All about magic mushrooms, but not the way you think!

Fungi are unique organisms: neither animals nor plants, they represent a distinct kingdom in the taxonomy of living things. Among them are species that, when consumed as food, can have remarkably beneficial effects on the body—and, of course, others that can cause the opposite. The world of fungi is so complex and fascinating that a lifetime might not be enough to fully explore it. Stay with us, as we’ll now share all the essential information about medicinal mushrooms!

What is the general “magic” of fungi?

Have you ever heard of the term “mycorrhizal relationship”? This refers to how fungi coexist with plants—not always parasitically, but through a unique influence on homeostasis. Fungi break down dead organic matter and provide nutrients to the soil.

Unlike plants, fungi do not have stems, roots, or leaves; instead, they have threads, and their cell walls contain chitin instead of cellulose. Fungi do not photosynthesize like plants—they form vast underground networks and reproduce via spores. Their unique structure results in a distinctive active compound profile. This makes fungi rich in natural bioactive substances, such as:

• beta-glucan fibers, which, due to their immune-boosting effects, support the body’s defense mechanisms.
• detoxifying antioxidants, which neutralize cell-damaging free radicals,
• terpenes, phenols, and plant hormones: sterols, which may have anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, or even anti-tumor effects.

This alone wouldn’t be particularly remarkable, as similar active compounds are listed for most medicinal herbs. Let’s take a closer look at the “interplay” of these compounds:

• Many medicinal mushrooms (e.g., lion’s mane, cordyceps, and ganoderma) are adaptogenic: this means they help the body adapt to physical and mental stress without overstimulating it—creating balance.^1-4
• Fungi can finely regulate the immune system: they not only stimulate its function but also balance it—which is particularly beneficial for autoimmune, inflammatory conditions, or tumor-related issues.^5-9
• They may lower blood sugar levels (e.g., maitake, ganoderma).^10,11
• They support liver detoxification (e.g., chaga, shiitake, ganoderma).^12-14
• They can improve physical endurance (e.g., cordyceps—popular among athletes).¹⁵

After clarifying their general properties, let’s explore how the most popular mushroom varieties available in the Vitamin 360 range can help.

Lion’s Mane – The Supporter of Mental Health

Lion’s mane (Latin: Hericium erinaceus, English: lion’s mane) is used in traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Its effects are supported by modern studies. Lion’s mane is rich in active compounds such as hericenones, erinacines terpenoids, β-glucan polysaccharides, and phenolic acids, which have shown antioxidant, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects in animal studies.

The erinacines in lion’s mane can cross the blood-brain barrier (a feat few compounds can achieve) and stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (responsible for the proper regeneration and development of the nervous system)—though these effects have not yet been proven in humans.

Clinical studies, however, have confirmed that even a single dose of lion’s mane can produce immediate effects!¹⁶ Participants in the study solved the Stroop task faster, indicating improved processing speed. However, their short-term word memory performance declined, recalling fewer words correctly and making more errors than the placebo group. After 28 days of regular use, participants reported lower subjective stress levels.

The Double Wood Supplements Lion's Mane Mushroom dried powder is a great choice for those seeking a natural, milder effect and a well-tolerated, less stimulating supplement.

Cordyceps – The Healthy Parasite

Cordyceps refers to fungi that parasitize the bodies of insects or other arthropods. These fungi attack the bodies of certain insect larvae (Hepialidae family), forming a sclerotium from which the fruiting body grows. Yes, this species inspired the famous *The Last of Us* series.

This might not sound appealing at first, but among the over 350 cordyceps species, one stands out!

One that is exceptionally healthy. Since 1964, only one cordyceps species has been officially listed as a medicinal herb in the Chinese pharmacopoeia: Cordyceps sinensis (called “Dongchongxiacao” in Chinese). According to traditional knowledge, it strengthens the kidneys, soothes the lungs, stops bleeding, and clears phlegm. It is used to treat fatigue, cough, sexual weakness, post-illness weakness, and kidney failure.

Among its scientifically proven effects, its anti-tumor properties are among the most promising. In laboratory cell studies, it exhibited cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell lines (e.g., lung, melanoma, breast, prostate, liver, and colorectal cancers) without harming healthy cells.^17-19 Some sources suggest it may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. However, large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials confirming the direct cancer-preventive effects of Cordyceps sinensis in humans are currently unavailable.

Additionally, its effect on the immune system is remarkable. Cordyceps has a dual effect on the immune system: it can enhance or suppress its function based on the body’s needs, which is particularly beneficial for infections, tumors, or autoimmune diseases.²⁰

Cordyceps also impacts the gut.²¹ A 600 mg/kg/day dose of extract administered for 35 days significantly reduced harmful bacteria (Salmonella and E. coli) while increasing beneficial Lactobacillus populations in the small intestines of chickens.²²

Now Foods Cordyceps Mushroom contains the dried mushroom in organic form, making it exceptional. Due to the high cost of Cordyceps sinensis, many manufacturers no longer use the original mushroom in their products. Thus, affordable organic cordyceps is one of the best choices.

Ganoderma (Lingzhi or Reishi) – One of the Most Popular Mushrooms

The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a wood-decay fungus whose health benefits were first recognized in China. It was mentioned as early as the beginning of the Common Era in Shen-nong’s classic herbal text. Traditional Chinese medicine attributes properties to the reishi mushroom such as enhancing vitality, strengthening heart function, improving memory, preserving youth, as well as relieving cough and asthma, and it is recommended for dizziness, insomnia, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Modern analytical methods and clinical studies have now proven the health relevance of ganoderma, and it has since become widespread globally. Its effectiveness is underscored by the fact that, in 1995, its estimated annual market value from various commercial sources was $1.628 billion.

Thanks to its popularity, ganoderma is available in as many forms as ashwagandha or turmeric extracts. Let’s examine these in detail:

• Traditional hot water extract (rich in polysaccharides): Hot water effectively extracts polysaccharides (like beta-glucans), which play a key role in immune support and inflammation reduction. Its downside is that it contains fewer lipophilic compounds like triterpenes.
• Ethanol extracts (focused on triterpenes): Ethanol effectively extracts triterpene-type compounds, which are responsible for anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects. Its only drawback is that it’s not as pure, but supercritical CO2 extraction is a better alternative to address this.
• Full-spectrum extracts (hot water + ethanol or supercritical CO2 combination): The best of both worlds, containing both polysaccharides and triterpene components. This method combines multiple active compounds, enhancing the product’s complex effects.
• Powdering (non-extracted): The simplest and cheaper alternative. While it contains all of Ganoderma’s “healthy” components in their natural proportions, the absorption of active compounds may be poorer, and the active ingredient content is less concentrated.

Not only the fruiting body of ganoderma mushrooms but also their spores can be used. The spores are extremely rich in triterpenes and fat-soluble antioxidants, and many manufacturers claim they have a “more concentrated” medicinal effect than the fruiting body or mycelium. The only issue is the indigestibility of the spore wall, so for ganoderma spore supplements, choose products made with supercritical CO2 extraction, as this method ensures high absorption rates.

The mycelium part of the reishi mushroom is also used, but due to its high beta-glucan content and lower triterpene content, it is primarily recommended for general immune support. In contrast, spore and fruiting body extracts (due to their broader spectrum of active compounds) may have stronger antioxidant, anti-infective, liver-protective, and neurological effects.

The Natur Tanya Organic Ganoderma (Reishi Mushroom) hot water extract is particularly rich in polysaccharides. It’s an excellent choice for supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and regulating blood sugar.

Chaga – Northern Europe’s Mushroom

The chaga (Latin: Inonotus obliquus, Hungarian: hamvaskéreg gomba) is an affordable yet versatile mushroom used both traditionally and medicinally. Its applications include treating breast, cervical, and skin cancers, as well as therapies for diabetes. However, its benefits remain largely underutilized due to limited knowledge about its microchemical composition and biological effects.

Relatively recent studies indicate that chaga mushrooms contain, among others, the following active compounds:

• β-glucan polysaccharides – immunomodulatory, anti-tumor.^24,25
• Betulinic acid/betulin – anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory.²⁶
• Triterpenoids – antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.²³
• Phenols/melanin – strong antioxidant, skin protection.²⁷
• Ergosterol – a precursor to vitamin D and its oxidized form. The latter has distinct biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.²⁸

Due to the interplay of these compounds, chaga mushrooms have an exceptionally high antioxidant capacity (with an outstanding ORAC value), providing strong protection against oxidative stress. Their uniqueness also lies in their high concentration of betulinic acid, a compound rarely found in other mushrooms. Betulinic acid has potent anti-tumor effects.²⁹ The chaga’s melanin content also provides exceptional skin-protective and anti-aging properties.²⁴

In summary, chaga mushrooms are not only among the best natural antioxidants but also have potentially stronger anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and skin-protective effects than many other well-known medicinal mushrooms due to their unique active compounds.

The USA Medical Organic Chaga Mushroom Capsule with Acerola Extract contains the fruiting body extract of the mushroom, which may have a particularly high active compound content.

Turkey Tail – A Complement to Cancer Therapies

The turkey tail mushroom (Latin: Trametes versicolor, English: turkey tail) is, like the reishi mushroom, one of the most researched mushroom species. The difference lies in the fact that while ganoderma is a general “elixir of life” with pronounced mental effects, turkey tail is known for its PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharide-peptide) content, making it a complement to chemo/immunotherapy.

The medical relevance of turkey tail is supported by over 400 professional studies, primarily focusing on its PSK and PSP compounds.^32-34 Its effectiveness is further evidenced by the fact that turkey tail is treated as a medicine in Japan and is used clinically.^30,31 Notably, it is considered free of side effects even with long-term use.³⁵ It’s important to note that it is not a substitute for cancer therapy but a complementary treatment. While approved in Japan, it is not classified as an official medicine in the USA.

The Now Foods Turkey Tail 500 mg contains non-GMO turkey tail mushroom in powdered form.

Explore Our Range for More Mushroom-Based Products!

Want to combine the “elixir of life” from mushrooms with a caffeine boost? Start your day with Oly Mushroom Coffee! This 7-in-1 instant coffee will recharge your “vitality” and keep you energized until the end of the day! Physical stamina? Improved mental performance? Reduced stress? The blend of chaga, ganoderma, cordyceps, shiitake, maitake, and turkey tail will take care of it all!