Mushrooms are nature’s miniature pharmaceutical factories and have been used by our ancestors as medicine for thousands of years (1).
Medicinal mushrooms are a kingdom of fungi found in various parts of the world that have been used to support health through their immunomodulatory properties (2). They are thought to possess approximately 130 medicinal functions, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, radical scavenging, cardiovascular, anti-hypercholesterolemic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, detoxification, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects (3).
There are a variety of ways mushrooms support immune health. Certain mushrooms may positively influence the gut microbiota, improving protection against pathogens (4). Several mushrooms have been shown to support immune health by enhancing the innate and adaptive immune responses (5) while others may suppress the immune response, thereby exerting anti-allergic effects (6). A couple of easy ways to add in medicinal mushrooms into your diet is by drinking coffee or tea. There are many companies that offer these types of products, because let’s face it, most grocery stores don’t sell mushrooms like turkey tail in the produce section! Make sure when choosing your medicinal mushrooms that you research the quality of the product and transparency of the company. Many mushroom products on the market are high in heavy metals which you will want to avoid, but you can find quality products if you do a little research.
Let’s explore 5 medicinal mushrooms and the benefits each contributes when it comes to your immune system!
REISHI
Reishi mushroom is a fungus that holds an important place in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries for its health-promoting effects. It is used to increase strength and stamina, boost the immune system, and lower cholesterol (7). It also has adaptogenic properties that can help manage stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue.
LION’S MANE
Lion’s mane, like the other species of functional mushrooms, contains diverse phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, a prebiotic fiber, and digestive enzymes that support immune health and promote healthy gut flora (8). Lion’s mane also contains a broad range of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, known for their cognitive health benefits (9).
CORDYCEPS
For hundreds of years, Cordyceps has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a tonic to treat several conditions such as respiratory diseases, liver or renal problems, hyperglycemia, and cancer or tumor disorders (10).
Cordyceps contains different compounds with the ability to strengthen the response of the immune system and also to control its exacerbated response (11).
Additionally, this medicinal mushroom has been utilized to enhance energy and endurance, improve aerobic capacity, and boost cellular immunity (12).
CHAGA
A healing plant of renowned value throughout the world, Chaga is thought to be a potent immune-stimulating medicinal mushroom* (13).
Chaga helps fight inflammation due to its high level of antioxidants, helps reduce blood sugar levels, improves insulin resistance, and studies have even shown the potential to slow the growth of cancer cells (14).
*Chaga is not a mushroom (fruiting body) but a dense sterile mass of decayed bits of birch tissue with mycelia incorporated.
TURKEY TAIL
One of the most researched of all functional mushrooms, turkey tail is in a class of its own.
Packed with antioxidants, this mushroom promotes immune system health by helping to manage inflammation and by stimulating the release of immune-supportive compounds. It’s also rich in prebiotics, which helps nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut and assist in the restoration of a balance of good flora in the gastrointestinal tract, supporting improved digestion and healthy immune response (15).
As you can see, incorporating any of these five medicinal mushrooms can greatly support your immune system and overall health! All of these functional mushrooms are edible, culinary mushrooms but are often taken as supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, extracts, powders, coffee, or teas.
SOURCES
1. Stamets, Paul, and Heather Zwickey. “Medicinal Mushrooms: Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Science.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684114/.
2.“Q&A: What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?” Om Mushroom Superfood, Om Mushroom Superfood, 18 Nov. 2021, https://ommushrooms.com/blogs/blog/what-are-medicinal-mushrooms-m2.
3. Wasser SP. Medicinal mushroom science: Current perspectives, advances, evidences, and challenges. Biomed J. 2014 Nov-Dec;37(6):345-56. doi: 10.4103/2319-4170.138318. PMID: 25179726.
4. Jayachandran, Muthukumaran, et al. “A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Sept. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/.
5. SP;, Wasser. “Medicinal Mushroom Science: Current Perspectives, Advances, Evidences, and Challenges.” Biomedical Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25179726/.
6. Lindequist, Ulrike, et al. “The Pharmacological Potential of Mushrooms.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2005, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1193547/.
7. J, Liu, et al. “Reishi Mushroom.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom.
8,9. “Your Guide to Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits and How to Use This Superfood.” Om Mushroom Superfood, https://ommushrooms.com/blogs/blog/lions-mane-mushroom-benefits-m2.
10-12. Das, Gitishree, et al. “Cordyceps Spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Feb. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7898063/.
13. Real Mushrooms. “9 Things You Didn’t Know about Chaga.” Real Mushrooms, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.realmushrooms.com/what-is-chaga/#Chaga%20is%20not%20a%20mushroom. 14. “4 Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 29 June 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chaga-mushroom-benefits/.