Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Please note the following referenced scientific research is for informational use only. The results reported below may not necessarily occur in all our customers. The information should not replace advice from your health care practitioner. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific product.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Eastern cultures like Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. They are known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress, support resilience, and enhance overall health. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that can also boost the immune system, improve mental clarity, and provide energy. To be considered an adaptogen, a substance must meet three key criteria. Firstly, it must be safe for regular consumption. Secondly, it must help the body cope with both mental and physical stress, enhancing resilience. Lastly, adaptogens work to maintain balance and calmness within the body, promoting homeostasis..

Stress and Immunity

  • Ganoderma lucidum, more commonly know as Reishi, is recognised as the most potent adaptogen present in nature, for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities.

  • Reishi supports adrenal gland function, which secretes cortisol, a hormone that aids the body in managing stress.

  • Reishi mushroom contains several beneficial compounds, such as triterpenoids, steroids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving overall well-being.

  • One specific compound, ganoderic acid DM, has unique effects. It influences processes like autophagy (a cellular clean-up mechanism) and apoptosis (programmed cell death), both of which are essential for maintaining healthy cells and eliminating harmful ones, such as cancer cells. Additionally, ganoderic acid DM can stimulate natural killer cells, a type of immune cell that directly attacks and destroys tumours, boosting the body’s overall ability to fight cancer.

  • Research shows that Maitake can activate important immune cells, such as macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and cytotoxic T cells, which are critical for defending the body and directly destroying tumour cells. Additionally, the mushroom’s glucans stimulate the production of cytokines like interleukin-1 and interleukin-2, which are essential for coordinating immune responses and enhancing the body’s natural defenses.

  • Shiitake, Lentinula edodes, mushrooms improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthier balance of immune system signals.

  • Consuming shiitake mushrooms for four weeks enhanced immune function by increasing the activity of key immune cells and improving gut immunity through higher secretory IgA (sIgA) levels. It also reduced inflammation, as shown by lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and a healthier balance of cytokines supporting immune regulation and reduced inflammatory responses.

References

  • Abate M, Pepe G, Randino R, et al. Ganoderma lucidum Ethanol Extracts Enhance Re-Epithelialization and Prevent Keratinocytes from Free-Radical Injury. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020;13(9):224. Published 2020 Aug 29. doi:10.3390/ph13090224

  • Chengyuan Liang, Danni Tian, Yuzhi Liu, Han Li, Jialiang Zhu, Min Li, Minhang Xin, Juan Xia. (2019). "Review of the molecular mechanisms of Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids: Ganoderic acids A, C2, D, F, DM, X and Y", European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 174, Pages 130-141, ISSN 0223-5234, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.04.039.

  • Camilleri E, Blundell R, Baral B, Karpiński TM, Aruci E, Atrooz OM. (2024). "Unveiling the full spectrum of maitake mushrooms: A comprehensive review of their medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical, and cosmetic potential." Heliyon. 10(9):e30254. Published 2024 Apr 26. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30254

  • Dai, Xiaoshuang, Stanilka, Joy M., Rowe, Cheryl A., Esteves, Elizabethe A., Nieves, Carmelo Jr., Spaiser, Samuel J. (2015). "Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity: A randomized dietary intervention in healthy young adults." Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(6), 478–487. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.950391

  • Liao LY, He YF, Li L, Meng H, Dong YM, Yi F, Xiao PG. (2018). “A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide.” Chin Med. Nov 16;13:57. doi: 10.1186/s13020-018-0214-9. PMID: 30479654; PMCID: PMC6240259.