Healing Remedies in Medicinal Mushroom Supplements

The Healing Power of Medicinal Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to prevent and treat a vast array of health conditions. Today, mushroom extract supplements are surging in popularity in the West thanks to mounting scientific evidence supporting their multiple health benefits.

Bioactive Compounds in Medicinal Mushrooms

Healing mushrooms contain bioactive substances like polysaccharides, glycoproteins, ergosterols and triterpenoids. These compounds possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects in the human body.

Certain molecules found in mushroom extracts also modulate immune system function. This helps prevent or treat infections, autoimmune disorders and even intestinal issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Most Researched Medicinal Mushroom Species

Among the thousands of edible mushroom species on Earth, these are the top scientifically-validated “powerhouse” varieties used in herbal supplements:

• Reishi
• Turkey tail
• Shiitake
• Lion’s mane
• Chaga
• Cordyceps
• Maitake

Potential Benefits of Mushroom Extract Supplements

Research suggests that regularly consuming concentrated medicinal mushroom extracts may produce significant benefits:

1. Anti-Cancer Effects

Compounds in turkey tail, reishi and other mushrooms exhibit direct anticancer results in lab studies. Some stimulate cancer cell death, prevent tumor formation/metastasis and amplify the effects of radiation therapy.

Mushroom supplements also counter cancer risk factors like oxidative stress and inflammation while enhancing protective immunity against early cancers.

2. Heart Health

Mushroom extracts help regulate lipid metabolism and lower elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Cordyceps and reishi are particularly beneficial for supporting cardiovascular function.

These mushrooms also relax blood vessels, preventing hypertension and its downstream effects (atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attacks, etc.).

3. Liver Protection & Detoxification

Mushroom phytochemicals shield the liver from free radical damage inflicted by viruses, alcohol consumption, medications and exposure to environmental toxins.

Supplements made from chaga, cordyceps and lion’s mane mushrooms optimize liver detoxification pathways as well.

4. Neurological Benefits

Nerve growth factors and neuron-protective compounds concentrated in lion’s mane mushroom enhance cognitive function and memory. This can help both healthy individuals and those with neurodegenerative disorders.

Lion’s mane and reishi mushroom supplements also alleviate neuroinflammation, migraines, anxiety and depression.

5. Boosts Immunity

All medicinal mushrooms uplift immune surveillance and activity to some degree thanks to their polysaccharides, proteoglycans, glycoproteins and other bioactives.

Maitake and turkey tail, in particular, ramp up production/maturation of macrophages, natural killer cells and T-helper cells.

Evaluating Safety & Quality of Mushroom Supplements

With the mushroom supplement market exploding, quality control is imperative. When shopping extracts, focus on these key areas:

1. Organic Raw Materials

Mushroom extracts made from organically grown mushrooms have higher concentrations of beneficial compounds compared to conventional mushrooms.

Organic agricultural practices also mean you avoid residual pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants concentrated in final products.

2. Extraction Method

Hot water extraction and alcohol (ethanol) extraction are superior to chemical solvent extraction methods. They pull more medicinal phytochemicals from mushrooms without unwanted byproducts.

Dual extraction using both hot water and ethanol maximizes beneficial mushroom compounds captured from raw materials.

3. Third Party Testing

High quality mushroom supplement companies routinely test batches for:

• Verification of mushroom species
• Purity/contaminants
• Concentrations of bioactives like polysaccharides
• Heavy metals

Review certificates of analysis to confirm rigorous quality control testing.

4. Certifications

Trusted mushroom extract manufacturers proudly carry certifications like USDA Organic, non-GMO project verified, KOSHER, HACCP, etc. that reinforce production transparency.

5. Company Reputation & Customer Reviews

Vet a prospective mushroom supplement company thoroughly before purchasing products. Favor those with outstanding customer service ratings and reviews.

Are Mushroom Supplements Safe?

For most healthy adults, mushroom extract supplements are very safe when used according to dosage guidelines on the label. However, potential side effects include:

Minor Digestive Upset

Some people experience mild nausea, diarrhea or constipation when beginning medicinal mushrooms. These typically resolve within a few days. Starting with smaller doses allows your body to adapt.

Blood Thinning

Compounds in reishi and cordyceps mushrooms may interact with anticoagulant medications, amplifying their effects. Consult your doctor if taking blood thinners like aspirin, Warfarin or Plavix.

Blood Sugar Changes

Compounds in reishi and cordyceps mushrooms also lower blood sugar substantially in animal studies. Diabetics should monitor glucose closely when starting mushroom supplements.

Drug Interactions

Mushroom bioactives influence liver enzyme function, potentially changing how medications are metabolized and excreted. Speak with your pharmacist regarding potential interactions with existing prescriptions.

While side effects are rare, immediately cease using mushroom supplements if you experience swelling, rashes, trouble breathing, racing heart rate or other concerning reactions.

Integrating Medicinal Mushrooms Into Your Routine

Consuming a blend of organic mushroom species daily offers protective, whole-body benefits for improved wellbeing in both sickness and health.

Dual extracted mushroom powders, capsules or liquid tinctures provide the most convenient delivery methods. Follow dosage guidelines and stick with mushroom supplement brands that meet stringent quality benchmarks for safety and efficacy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.