In recent years, functional mushrooms have grown rapidly in popularity. As of 2020, the global market for mushroom based products reached an estimated value of $25 billion, spotlighting their significant role in the health and wellness market. Mushrooms are consistently acknowledged for culinary and nutritional values, however there is a growing mainstream appreciation for their health benefits beyond nutritional value. Their use for maintaining good health and even the treatment of diseases have been around for centuries. In ancient China and most Asian countries, it was believed that functional mushrooms had the power to enhance long life and liveliness. 

What Are Functional Mushrooms?

There are hundreds of varieties of mushrooms that can be broken up into three main categories: psychedelic, gourmet/culinary, and functional. Functional mushrooms (also referred to as medicinal mushrooms in research) refer to mushroom-types utilized in functional medicine that are not psychedelic, rather are distinguished by their adaptogenic properties that offer support beyond nutritional value for immune system health, stress response, and brain health. They exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity and may be consumed in several forms.

New scientific research is preserving the historical claims from civilizations all over the world that functional mushrooms may improve health outcomes. Polysaccharides and antioxidants found in these varieties help to establish a natural resistance against infections and toxins. Unique compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenes are believed to help the body adapt to stress, fight off illness, reduce inflammation, detoxify, and repair damaged cells.

Most Popular Functional Mushroom Varieties

While the full potential of functional mushrooms has yet to be realized, several are being looked to for their possible health benefits. Here are some of those popular varieties that are available as dietary supplements and food additives:

• Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Celebrated for neurotrophic properties enhancing brain health and inducing nerve growth factor synthesis, lion’s mane are most frequently used for neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment. However, it also has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunostimulant, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, hypolipidemic, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. 
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Also referred to as “ling zhi” or “mushroom of immortality”, reishi has been used to promote well-being and longevity since ancient times in traditional Chinese medicine. Known therapeutic benefits are numerous, including anticancer, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, anti-hypertensive, cytotoxic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, antimutagenic, anti-aging, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective properties.
• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering capabilities, chaga have traditionally been boiled to make tea. Numerous studies document its valuable role in cancer prevention, killing or inhibiting the growth of viruses, supporting diabetes treatment, and easing gastro-intestinal disorders. 
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis): Main uses of cordyceps have been those associated with respiratory health improvement, it has shown to be potent in increasing the maximum amount of oxygen and to improve respiratory function. Research has shown that cordyceps has several bioactivities, such as antitumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, sexual and reproductive function enhancement, hypoglycemic, and anti-fatigue activities, and have a protective effect on the kidney and liver
• Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor): Use of turkey tail traces back thousands of years ago and currently in China since 1987 and Japan since 1977, extracts have been approved in routine clinical practice, most notably as an adjunct to cancer therapy. 
• Additional Noteworthy Mushrooms:
  • Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): Regular consumption has shown improved immunity, as seen by improved cell proliferation and activation
  • Tremella (Tremella fuciformis): Studies have demonstrated a role Tremella may play in skin antiaging, photoprotection, wound healing, and barrier protection.
  • Maitake (Grifola frondosa): Many polysaccharides, including beta-glucans and heteroglycans, have been extracted from the fruiting body and fungal mycelium of maitake, which have shown significant antitumor and immunomodulatory activities
  • Poria (Poria cocos): The extract of poria has been the subject of a significant amount of research, which has led to the discovery that it possesses anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, and cognitive function enhancement characteristics
  • Agaricus blazei Murrill Kyowa: Studied in clinical trials for anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, and cardioprotective effects. 

The inquiry into functional mushrooms extends beyond curiosity, evidenced by compelling personal stories and dedicated research efforts. Lion’s mane and reishi have been used as dried powders in studies to investigate pro-health properties. It is suggested that taking them together may help improve cognitive function, stress response, and sleep quality. These qualities led Sarah-Kate and Todd Boylan to try lion’s mane and reishi; first for themselves to understand the potential health benefits and then for their daughter, Lily, who was diagnosed at five weeks old with intractable epilepsy. After seven years of ineffective treatment, they found immediate success and went on to help other families through their nonprofit Lily’s Lighthouse. 

This narrative underpins the growing body of research and interest, spearheading studies that delve into the therapeutic use of these mushrooms for various health concerns. As the study of functional mushrooms and their incorporation into daily life continues to evolve, the focus is on their benefits and ensuring their safe and effective utilization.

Functional Mushroom Study

Realm of Caring joins Lily’s Lighthouse and Unlimited Sciences in a collaborative observational research study to collect data from individuals with epilepsy who use, and benefit from, functional mushrooms. The goal is to provide real-world data to identify health outcomes and understand the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of lion’s mane and the anticonvulsant properties of reishi for children and adults. 

There’s a pressing need for the scientific community to commit to expanding clinical trials and ensuring supplements’ safety and genetic purity. The data collected from this study will provide further evidence of the safety and efficacy of functional mushrooms, helping to guide future clinical research and therapeutic applications. 

To learn more, reach out to a Realm of Caring Care Specialist, visit the interest form at Unlimited Sciences, or head to Lily’s Lighthouse.