Medicinal mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms

By Professor Thomas |September 30, 2025|

The unique natural compounds in edible medicinal mushrooms are responsible for their “Longevity” and “Healthspan” properties as they help support both physical and mental well-being. There is now compelling evidence they can reduce excess inflammation in the body and dampen down oxidative stress – both of which enhance metabolic pathways which influence hormone balance, immune function, energy levels, join health and exercise performance – to mention but a few.

Their effect on mental health and brain function is especially appealing as studies are suggesting they not only help mood, motivation and alertness now, but their regular intake will help prevent memory and cognitive decline as we get older.

Which Medicinal Mushrooms

Most edible mushrooms are rich in prebiotic fibers, healthy plant proteins and essential minerals but, the varieties in particular they are rich in bioactive, synergistically acting natural compounds including:

• Reishi and Chaga
• Maitake and Shitake
• Maitake and Cordyceps
• Shaggy and Lion's Mane

Mechanisms of action of medicinal mushrooms

These eight mushrooms are an excellent source of prebiotic fibers, healthy plant proteins and essential minerals but, in particular they are rich in bioactive, synergistically acting natural compounds including:

• Hericenones and Erinacines, which stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) that supports the growth and repair of neurons.
• Beta-glucans polysaccharides that reduce systemic and neuroinflammation, which is a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Ergothioneine that protects brain cells from oxidative stress, a key factor in Alzheimer's other dementias and Parkinson's Disease.
• Triterpenoids have neuroprotective 7 anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce amyloid formation & neuronal damage over time.
• Polysaccharides and phytochemicals that promote vascular health and blood flow to the brain

Recent key improvements in mushroom complex formulation

Although these mushrooms have been around for centuries, within traditional Chinese Medicine, recent advances in food technology and supplement manufacturing have made it possible to produce safe , potent, and bioavailable medicinal mushroom capsules. Key improvements include:

• Combined hot water and alcohol extraction allows a fuller spectrum of bio-active compounds better potency and effectiveness compared to powders
• Standardization and advanced testing ensures each capsule contains precise levels of active ingredients, ensuring reliable consistent doses.
• Encapsulation technology protect sensitive mushroom compounds from light, oxygen, and moisture, preserving quality until consumption.
• Bioavailability enhancers such as natural stabilizers improve absorption and utilization.
• Safety and purity controls ensure rigorous screening for heavy metals, microbes, and contaminants, ensuring the capsules are even safer

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In summary, an increasing level of evidence is highlighting the multiple health benefits of certain medicinal mushrooms. An eight blend complex has the advantage of synergistically including a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds resulting in a wider mode of action – whilst at the same time, avoiding too high an intake of one particular compound – improving safety. On top of this, rapid advances in food technology and supplement manufacturing have made it possible to produce consistent, reliable, medicinal mushroom capsules with greater potency and diversity than dried powders alone. These innovations mean that well made medical mushroom complexes such as YourFungi are more effective, safer and more convenient than ever before and making them an attractive, convenient option for a well being plan.