Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal fungi are fungi which produce medically significant metabolites or can be induced to produce such metabolites using biotechnology.

The range of medically active compounds that have been identified include antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, cholesterol inhibitors, psychotropic drugs, immuno-suppressants and fungicides, to name a few. Although initial discoveries centered on simple molds of the type that cause spoilage of food, later work identified useful compounds across a wide range of fungi.

Over recent years, medicinal mushrooms have been gaining popularity in the United States and deserve to be part of every herbalists routine. They have always played a role for indigenous cultures. Ötzi the Iceman is a well-preserved mummy from 3300 BC. His body was found on the border of Austria and Italy. Among many interesting things, two species of mushrooms were found in Ötzi’s possession. Both mushrooms were polypores but they were probably used for two different purposes. One was a tinder fungus, which was found with a fire-starting kit. The other species was a medicinal birch polypore.

Mushrooms have been utilized in folk medicine since ancient times. The species of mushrooms used varied in different cultures; more species have been used in China and Japan than in Western Cultures. Hippocrates did voice that fungi offered their use for certain ailments, but it is unknown as to what species he may have been referring. In China, where mushrooms are considered to be the elixir of life, mushrooms have played an important use in medicine for as far back as 7,000 years.

Egyptian hieroglyphics show mushrooms as the plant of immortality, called the “sons of the gods” sent to Earth on lightning bolts and eaten only by nobles and pharaohs. The Aztecs also had sacred mushrooms called “the flesh of the gods,” which they consumed in holy rituals.

Varieties of the chaga fungus have been used across Siberia and North America for centuries. Some claim that Amanita Muscaria was the Soma described in the Vedas of the Indian subcontinent, dating back to 1500 BCE. And it is undeniable that mushrooms played a vital part in the development of Mesoamerican cultures such as the Olmecs, Maya, Aztecs and Inca.

The Vikings are believed to have eaten hallucinogenic mushrooms before battle, which would have produced the ferocious fighting state they are noted for. Buddhist monks traveling from monastery to monastery spread information about the curative effects of fungi, which they and Taoists priests used in rituals. It’s believed that the Buddha died from eating a poisonous mushroom.

Native American traditions tell of using different kinds of polypore extracts to combat smallpox and other diseases introduced with the arrival of Europeans. This includes Reishi (Ganoderma resinaceum), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Birch polypore, and Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), as well as the now rare and endangered species Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis).

Modern scientific research of medicinal mushrooms started in the 1950s, after the systematic gathering of experiences and knowledge of their traditional use. Early research mostly focused on using medicinal mushrooms for cancer; antiviral research increased dramatically in the 1980s, since the onset of the AIDS epidemic in 1981.

Today, modern research is finally starting to catch up with this long history. Mycologists are looking closely at the structures and growth patterns of many different fungal species, and medical scientists are focusing on their therapeutic potential. Their remarkable findings expand on that of traditional knowledge and confirm that, when using the correct species, mushrooms are very safe and well tolerated.

Medicinal mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses with a myriad of health benefits including the following:

• Immune support*

• Full of antioxidants*

• Anti-inflammatory*

• Helps to manage blood sugar*

• Support brain health and cognition*

• Support the nervous system*

• Increase energy and stamina*

Primary Lion’s Mane Mushroom Medicinal Benefits: Supports healthy brain function & neuron regeneration

Lion’s Mane is rich in a multitude of important compounds: beta-glucans, which are responsible for antitumor growth, immuno-modulating antioxidants and neuro-protective chemicals. Oxidative stress, which these compounds protect against, is closely related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease . Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis in nerve cells may be induced by certain compounds (hericenones and erinacines) found in Hericium erinaceus, thus making Lion’s Mane an amazing helper with the development and function of nerves because of its neurotrophic factors.

Historical Use of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushrooms

Lion’s Mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is a species of medicinal mushroom that is beautiful in appearance, it has long cascading shaggy spines resembling a waterfall. Lion’s Mane grows on the trunks of hardwood trees in Northern forests and has been used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for millennia and has become a well-established candidate in promoting positive cognitive function.

Primary Reishi Mushroom Medicinal Benefits: Sleep aid and potent immunomodulator

Much of the polysaccharides in reishi mushroom are associated with immune functions, and if taken over time can significantly support the immune system*. It is also known to improve sleep, reduce stress and fatigue*.

Historical Use of Reishi Medicinal Mushrooms

Reishi or Ganoderma lingzhi, has been recorded for its use for around 2000 years. Most notably used in China by Taoist monks to promote calmness, as well as enhance their meditative practices. It has even been used by Chinese royalty who sought longevity and held Reishi or “the mushroom of immortality” in high esteem. Reishi was listed the most cherished among the superior herbs, that are considered to prolong life, prevent aging, boost qi, and make the body light

Primary Cordyceps Mushroom Medicinal Benefits: Improves lung capacity and increases energy

The cordyceps mushroom is an incredible energy-boosting fungi because of its ability to increase ATP production through pre-cursor compounds like adenosine and cordycepin. ATP is the compound that gives our cells energy. This is why Cordyceps is recommended when it comes to physical performance. In TCM, Cordyceps is also used for lung-related issues like asthma or even seasonal allergies.

Historical Use of Cordyceps Medicinal Mushrooms

Cordyceps has been described as a treasure in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. With hundreds of different species, it is a parasitic fungi that prey on insects. Traditional healers have recommended the medicinal fungus as a powerful tonic because it improves energy, appetite, stamina and endurance. The most well known species of cordyceps is Cordyceps sinensis; the most expensive mushroom in the world costing over $20,000 per kilogram, sold almost exclusively in Asia. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and a mushroom and found at high altitudes in the Himilayan Plateau.

For many years, the Chinese weren’t able to cultivate this mushroom, fueling an increasing demand on a small supply. Now, with this particular fungus, it is very important to be aware of what you are consuming because wild Cordyceps sinensis rarely make it to the North American market, yet companies are still advertising Cordyceps sinensis on their mushroom supplements. If a cordyceps product is grown in North America, it is almost certainly myceliated grain. High amount of grain means low amount of mycelium, and decreased beta-glucans, which are the beneficial polysaccharides found in the cell wall.

Primary Chaga Mushroom Medicinal Benefits: Boosts digestion and clears/protects skin

Chaga is rich in antioxidants, and supports immune function, liver health, brain health and increases longevity.

Historical Medicinal Use of Chaga

Chaga or Inonotus obliquus, which is commonly referred to as a mushroom is actually a highly prized sclerotium or woody canker that grows in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere on birch trees. First medicinal uses seem to have come out of Russia around the 16th century when used as a tea to treat stomach ailments. After 1966, Chaga gained more exposure after its healing powers were written about in Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s book, Cancer Ward. As Chaga grows primarily on birch trees and much of the sclerotium itself is actually wood fiber and not mycelium, many medicinal compounds from birch like betulin and betulinic acid end up in the sclerotium. The outer black layer on the canker contains high amounts of melanin which can be beneficial for our skin.

Until recently Chaga could not be cultivated but now in Finland they are inoculating birch trees with this fungus. Lab cultivated Chaga does not develop in to sclerotium and as it does not grow on birch but on grain, it does not contain the important medicinal compounds that come from birch.

Primary Turkey Tail Mushroom Medicinal Benefit: Boosts immune system function

Turkey tail improves immune function by stimulating cytokine production, increasing natural killer cells and other immune-boosting functions.

Historical Uses of Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushrooms

Turkey Tail mushroom, or Trametes Versicolor, is one of the most well-researched medicinal mushrooms. It grows on dead logs worldwide, and receives its name because its rings of brown and tan look like the tail feathers of a turkey. In TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine) turkey tail has been used for treating lung disease, and in Japan, the drug PSK, which is derived from turkey tail has been used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment . China also has a similar drug called PSP. Turkey tail contains one of the highest amounts of beta-glucans of all mushrooms to help keep our immune systems healthy when used over an extended period of time.

Primary Shiitake Mushroom Medicinal Benefit: Improves cardiovascular health

Shiitake mushroom is great for immunity, liver function, and supports the cardiovascular system.

Historical Uses of Shiitake Medicinal Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are the most popular mushroom in the world and have a meaty and versatile flavor, hence why they’ve been used as a food source in Asia for hundreds of years. In China, shiitake is called Xiang gu (香菇), which translates to “fragrant mushroom.” During the Ming Dynasty in China, shiitake was deemed “the elixir of life”. They’re great to cook with, and are also loaded with B-vitamins, helping to control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body. Shiitake has been cultivated in Japan for centuries, and has received its name from shii trees (related to beech and oak) they’re found growing on. Shiitake has a long been used as both a food and a supplement in TCM, as it is thought to boost longevity and improve circulation*. Lentinan, a polysaccharide in shiitake mushrooms, has shown great promise as an immunotherapy agent. Research has also discovered a compound in shiitake, eritadenine, that has lowered cholesterol in some studies .

Primary Maitake Mushroom Medicinal Benefits: Helps to regulate blood pressure and supports immune function

Maitake mushrooms are known to help regulate our immune systems by stimulating the immune system’s lymphocytes such as natural killer cells and t-helper cells.

Historical Uses of Maitake Medicinal Mushrooms

Maitake, Grifola frondosa is commonly known as Hen of the Woods or the Dancing Mushroom. It is plentiful in the deciduous forests of North America and Japan. It is an edible mushroom with an earthy flavour. TCM has used this mushroom for its support on the immune system. The mushroom (fruiting body) contains polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, which have been linked to healthy cell growth and turnover.

Maitake became quite famous in the 1990’s after Dr. Hiroaki Nanba, a pharmacologist out of Japan at Kobe Pharmaceutical University, began isolating and testing different polysaccharide fractions from Maitake. Many of these fractions were quite potent immunomodulating agents.

Primary Agaricus Blazei Murill Mushroom Medicinal Benefits:

The species Agaricus subrufescens was first reported in the northeastern U.S. in 1893 by botanist Charles Horton Peck. Later in the state of Florida, it was identified by mycologists William A. Murrill, also called "the Mushroom Man." The often used name "Agaricus blazei Murrill" is in his honor.

Agaricus blazei Murill (also known simply as Agaricus blazei) is a type of medicinal mushroom grown in Brazil, Japan, and China. It is related to both the common mushroom and field mushroom, but contains compounds that some believe can exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, and hypoglycemic effects. Because of this, it has been used in folk medicine for centuries to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, including infections, diabetes, allergies, and cancer.