7 Medicinal Mushrooms and What the Research Says About Each
Functional mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, but modern research is now validating their benefits with clinical studies and laboratory analysis. Here is a breakdown of the seven most researched medicinal mushrooms, their active compounds, and what science says about each.
1. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) — Brain Health
Active compounds: Hericenones and erinacines — unique compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
What research shows: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Japan found that adults with mild cognitive impairment showed significant improvements in cognitive function after 16 weeks of Lion’s Mane supplementation. Another study showed improved memory and focus in healthy adults after 12 weeks. Lion’s Mane also shows promise for mood — a small study found reduced anxiety and depression symptoms after 4 weeks.
Best for: Cognitive support, memory, focus, nerve health, mood.
2. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) — Stress and Immunity
Active compounds: Triterpenes (ganoderic acids), beta-glucans, and polysaccharides. Reishi contains over 130 different triterpenes — more than any other mushroom.
What research shows: Reishi is classified as an adaptogen — it helps the body regulate stress response by modulating cortisol. Studies show improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue in patients with neurasthenia. Its polysaccharides enhance immune cell activity (NK cells, T-cells) while its triterpenes reduce inflammation. A meta-analysis of 5 studies found Reishi supplementation improved immune markers in patients with advanced cancer.
Best for: Stress relief, sleep quality, immune support, inflammation, cardiovascular health.
3. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) — Immune Defense
Active compounds: Polysaccharopeptides (PSK and PSP) — protein-bound polysaccharides that are among the most researched mushroom compounds in the world.
What research shows: PSK has been an approved cancer treatment adjunct in Japan since 1977, prescribed alongside chemotherapy for colorectal and gastric cancers. Clinical trials show PSK improves survival rates and immune function in cancer patients. In the U.S., a NIH-funded study at Bastyr University found Turkey Tail improved immune function in women with breast cancer after radiation therapy. Turkey Tail also acts as a prebiotic, increasing beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus).
Best for: Immune system support, gut health, cancer care adjunct, antioxidant protection.
4. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis / militaris) — Energy and Performance
Active compounds: Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), adenosine, and polysaccharides. Cordyceps improves ATP production and oxygen utilization.
What research shows: A study on healthy older adults (age 50-70) found Cordyceps improved exercise performance by 7% (measured by VO2 max and metabolic threshold). The famous 1993 Chinese national running team broke 5 world records — their coach attributed their performance partly to Cordyceps supplementation. Studies also show improved oxygen uptake in athletes and faster recovery after intense exercise.
Best for: Athletic performance, energy, stamina, oxygen utilization, recovery, libido.
5. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) — Antioxidant Power
Active compounds: Melanin, betulinic acid, polysaccharides, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Chaga has one of the highest ORAC values of any natural food — over 40,000 per gram.
What research shows: Chaga’s betulinic acid (absorbed from birch trees it grows on) shows anti-cancer activity in laboratory studies, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Its melanin content protects against radiation damage. Chaga also reduces inflammation markers (CRP, IL-6) in human cell studies and supports liver health.
Best for: Antioxidant protection, anti-aging, immune support, inflammation, cellular health.
6. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) — Blood Sugar and Immunity
Active compounds: Beta-glucans (specifically D-fraction and MD-fraction), which are unique to Maitake and show potent immune-activating properties.
What research shows: Maitake D-fraction has been shown to activate immune cells (NK cells, T-cells, macrophages) in both animal and human studies. A clinical trial in Japan showed Maitake D-fraction improved immune function in cancer patients. Maitake also shows promise for metabolic health — studies show it can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Best for: Blood sugar regulation, immune support, metabolic health.
7. Tremella (Tremella fuciformis) — Skin and Beauty
Active compounds: Tremella polysaccharides, which hold up to 500 times their weight in water — more than hyaluronic acid. Also contains vitamin D, antioxidants, and skin-protective compounds.
What research shows: Tremella is called the “beauty mushroom” for its remarkable skin benefits. Studies show Tremella polysaccharides improve skin hydration, increase collagen production, and protect against UV damage. In traditional Chinese medicine, Tremella has been used for centuries as a beauty tonic. It also shows neuroprotective effects similar to Lion’s Mane.
Best for: Skin hydration, anti-aging, collagen support, brain health.
How to Choose the Right Mushroom for You
Each medicinal mushroom has unique properties. Rather than taking all seven, start with the one that matches your primary health goal:
- Brain and cognition: Lion’s Mane
- Stress and sleep: Reishi
- Immune support: Turkey Tail
- Energy and performance: Cordyceps
- Antioxidant and anti-aging: Chaga
- Blood sugar: Maitake
- Skin and beauty: Tremella
Look for dual-extract tinctures or powders that use fruiting body (not just mycelium), and choose products that specify beta-glucan content. Visit our shop for medicinal mushroom tinctures, powders, and supplements.