Medicinal Mushrooms are becoming increasingly valued for their medicinal properties and can be eaten as part of our diets or in herbal formations eg, tablet and powders.
Wishing the mushrooms mycelium (root structure), there are many bioactive metabolites with varying degrees of chemical nature. Polysaccharides within the cell walls of a mushroom which, depending on the strength of the structure of the mushroom, can provide immuno-modulatory, anti inflammatory and anti microbial and anti diabetic activity. Research is still ongoing to understand the full mechanisms of mushrooms and their impacts. However, current results indicate that it is very likely that mushrooms do contain compound with important pharmacological properties. These properties include Terpenes which modulate our immune system and Proteins which are involved in numerous biological activities from immunity to cell to cell interaction.
If you opt for a supplement form there are numerous products available. Doing your research and choosing a quality product is imperative to optimising potential health benefits.
There are thought to be around 2.2-3.8 million species of fungi. Below are just 7 examples of more common medicinal mushrooms and their potential health benefits.
Lions Mane – traditionally used in China to improve memory. Thought to contain compounds that exert neuro protective, anti inflammatory, immuno-modulatory and antioxidant properties
Coriolus Versicolor – contains 2 protein bound polysaccharides which can be extracted and thought to provide ani inflammatory, immuno-modulating anti viral and anti tumour properties
Siberian Ginseng – thought to contain components that support inflammation and fatigue
Reishi – for centuries has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote wellbeing and longevity. It is perhaps the most common medicinal mushroom use and is often included as part of a supplement to support heart health, anti-aging, anti-microbial activity and many other health matters
Chaga – high in fibre and antioxidants, considered to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure
Shitake – is often used as part of the support for cancer treatment due to its immune-modulatory action
Maitake – considered rich in nutrients, containing. Vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium and copper, all of which contribute to immune and digestive health
References
Money, N. (2016). ‘Are mushrooms medicinal’. Fungal Biology 120 (4). pp. 449-453
Sue, G. et al. (2021). ‘Medicinal plants and mushrooms with immunomodulatory and anticancer properties – a review on Hong Kong experience’. Moleules. 26. (8). 2173
Unlu, A. et al. (2016). ‘Ganoderma Iucidul (Reisha mushroom) and cancer’. JBUON. 21 (4). pp792-798
Ventruella, G. et al. (2021). ‘Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive compounds, use, and clinical trials’. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 22 (2):634
Yadav, S. et al. (2020). ‘A mechanistic review on medicinal mushrooms – derived bioactive compounds: Potential Mycotherapy Candidates for Alleviating Neurological Disorders‘. Plants Med 86. (16). 1161-1175