Mushrooms have been used for food and medicine for thousands of years, but recently, they've caught the attention of researchers for their unique benefits. Among the mushrooms highlighted in traditional Chinese medicine, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps are gaining particular interest.
Health Benefits of Reishi
Reishi, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a prominent mushroom in Chinese herbal medicine. It typically grows on living or dead trees, forming a round, complex, shelf-like structure. Reishi is often used to support the immune system and promote overall health. This mushroom is rich in polysaccharides (long chains of sugar molecules) and triterpenoids (molecules that are precursors to steroid compounds), which are key to its potential health benefits.
Antioxidant Effects of Reishi
The polysaccharides and triterpenoids in reishi have strong antioxidant properties, helping to protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are reactive oxygen molecules with free electrons that can damage cells and tissues. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals by donating electrons, stabilizing them and rendering them harmless. Since normal body processes can produce free radicals, antioxidants are essential to prevent cellular damage. Triterpenoids in reishi, in particular, offer some of the strongest antioxidant benefits.
A study on humans showed that reishi supplementation has anti-aging or longevity benefits due to its antioxidant effects. It also appeared to support liver health, with imaging showing a reversal of mild fatty liver disease cases.
Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in blood vessels leading to blockages and heart disease, is influenced by free radicals. Reishi supplementation has been shown to provide antioxidant benefits for patients with heart disease and those at risk, potentially slowing the atherosclerotic process.
Immune-Boosting Effects of Reishi
Reishi polysaccharides have significant effects on the immune system. In a study involving individuals with chronic diseases, reishi polysaccharide supplementation enhanced immune responses. Another study showed similar trends toward immune enhancement, though they did not reach full significance within 12 weeks.
Research on cell cultures and animals found that reishi stimulates white blood cell function and promotes the activity of different types of white blood cells. It also modulates cytokine expression, signaling molecules used by the immune system, promoting a heightened immune response and sometimes exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects.
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, combining reishi with another Chinese herbal formula, San Miao San, resulted in significant benefits. Pain scores decreased by 21%, and overall disease scores dropped by 18%. Despite concerns that immune-boosting mushrooms might worsen autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, this study showed the opposite effect, with reishi reducing pain and improving overall condition.
A study on patients with oral infections of the human papillomavirus (HPV) found that a combination of reishi and turkey tail mushrooms achieved an 88% clearance rate of the virus within two months, compared to only 5% with the standard treatment. The immune-boosting effects of reishi likely contributed to this impressive clearance rate.
Water Extract Versus Powdered Mushroom
While reishi mushrooms are known for their liver-protective properties, there have been concerns about potential liver issues with powdered forms. Traditionally, reishi mushrooms have been consumed as a water extract, like a mushroom tea. Two case reports highlighted liver toxicity in patients who switched from water extracts to whole, powdered reishi mushrooms, suggesting potential risks with the powdered form. To ensure safety, it's probably best to stick with the traditional water extract method for reishi mushrooms.
Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a distinctive mushroom resembling a lion's mane. Like reishi, lion’s mane has a long history in Chinese medicine, typically used for tonifying the body and improving digestion. While it contains polysaccharides that can boost immune function, recent research focuses on its benefits for the brain and central nervous system.
Brain Health
Depression and Anxiety: In a small study of menopausal women, lion’s mane supplementation improved depressive and anxiety symptoms. Another study on overweight individuals found that lion’s mane improved mood disorders and sleep, moving patients from moderate to low-level symptoms. Additionally, a study on female students found that lion’s mane extract reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.
Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Case studies suggest lion’s mane benefits cognitive function. An 86-year-old man with mild cognitive impairment and long-standing depression saw complete reversal of symptoms after six months of lion’s mane extract treatment. A small trial found that 71.4% of patients with cognitive decline improved significantly with lion’s mane, compared to 6.7% in the placebo group. A Japanese study also found cognitive benefits with lion’s mane supplementation. Animal studies further support its potential in treating cognitive decline and dementia, suggesting it might slow early cognitive decline.
Digestive Function
Lion’s mane has shown promise for digestive health. In patients with atrophic gastritis, a chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, 63% of those treated with lion’s mane were pain-free after three months, compared to 36% in the placebo group. Endoscopy revealed tissue improvements in 52% of the lion’s mane group, versus 8% in the placebo group. Lion’s mane also positively influenced gastrointestinal microbiota in a human trial, which, along with its anti-inflammatory effects, may explain its benefits for inflammatory bowel conditions seen in animal studies.
Immune Stimulation
Mushrooms, including lion’s mane, are believed to boost immune function due to their polysaccharide content. While human studies on lion’s mane are limited, preclinical evidence suggests potential benefits. An assay of different lion’s mane extracts indicated immune-enhancing properties, supporting its use as an immune-modulating dietary supplement. In mice, lion’s mane improved immune cell function and antibody production, mainly by regulating immune activity in the digestive tract.
Cordyceps Health Benefits
Cordyceps, like reishi and lion’s mane, has a long history of use in Chinese and Tibetan medicine. It contains polysaccharides, which contribute to its potential health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps is often used to support lung and kidney health.
Cordyceps is quite unique as a fungus; its spores parasitize insects, growing inside them until eventually sprouting from their bodies. Different species of cordyceps grow on different insects, with Cordyceps sinensis, a common medicinal variety, growing on caterpillars in the wild.
There are numerous claims about the benefits of cordyceps, and studies are gradually supporting these claims. Cordyceps is believed to have anti-aging properties. Studies in mice and rats have shown improvements in brain function, sexual function, and antioxidant systems.
Exercise Performance
Cordyceps has been studied for its potential to improve energy and exercise performance. A small study in sedentary men found improved energy production and a reduced stress response during and after exhaustive running. Another study in healthy elderly individuals showed improved exercise performance with cordyceps. Additionally, a trial combining cordyceps and rhodiola, an herb known for enhancing exercise performance, found improvements in high-altitude exercise training. However, some studies on cycling did not support the exercise-enhancing effects of cordyceps.
Kidney Disease
Traditionally used to support kidney health, cordyceps has shown promise in recent studies, mostly from China. Research indicates potential benefits for various types of kidney disease. A review found that combining cordyceps with standard care for chronic kidney disease improved kidney function and reduced complications. However, the authors cautioned against overinterpreting the results due to the generally low quality of the research.
Immune Function
Cordyceps, like other medicinal mushrooms, appears to benefit immune function. A study in mice found that cordyceps activated macrophages (a type of white blood cell) and enhanced the release of growth factors for white blood cells. Other studies have shown improved immune cell function, including macrophages and natural killer cells.
Takeaway
Mushrooms, including cordyceps, offer a wide range of potential health benefits. Although much of the research is still in its early stages, the latest studies suggest that cordyceps may enhance immune function, provide antioxidant activity, and offer other health benefits.