04 Complete guide to medicinal mushrooms

I still remember the first shock when I discovered the giant Ganoderma lucidum in the forests of the Pacific Northwest.It was a wet morning, and the sun shone through the ancient Douglas fir forest on a crimson-red, lacquered Ganoderma lucidum.As a biologist who has been studying fungi for more than 20 years, at that moment I not only saw a fungus, but also the intersection of millennium traditional wisdom and modern science.

Medicinal mushrooms are no longer marginalized alternative treatments.From cancer-assisted treatments approved by Japanese hospitals to supplements used by professional athletes, these ancient fungi are finding their place in modern medicine.This article will take you into the world of medicinal mushrooms and provide the practical knowledge, scientific basis and action guide you need.

The use of medicinal mushrooms in East Asia dates back thousands of years.The properties and uses of medicinal fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum and Poria cocos have been recorded in detail in the ancient Chinese medical literature "Shennong Bencao Jing".Traditional Chinese medicine calls Ganoderma lucidum "Immortal Grass", believing that it can "relieve the spirit, increase wisdom, and eat for a long time to lighten the body and never grow old."

Traditional Japanese medicine pays more attention to the application of shiitake mushrooms and maitake mushrooms.Edo period documents documenting the use of shiitake mushrooms to treat colds and circulatory problems.Interestingly, Japan was also the first country to include mushroom extracts into the formal medical system—the shiitake polysaccharide was approved as an adjunctive cancer treatment drug in the 1980s.

European folk medicine also has a tradition of using medicinal mushrooms.Folk doctors in Austria and Germany use Bermuda to treat digestive diseases, while Sami people in Scandinavia use Ganoderma lucidum to make tea drinks that enhance their strength.

Modern research on medicinal mushrooms began in the mid-20th century, and with the development of chromatographic analysis and molecular biology techniques, scientists began to isolate and identify the active ingredients in mushrooms.In 1957, German scientists discovered that the structure of Ganoderma lucidum was a milestone, which opened a new era of research on the ingredients of medicinal mushrooms.

The number of research papers on medicinal mushrooms on PubMed has increased by more than triple over the past two decades.These studies are gradually verifying the scientific nature of traditional uses, and also discovering many new application potentials.

I've analyzed hundreds of Ganoderma lucidum samples in the lab and can confirm that the complexity of its chemical composition is really amazing.Ganoderma lucidum contains more than 400 different biologically active compounds, the most important of which are polysaccharides and triterpenes.

Practical Case:

John, a 52-year-old software engineer, started taking Ganoderma lucidum supplements to manage work stress.Six weeks later, not only did he feel more energy balanced, but his annual physical examination showed his LDL cholesterol dropped from 145 mg/dL to 118 mg/dL.Of course, this is only personal experience, but it does match the ability of Ganoderma lucidum to regulate cholesterol found in the study.

Scientific Mechanism:

Beta-glucan in Ganoderma lucidum regulates the immune system by activating macrophages, T cells and natural killer cells.Ganoderma lucidum triterpenes exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting histamine release and regulating inflammatory factors.

Expert recommendations:

When choosing Ganoderma lucidum supplements, look for products that label both polysaccharide and triterpenes.High-quality Ganoderma lucidum extract should contain at least 15% polysaccharide and 4% triterpenes.

Practical experience:

In the wild mushroom collection workshop I led, I always recommend that participants include shiitake mushrooms in their daily diet.A primary school teacher who often catches colds followed the advice and ate a small amount of dried mushrooms every day. Three months later, she told me that she had not taken a day of sick leave throughout the winter.

Science Support:

Japan has the most in-depth research on shiitake mushroom polysaccharide (Lentinan).A study of patients with gastric cancer found that patients who received shiitake polysaccharide plus chemotherapy had a five-year survival rate of 15% higher than those who received chemotherapy alone.It is worth noting that shiitake polysaccharide is an approved injection adjuvant in Japan, rather than a common dietary supplement.

Cooking Tips:

Soaking dried shiitake mushrooms overnight in cold water not only can better retain water-soluble polysaccharides, but the soaked water can also be used as a broth to make full use of the nutrients dissolved in water.

What is unique about Maizumi is its D-fraction, a special polysaccharide-protein complex with higher bioavailability than ordinary mushroom polysaccharides.

Research Data:

A small human trial found that people with type 2 diabetes had significantly improved blood sugar levels when they consume maitake powder every day.Another study shows that maitake extract may help manage blood sugar by regulating insulin sensitivity.

Collection skills:

Wild maitake usually grows at the roots of oak trees and weighs more than 20 pounds.But be aware that its appearance is similar to some toxic fungi, and it is best for beginners to have experienced people to accompany them to collect them.

PSK and PSP in Yunzhi are one of the most well-studied medicinal mushroom ingredients, and more than 30 randomized controlled trials have evaluated their effects.

Clinical Evidence:

A meta-analysis of breast cancer patients found that adding PSK on routine treatment reduced the five-year recurrence rate by about 13%.Similar positive data are also available for gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer.

Important Tips:

PSK and PSP are prescription-grade drugs and are not common supplements.Cancer patients must consult an oncologist before using any mushroom supplements.

Practical Case:

A trail runner I know improved his plateau training endurance by 18% after using Cordyceps supplements.This echoes the use of Cordyceps sinensis when Chinese athletes used Cordyceps during a world record set in the 1990s.

Scientific Explanation:

Adenosine and Cordycepsin in Cordyceps may improve exercise performance by increasing ATP production and improving oxygen utilization.Studies have shown that it can increase VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake) by 5-10% on average.

Purchase suggestions:

Wild Cordyceps sinensis is extremely expensive and has problems with over-collecting.The mycelium products of Cordyceps cultured in laboratory are selected, with more stable active ingredients and more environmentally friendly.

Research breakthrough:

Erinacines and hericenones in erinaceus can stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factors.A Japanese study of patients with mild cognitive impairment found that participants who took cerebral extract had significantly improved cognitive test scores for 16 consecutive weeks.

Personal Application:

I add a small spoonful of erectus mushroom powder to my breakfast every day, not only for potential cognitive benefits, but also for its unique seafood-like flavor.

Poria is one of the most commonly used fungi among classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, and modern research has begun to reveal the scientific basis of its traditional uses.

Laboratory Discovery:

Pachymic acid in Poria cocos is shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities.Poria polysaccharides exert immune regulation by regulating intestinal flora.

Important Warning:

The hype of chrysanthemum has led to over-gathering, threatening its natural resources.In addition, the high oxalic acid content of Foracia buproflox may pose a risk to people with renal insufficiency.

The β-glucan structures in different mushrooms are different, which directly affects their biological activity.For example, lentinan in shiitake mushrooms is β-1,3/1,6-glucan, while ganoderma lucidum is β-1,3/1,4-glucan.This tiny structural difference determines how they are recognized and utilized by the immune system.

Professional Tips:

The molecular weight of β-glucan affects its absorption and activity.High-quality extracts retain polysaccharides of the appropriate molecular weight.

The bitter taste of Ganoderma lucidum mainly comes from triterpenes.Interestingly, the stronger the bitter taste of Ganoderma lucidum samples, the higher the triterpenes are.This is a simple quality indicator that consumers can use when choosing a product.

Understanding the level of research evidence is essential to making informed decisions:

In vitro research: Provides mechanistic clues, but cannot be applied directly to humans.For example, mushroom extract kills cancer cells in a petri dish, which does not mean oral treatment can produce the same effect.

Animal Research: It helps to understand overall biological effects and safety, but species differences limit their direct application value.

Human Clinical Trials: Gold Standard, but uneven quality.Randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial (RCT) is the most reliable.

Current status: Most medicinal mushrooms have adequate in vitro and animal studies, but high-quality human trials are still limited.The exceptions are PSK from Yunzhi and lentinan from Shiitake mushrooms, which are supported by a large number of human clinical trials.

If you decide to collect in the wild, here are basic safety guidelines:

Professional equipment recommendation:

Different preparation methods affect the utilization of active ingredients:

Quick Tips: Grinding dried mushrooms into powder and adding them to daily diet is the easiest way to use them.

Facing the wide range of products on the market, follow these principles:

1. Transparency: High-quality brands will clearly indicate the active ingredients content and extraction ratio

2. Third-party testing: Looking for products with USP, ConsumerLab or NSF certification

3. Full Spectrum Extraction: Select products marked "Full Spectrum" instead of "Single Compound" to take advantage of synergies

4. Sustainability: Brands that choose to use cultivation rather than wild-collection raw materials

Warning that must not be ignored:

Medicinal mushrooms are never a substitute for routine medical treatment.I have seen cases of stroke caused by a patient using mushroom supplements instead of antihypertensive drugs.Remember: Supplements are "supplement" rather than "replacement".

Key Drug Interactions:

Precautions for special groups:

Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and patients with autoimmune diseases should avoid using medicinal mushroom supplements before consulting a doctor.

Research on medicinal mushrooms is at a turning point.In the next five years, we expect to see:

Suggestions for beginners:

1. Start with eating mushrooms: Include shiitake mushrooms, maitake mushrooms and erectus mincedar mushrooms into daily diet

2. Choose a supplement: Choose a high-quality supplement based on your health goals and use it continuously for at least 8-12 weeks to evaluate the effect

3. Record reactions: Record any changes, including energy levels, sleep quality, digestive and cognitive functions

4. Consulting professional: Discuss your plan with a doctor or nutritionist who knows about functional mushrooms

Advanced Strategy:

Medicinal mushrooms represent a unique intersection of traditional wisdom and modern science.They are not magical panacea, but valuable supplements based on a healthy lifestyle.As my mentor, famous mycologist Paul Stamets, often said: “Fungi provide a network that connects the kingdom of life – they connect not only trees in the forest, but also traditions and modernity, the East and the West.”

Through a rational, scientific attitude, coupled with appropriate caution, medicinal mushrooms can be a powerful addition to your health toolbox.But remember that the most important advice is always: Listen to your body, respect scientific evidence, and consult a professional if needed.

Go to start now: Go to the local market next week to buy some fresh shiitake mushrooms and maitake mushrooms and experience the deliciousness and potential benefits of their cooking.This is the easiest and safest step to explore the world of medicinal mushrooms.

*The author of this article is a PhD in mycosmology and has more than 20 years of experience in medicinal mushroom research.The information in this article is intended to be educational and cannot replace professional medical advice.Consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.*