Mushrooms are fascinating! Not only do they pop up everywhere in nature, but their health benefits are truly remarkable. Let’s dive into the world of six powerhouse mushrooms and discover why they’ve earned a spot in your wellness routine.

Index

Just like herbs, mushrooms confer their medicinal properties through their special active compounds. 

Beta Glucans

Beta Glucans are a source of soluble fibre. Soluble fibre has been found to help contribute to cardiovascular health, specifically lowering high cholesterol and improving blood sugar management. This compound has also been cited to help with skin conditions such as eczema, wounds, and bedsores. More importantly, beta glucans have also been shown to help fight off bacterial infections. [10]

Hericenones & Erinacines

These compounds are isolated from Lion’s Mane. They have many benefits regarding brain health and function, but both are known to stimulate brain cell regeneration. These have also been cited to help lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases that can negatively affect mood, cognition, and memory. [11]

Cordycepin

As the name implies, cordycepin is found in cordyceps and is known for various nutraceutical and therapeutic potential. Studies suggest this compound has anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ageing properties. [12]

Triterpenes

Triterpenes have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-immunity properties. Triterpenes have also been found to help in the management of diabetes, particularly regarding complications such as insulin resistance and impaired wound healing. [13]

Peptides

Peptides can be described as smaller versions of proteins. They are commonly included in many cosmetic products and supplements because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Beyond aesthetics, peptides have been found to have potential when it comes to blood pressure management, antimicrobial effects, blood clot prevention, and strengthening the immunity. [14]

Why You’ll Love It: Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” Reishi has been cherished for centuries. Imagine a calmer, more balanced life with better sleep and enhanced immunity. [1, 2]

• Benefits: Boosts immune health, reduces inflammation, supports liver function, and improves sleep.
• Key Compounds: Triterpenes, Beta D Glucan
• Fun Fact: Reishi mushrooms were so valued in ancient China that they were reserved for royalty!

Find out more about the health benefits of Reishi here.

• Benefits: Enhances endurance, supports lung and liver health.
• Key Compounds: Beta D Glucans, Cordycepin, Adenosine
• Personal Story: “I started taking Cordyceps before my workouts, and the difference is incredible. I feel more energetic and less tired!” – Jane, Marathon Runner

Find out more about the health benefits of Cordyceps here.

• Benefits: Supports cardiovascular health and cholesterol management.
• Key Compounds: Beta Glucans
• Recipe Tip: Try adding Maitake to your next stir-fry for a health boost!

Find out more about the health benefits of Maitake here.

• Benefits: Supports cognitive function, reduces anxiety and depression.
• Key Compounds: Hericenones, Erinacines
• Interactive Idea: Challenge yourself to a brain game after taking Lion’s Mane – notice any improvements?

Find out more about the health benefits of Lion's Mane here.

• Benefits: Enhances immune health, supports cancer treatment.
• Key Compounds: Beta Glucans
• Did You Know?: Turkey Tail has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia.

Find out more about the health benefits of Turkey Tail here.

• Benefits: Supports gut health, reduces inflammation.
• Key Compounds: Beta D Glucans
• Fun Fact: Chaga grows on birch trees in cold climates and looks like burnt charcoal.

Find out more about the health benefits of Chaga here. 

There are various factors to consider when choosing a good quality mushroom supplement. One of the most important ones are the lab reports showing the testing the mushrooms have undergone for the active ingredients as well as safety standards such as heavy metals. For a comprehensive checklist read the following article here .

In conclusion, there are many types of mushrooms out there, but only a few that have been extensively studied for their health benefits. 

While many of the mushrooms confer similar health benefits, each mushroom has its own key benefits and unique compounds that make them suitable for specific health needs.

Find out more on what to look at when purchasing mushroom supplements here.

References: 

1. Singh R, Dhingra GS, Shri R. Evaluation of Antianxiety Potential of Four Ganoderma (Agaricomycetes) Species from India in Mice. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2016;18(11):991-998. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v18.i11.40. PMID: 28008811.

2. Dudhgaonkar S, Thyagarajan A, Sliva D. Suppression of the inflammatory response by triterpenes isolated from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Int Immunopharmacol. 2009 Oct;9(11):1272-80. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2009.07.011. Epub 2009 Aug 3. PMID: 19651243.

3. Ashraf SA, Elkhalifa AEO, Siddiqui AJ, et al. Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Cordyceps Medicinal Fungus and Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules. 2020;25(12):2735. Published 2020 Jun 12. doi:10.3390/molecules25122735

4. Guo JY, Han CC, Liu YM. A Contemporary Treatment Approach to Both Diabetes and Depression by Cordyceps sinensis, Rich in Vanadium. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2010;7(3):387-389. doi:10.1093/ecam/nep201

5. Preuss HG, Echard B, Bagchi D, Perricone NV. Maitake mushroom extracts ameliorate progressive hypertension and other chronic metabolic perturbations in aging female rats. Int J Med Sci. 2010;7(4):169-180. Published 2010 Jun 7. doi:10.7150/ijms.7.169

6. Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30. PMID: 24266378.

7. Stamets P. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushrooms) and the Treatment of Breast Cancer. Glob Adv Health Med. 2012;1(5):20. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.007

8. Wang J, Wang C, Li S, Li W, Yuan G, Pan Y, Chen H. Anti-diabetic effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice and potential mechanism via PI3K-Akt signal pathway. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Nov;95:1669-1677. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.104. Epub 2017 Oct 6. PMID: 28954386.

9. Lovegrove A, Edwards CH, De Noni I, et al. Role of polysaccharides in food, digestion, and health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;57(2):237-253. doi:10.1080/10408398.2014.939263

10. Sima P, Vannucci L, Vetvicka V. β-glucans and cholesterol (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2018;41(4):1799-1808. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2018.3411

11. Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH, et al. Prevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020;12:155. Published 2020 Jun 3. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155

12. Ji DB, Ye J, Li CL, Wang YH, Zhao J, Cai SQ. Antiaging effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract. Phytother Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):116-22. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2576. PMID: 18803231.

13. Nazaruk J, Borzym-Kluczyk M. The role of triterpenes in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Phytochem Rev. 2015;14(4):675-690. doi: 10.1007/s11101-014-9369-x. Epub 2014 Jun 24. PMID: 26213526; PMCID: PMC4513225.

14. Pripp AH. Effect of peptides derived from food proteins on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Food Nutr Res. 2008;52:10.3402/fnr.v52i0.1641. doi:10.3402/fnr.v52i0.1641