Mushrooms Gain Ground in Medicine Despite Limited Clinical Evidence

 If you are waiting for more proof from research; wait forever. Here is existing research! You're on your own, your doctor will know nothing for 50 years! I do Lions' Mane.

• magic mushrooms (41 posts to October 2014)
• mushrooms (15 posts to October 2014)

Mushrooms Gain Ground in Medicine Despite Limited Clinical Evidence

Mushrooms have attracted growing interest in nutrition and medicine because their bioactive compounds have anticancer, metabolic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. However, stronger clinical evidence is required.

More than 1.5 million mushroom species have been identified to date. Of these, approximately 14,000 produce a carpophore, the aboveground reproductive structure of higher fungi commonly known as the fruiting body, whereas nearly 200 are edible. In addition to their nutritional value, mushrooms are an important source of bioactive compounds.

Mushrooms are rich in water, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and also contain compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Nearly 130 therapeutic properties of medicinal mushrooms have been reported. These characteristics have increased interest in their potential applications in nutrition and medicine and have attracted growing attention from biomedical researchers.

Bioactive Compounds

Edible mushrooms, including Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes, and Ganoderma lucidum, contain several families of compounds that may contribute to their pharmacologic effects:

Article Key Points

• Mushrooms contain bioactive polysaccharides, phenolics, triterpenoids, ergosterol with antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects.
• Preclinical data suggest anticancer activity: ↓ proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis; may enhance chemo response.
• Limited clinical data: PSK + adjuvant chemo improved OS after gastrectomy; maitake D-fraction improved recovery, OS, ↓ toxicities.
• Potential metabolic effects: beta-glucans/triterpenoids may improve insulin resistance, glucose absorption, microbiota, and insulin secretion.
• Evidence for nutraceutical use remains limited; large standardized clinical trials needed.

Which mushroom extracts improve cancer survival in trials?

What biomarkers predict response to mushroom polysaccharides?

How do mushroom beta-glucans affect insulin resistance?

• Polysaccharides: Beta-glucans may help improve postprandial blood glucose levels and have immunomodulatory properties.
• Phenolic compounds: Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Psilocybin, an alkaloid, has also been studied in psychiatry.
• Triterpenoids: These compounds may contribute to neuroprotective and anticancer effects.
• Ergosterol: This compound is a precursor of vitamin D2 after ultraviolet exposure and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pharmacologic Effects

Anticancer Activity

A study analyzed eight medicinal mushrooms across several tumor models, including breast, colorectal, gastric, lung, liver, and prostate cancers. In vitro and in vivo studies found their bioactive compounds inhibited cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. These effects are associated with several mechanisms, including activation of immune functions, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Another study identified the potential role of some bioactive compounds as adjuvants that could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and limit chemoresistance. Mushroom extracts inhibited tumor proliferation and enhanced the effects of chemotherapy.

Several clinical studies have assessed the potential adjuvant effects of mushrooms. A large observational study suggested improved overall survival among patients who received polysaccharides isolated from Coriolus versicolor in addition to adjuvant chemotherapy after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Another randomized study involving 141 patients with advanced laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer found that adding D fraction, a polysaccharide-rich extract derived from Grifola frondosa (maitake), to chemoradiotherapy improved functional recovery at 6 months and overall survival. The treatment also reduced several severe toxicities, including neutropenia, anemia, and mucositis, and limited the early decline in quality of life.

A literature review of preclinical and clinical data suggests that several mushrooms may help alleviate pain, fatigue, cognitive and digestive symptoms, and certain physical limitations associated with cancer treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest the potential applications of mushrooms in supportive cancer care.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Medicinal mushrooms may influence insulin resistance by modulating the microbiota, reducing glucose absorption, improving blood glucose levels and cellular glucose uptake, and regulating insulin secretion.

Polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans and triterpenoids, may play a central role through their effects on the microbiota, inflammation, and metabolic pathways associated with insulin resistance.

Other Activities

Mushrooms have also been studied for several other potential health benefits:

• Cardiovascular: Bioactive peptides and triterpenes in mushrooms may have antihypertensive effects by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme.
• Immunomodulatory: Mushroom beta-glucans and phenolic compounds may activate or modulate T and B cells and support immune function.
• Antiviral: Mushroom triterpenoids and polyphenols may have antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus, influenza, and HIV.
• Neuroprotective: Compounds in Hericium erinaceus may have neuroprotective effects by stimulating nerve growth factors. Various mushroom compounds are also being investigated for their potential role in Alzheimer’s disease.
• Antiobesity: Bioactive compounds in mushrooms such as L edodes and P eryngii may reduce lipid storage and help regulate blood lipid levels.

Current Applications

Some mushrooms have been used in nutritional approaches to health. Bioactive compounds from G lucidum (reishi), L edodes (shiitake), G frondosa (maitake), Cordyceps, and H erinaceus are used in the form of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements, including standardized extracts and powders, for purposes such as immune support, metabolic regulation, and antioxidant protection. However, scientific evidence supporting these health claims remains limited.

Cordyceps is sold in Bhutan with these supposed benefits.

Or this:

The Effects of Cordyceps in Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies April 2025

Protective Effect of Cordyceps militaris Extract Against Cigarette Smoke Extract Induced Neurodegeneration in Zebrafish Model

Future Prospects

The available data support further research into the potential therapeutic applications of mushrooms in pharmaceutical and medical research. However, large-scale, standardized clinical trials are needed because most studies have been conducted in vitro, often using simple protocols, while relatively few in vivo studies are available. Further research is needed to develop more effective methods for extracting and identifying active compounds and to better understand their mechanisms of action.

This story was translated from Univadis France, part of the Medscape Professional Network.

Protective Effect of Cordyceps militaris Extract Against Cigarette Smoke Extract Induced Neurodegeneration in Zebrafish Model

My knowledge of cordyceps is my trip to Bhutan, nothing specific, so no recommendations there.

The Effects of Cordyceps in Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies April 2025

Protective Effect of Cordyceps militaris Extract Against Cigarette Smoke Extract Induced Neurodegeneration in Zebrafish Model

• Paritosh Sharma, 
• Dev Goyal, 
• Muskan Thakur & 
• Arun Parashar 

Abstract

Background and Objectives: 

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by degeneration or progressive loss/death of neurons in specific areas of the brain, often worsened by cigarette smoke through oxidative stress and inflammation. Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects. This study evaluated the protective role of C. militaris hot water extract (CMWE) against cigarette smoke extract-induced neurodegeneration in zebrafish. 

Methods: 

Neurodegeneration was induced in zebrafish using cigarette smoke extract, and CMWE was administered at 1 mg/L and 4 mg/L. Behavioral performance was assessed using Y-maze, inhibitory avoidance, and novel tank tests. LC-MS was employed to identify CMWE constituents, while antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH assay. Histological analysis of the periventricular grey zone (PGZ) of the optic tectum was performed to assess neuronal integrity. 

Results: 

Cigarette smoke exposure led to aimless exploration, impaired memory retention, and increased bottom-dwelling behavior. CMWE improved behavioral outcomes, with 4 mg/L showing greater efficacy than 1 mg/L. LC-MS revealed bioactive compounds including cordycepin, adenosine, ergothioneine, D-mannitol, and vitamins. The DPPH assay confirmed strong antioxidant activity. Histological evaluation showed reduced pyknotic neuronal density in CMWE-treated groups compared with diseased controls, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. 

Conclusions: 

CMWE mitigated cigarette smoke-induced behavioral and histological hallmarks of neurodegeneration in zebrafish, likely via synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These findings support the potential of C. militaris as a natural product-based therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders, warranting further studies on its individual constituents and mechanisms of action.

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The Effects of Cordyceps in Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies

When I was in Bhutan you could buy this, I didn't buy any. Ask your doctor what research they are doing on this.

All these benefits needing scientific proof. #6 seems really important.

The actual look of it

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that primarily infects insects, particularly insects living in high-altitude regions of Asia. The fungus is well-known for its unique lifecycle, where it takes over an insect's body and eventually emerges from the dead host, forming a club-shaped fruiting body. Cordyceps is also a well-known traditional Chinese medicine and is used in various forms as a supplement or herbal remedy. 

 The Effects of Cordyceps in Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies

Soo-hwa Hong, Su-hyun Lim, Seung-hyun Jung

Dept. of Korean Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Bundang Oriental Medicine Hospital

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study reviewed the effects of Cordyceps (Dong-Chong-Xia-Cao) on stroke induced by vascular occlusion

in animal models.

Methods: A literature search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library,

KISS, RISS, and OASIS). After screening, article publication years, countries, animal models, intervention and control groups,

outcome measures, and study results were extracted. Article quality was assessed using the CAMARADES checklist.

Results: A total of 16 studies were reviewed. Cordyceps and its derivatives improved behavioral and cognitive function,

neuronal density, neurotransmission, and metabolism. It also reduced brain damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress while

preserving blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. These effects were observed in both pre- and post-intervention designs, though

some results were not significant. The overall study quality was moderate.

Conclusion: Cordyceps can effectively manage ischemic strokes, both as a preventive and therapeutic agent. More well-designed

studies are needed to understand its mechanisms and effects.

Caterpillar fungi may benefit asthma patients

Its got anti-inflammatory properties and inflamation in the brain is a problem. Get your researcher involved.

When I was in Bhutan you could buy this, I didn't buy any. Ask your doctor what research they are doing on this.

All these benefits needing scientific proof. #6 seems really important.

Caterpillar fungi may benefit asthma patients

Research shows that cordycepin, extracted from a group of rare parasitic caterpillar fungi of the genus Cordyceps, has unusual anti-inflammatory properties that may make it a good candidate for treating conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
The investigators, led by Cornelia de Moor (University of Nottingham, UK), found that cordycepin, which is similar in structure to adenosine, inhibits the stimulation of inflammatory messenger RNAs (mRNAs) by cytokines secreted by smooth muscle cells in the human airway, but does not affect the expression of "housekeeping" mRNAs.
"We have shown that cordycepin reduces the expression of inflammatory genes in airway smooth muscle cells by acting on the final step in the synthesis of their messenger RNAs (mRNAs) which carry the chemical blueprint for the synthesis of proteins. This process is called polyadenylation," said de Moor in a press statement.
"However, it is a surprise that cordycepin does not affect the synthesis of mRNAs from other genes, because nearly all mRNAs require polyadenylation," she said.
Cordyceps fungi live on hibernating caterpillars in the Tibetan mountains and have been a highly sought after component of Chinese medicine for many years. Studies have suggested the fungi could be used to treat a variety of conditions including cancer, stroke, kidney disease, and inflammatory lung disease, but scientific evidence regarding the mechanism of action of cordycepin was unclear until now.