An Overview of Lion's Mane Extract and Other Functional Mushroom Supplements
The field of modern nutritional supplements has seen growing interest of late in the use of so-called functional mushroom products. These mushroom supplements are derived from fungi known for their unique bioactive compounds. Functional mushroom species that have been the target of recent research include, for instance, chaga and tremella, as well as five especially fascinating fungi that are the primary focus of the following discussion: lion's mane, cordyceps, turkey tail, reishi, and maitake.
It is important to note that mushroom supplements come in various forms, one example being dehydrated mushroom powder. Generally, however, the compounds in functional mushrooms become most bioavailable through additional processing, such as in dual mushroom extracts, which involve the use of alcohol and hot water to pull out and concentrate the desirable functional compounds. A typical lion’s mane extract, for example, represents a variety of organic compounds suspended within an alcohol/water mixture.
Although a fascinating body of literature has begun to emerge around the potential benefits of functional mushrooms’ various bioactive compounds, it should be acknowledged that the study of mushroom supplements is still relatively nascent. Moreover, we note that these extracts are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment or cure of any specific medical condition.
The fascinating and otherwordly lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) represents a significant area of interest within the world of mushroom supplements, particularly for its alleged cognitive and neurological health benefits. This lovely and quite tasty mushroom, which was named for the “hairy” white tendrils that characterize its appearance, grows natively on dead and dying wood across much of the world’s temperate forestland. Recent research focuses especially on the mushroom's unique bioactive compounds, such as hericenones and erinacines, which have been identified as potent stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis. NGF is a critical protein for the survival and regeneration of neurons, suggesting that lion's mane extract could play a pivotal role in supporting brain health and mitigating cognitive decline. Recent studies, predominantly preclinical, have demonstrated some apparent neuroprotective effects on the part of lion's mane extract, highlighting possible future applications in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Research involving animal models, for instance, has observed improvements in memory and certain cognitive markers following administration of lion's mane, underscoring possible future application as a neurologically therapeutic agent.
The traditional use of the lion's mane mushroom in Eastern medicine provides an interesting anecdotal background to the emerging research. Esteemed within ancient Chinese medicine, lion’s mane was applied within a traditional context toward digestive health and as a purported tonic for enhancing physical and mental wellbeing. Indeed, ancient health practitioners attributed to lion's mane a range of apparent benefits, from fortifying the spleen to nourishing the gut and promoting mental clarity.
The cordyceps mushroom has been revered by traditional Chinese and Tibetan medical practitioners for its purported ability to enhance energy levels, endurance, and libido. Ancient prescribers applied it toward a wide array of conditions, from respiratory illnesses to renal disorders, viewing it as a vital component for balancing Qi, the energetic backbone of traditional Chinese medicine.
In contemporary health contexts, cordyceps (particularly C. militaris) has gained attention as a promising candidate among mushroom supplements with regard to exercise performance and immune function. Some small studies, for instance, have observed improved VO2 max levels in athletes consuming cordyceps supplements, which may hint at the ability of cordyceps to promote enhanced oxygen utilization and aerobic capacity. The bioactive compound cordycepin has been of particular interest within the realm of recent research on mushroom supplements, as this cordyceps constituent may have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory implications.
As an interesting side note, the cordyceps mushroom has an extremely unique life cycle. Mushrooms within this genus colonize insect exoskeletons, propagate a mycelial network inside their nervous systems, and alter insect behavior in order to propagate themselves throughout the environment. Specifically, cordyceps-infected insects tend to migrate out to exposed tree branches, where they die and then serve as a food source for the developing cordyceps mushrooms; the rather antenna-like orange protuberance stemming from a cordyceps-infected insect represents a mushroom fruitbody that has sprouted and is now releasing spores out into the wind.
The gorgeous turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a small fan-like fungus that grows especially on decaying hardwood trees. Depending on climate and on the composition of its food source, turkey tail can adopt a wide variety of colors, with its concentric zonate rings ranging from gray to brown to even pink or bright blue! It is abundant in many of the world’s hardwood forests but can be confused with certain other thin wood-loving fungi.
Turkey tail has been utilized traditionally within various cultures for its alleged immune-boosting properties. Particularly within an ancient Chinese medical framework, it was believed that turkey tail could promote general health and longevity, as well as support the body in fighting off infections.
Modern scientific inquiry has investigated whether turkey tail mushroom supplements might play a useful role in supporting cancer treatment, particularly as an adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with polysaccharides including PSK (polysaccharide Krestin) and PSP (polysaccharopeptide) being significantly responsible for the mushroom’s bioactivity. It has been suggested that these compounds may stimulate the immune system, helping the body to fight against cancerous cells and infections. Indeed, PSK has been approved as an adjuvant cancer treatment in countries including China, Japan, and Korea.
Beyond its applications in oncology, turkey tail mushroom supplements are also being explored for their potential implications regarding gut health. More specifically, early research has begun to investigate whether Trametes may have natural prebiotic properties that help support a healthy gut microbiome.
The lovely maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is a source of jumping joy for many an autumn forager. Referred to colloquially as hen of the woods, this occasionally beach ball-sized mycorrhizal fungus boasts a distinctive and wonderful meaty flavor prized by many gourmet chefs. What’s more, anecdotal homeopathic practices as well as early-stage modern research suggest that maitake may have important implications for metabolic health.
In traditional Japanese medicine, hen of the woods was believed to promote stomach, spleen, and blood health. And recent research has identified within maitake mushrooms several beta-glucan polysaccharides that may enhance immune responses and exhibit anti-tumor activities. These findings have sparked interest in maitake's potential role in cancer therapy, where it could prove useful in helping mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy.
In addition, contemporary homeopathic practitioners have suggested that maitake mushroom supplements may help regulate glucose levels, a critical factor in managing diabetes and enhancing metabolic function; indeed, some modern studies into maitake's effects on blood glucose levels have shown promising results, suggesting that regular consumption of maitake supplements could benefit those living with type-2 diabetes.
The woody and lovely reishi mushrooms (including Ganoderma lucidum and closely related species) are another cornerstone in the repertoire of mushroom supplements, celebrated for their long-standing prominence in traditional Eastern medicine and their growing recognition in modern health research. In traditional Chinese medicine, reishi was known as the "mushroom of immortality" and was believed to promote longevity and support the immune system. It was commonly prescribed for these and other alleged health-boosting properties, such as enhancing liver function, alleviating stress, and improving sleep quality.
Today, the scientific community is increasingly interested in reishi's therapeutic potential, particularly its potentially immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties; reishi-endogenous compounds including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans have been of particular scientific interest. Several studies also have explored reishi’s possible cardiovascular benefits. Some researchers have noted decreased hypertension, for instance, in rodents given high-dose reishi mushroom supplements. It has also been postulated that systematic reishi administration may reduce LDL cholesterol levels and, by conferring anti-oxidative properties, confer long-term cardioprotective effects.
A Reminder about Responsible Supplement Use
Although there is a foundation of traditional use and some promising preliminary research surrounding lion’s mane extract and other functional mushroom supplements, it is worth re-stating that our understanding of the precise biomechanics of active mushroom compounds remains in its infancy: Additional robust clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the efficacy mushroom supplements, as well as to develop guidelines surrounding safe use. What’s more, standardized dosage regimens have yet to be empirically established for functional mushrooms. Consumers should remain informed and cautious, particularly regarding claims of definitive health benefits, and should always consult healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.
Interested in exploring functional mushrooms for yourself? Check out our full line-up of dual-extracted mushroom supplements.
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Mushroom-derived products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
