth, and is often called the ‘diamond of the forest’. Chaga mushrooms grow in unison with the birch tree, and they absorb some of the tree’s nutrients which are then supplied to those who consume it.

Chaga mushrooms are commonly consumed to help strengthen the immune system, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chaga mushrooms are often recommended to people suffering from inflammatory disease, yeast, fungal infections, and fatigue.

Conclusion

"Mushrooms are nature’s biological communicators, forming vast invisible networks that connect individual plants, and transfer water and nutrients. As mushrooms grow, they enrich the forest floor and plants in a symbiotic relationship, a form of communication that some have coined the Wood Wide Web. This ability to ‘speak to’ the plant kingdom at a deep cellular level is also what makes them so valuable to us. In humans, research shows they may be regarded as biological response modifiers (BRMs), acting on the immune system to restore balance where it is needed."

Why Not try

• Mushrooms 4 Life Organic Lion’s Mane Matcha Latte Mix for the ultimate power morning
• Mushrooms 4 Life Mycomplex Powder, this powder mushroom complex combines three revered mushrooms for overall health and vitality, including Reishi, Cordyceps and Maitake, in one economical powder.

Clinical Safety of Medicinal Mushrooms

In a study of the active substances of Medicinal Mushrooms, the research found that the biochemical interactions and toxicity in comparison to conventional medications had minimal drug interactions and adverse events. However, if you are on anticoagulants such as Warfarin, caution should be exercised.

Always consult your GP or healthcare professional should you have any medical queries regarding your health or the use of medicinal mushrooms.

References

Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7826...

Significance of Medicinal Mushrooms in Integrative Oncology: A Narrative Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7794...

A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19253021/

Immunomodulatory properties of Grifola frondosa in submerged culture https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16608207/

Diabetes ameliorating effect of mushrooms https://www.internationalscholarsjournals.com/art...

Cholesterol-lowering effects of maitake (Grifola frondosa) fiber, shiitake (Lentinus edodes) fiber, and enokitake (Flammulina velutipes) fiber in rats https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11520942/

Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378/

Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236...

Control of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) by medicinal mushrooms, Trametes versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum: a preliminary clinical trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25271984/

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6353...

Why Mushrooms https://mushrooms4life.com/why-mushrooms/

What Are The Health Benefits Of Reishi Mushroom? https://www.hybridherbs.co.uk/duanwood-reishi-101...