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Functional Mushrooms: Clinical Evidence and Practical Applications

  • Evgeniya Zhukovskaya
  • Oct 14
  • 7 min read
functional mushrooms

The popularity of functional mushrooms has skyrocketed over the last several years. Market projections show growth from £8 billion in 2020 to £19.3 billion by 2030 5.


These fungi pack much more than just nutritional value - they offer powerful health benefits that set them apart from regular mushrooms. Research shows these medicinal mushrooms deliver an impressive array of pharmacological effects. Scientists have documented their antiallergic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and immunomodulating properties 29.


The benefits extend to antidepressive, antidiabetic and neuroprotective effects 29. One of the most recent studies highlights their positive impact on gut health. The tested mushroom powders boosted short-chain fatty acid production and helped beneficial bacteria thrive 14.


The immune-boosting power of these fungi has solid clinical back up. A small study found that adults between 21-41 years who ate shiitake mushrooms daily for four weeks showed measurable improvements in their immune markers 30.


This piece dives into the world of functional mushrooms - what they are, their benefits and how to use them effectively. The story ranges from Turkey Tail's polysaccharide peptides, which have led to 12 approved drugs in China 29, to the promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in mushrooms of all types 31.


What Are Functional Mushrooms and Why Are They Popular?


Definition and difference from culinary mushrooms


These mushrooms go beyond simple nutrition by containing substances that help various body systems 32. People often mix them up with regular cooking mushrooms, but there's a big difference. While we use culinary varieties like button or portobello for their umami flavour and texture, functional mushrooms serve a different purpose - they are likely to promote better health.


These fungi have deep roots in traditional medicine. Different cultures around the world have used them in healing practises for over 2,000 years, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda 34. They've helped people boost their immunity, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress 32.


Rise in consumer interest and supplement market growth


The global functional mushroom market has grown substantially, valued at £31.09 billion in 2024. Market experts predict it will reach £62.18 billion by 2032, with a 9.14% CAGR during this period 35. The US market shows impressive growth and should hit £8.92 billion by 2032.


A recent surveys suggest that 37% of people eat food and drinks with added mushrooms, while 27% take mushroom supplements 36. The younger crowd leads this trend, with Gen Z showing at least 10 percentage points more interest than other age groups.


Commonly used species: Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail


Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) stands out among popular functional mushrooms. Known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," it has helped people boost immunity and manage stress for centuries 33. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has become popular because it helps brain function and supports nerve health. Its distinctive look - white tooth-like spines that resemble a lion's mane - matches its amazing effects on the brain 34. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) has strong scientific backing and supports immune health. Asian countries have included it in cancer treatments since the 1970s-1980s 5.


Functional Mushroom Benefits Backed by Science


Scientific research keeps confirming the therapeutic potential of functional mushrooms and their deep effects on human physiology.


Cognitive support from Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane)


Lion's Mane contains two remarkable compounds—hericenones and erinacines—that easily cross the blood-brain barrier 6. These bioactive substances stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis and provide neuroprotective benefits 6. Clinical evidence shows that Lion's Mane supplements boost cognitive performance in people of different ages.


A 16-week study of adults aged 50-80 with mild cognitive impairment showed improved scores on cognitive function scales after daily consumption of 3g of Lion's Mane. A 49-week trial with patients diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease showed better cognitive test scores compared to placebo 3. Research also found that even a single dose of Lion's Mane led to faster performance on cognitive tasks and showed a trend toward lower subjective stress after 28 days of supplementation 6.


Immune modulation by Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)


Turkey Tail mushroom's abundant β-glucan polysaccharides show powerful immune-modulating capabilities 7. The two main bioactive compounds—polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK)—boost immune cell function 8. These compounds activate CD69 markers on monocytes and lymphocytes, stimulate natural killer cells, and regulate dendritic cells that coordinate immune responses 8.


Japanese doctors have used PSK as supportive cancer therapy for decades 9. Clinical trials report increased survival rates in gastric cancer patients who received PSK with chemotherapy. Six randomised clinical trials documented better immune function, body weight, and longer survival in lung cancer patients treated with PSK 2.


Anti-inflammatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)


Reishi mushroom's triterpene extracts show substantial anti-inflammatory properties 10. Lab studies confirm that Reishi significantly suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) and inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) 11. These effects happen through inhibition of transcription factor NF-kappaB and suppression of MAP kinases, particularly ERK1/2 and JNK pathways 11. Reishi also reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglial activation and lowering pro-inflammatory cytokine expression 12. These mechanisms make Reishi a promising treatment for various inflammatory conditions 13.


Prebiotic activity in colonic simulations


In vitro studies show that functional mushrooms have strong prebiotic activity. Research using simulated colonic environments reveals that mushroom powders boost short-chain fatty acid production—particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate 14. The tested mushrooms improved beneficial bacterial populations in the gut microbiome. Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail showed unique prebiotic characteristics by increasing levels of beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains 1. These mushrooms also enhanced intestinal barrier function and lowered inflammatory markers in co-culture experiments 14.


Clinical Applications and Human Trial Insights


Clinical trials show promising ways to use functional mushrooms in health conditions of all types. Research over several decades shows their healing potential beyond the lab.


Cancer support: PSK and PSP in chemotherapy


Japanese doctors have used Polysaccharide-K (PSK) from Turkey Tail as additional therapy in thousands of cancer patients since the mid-1970s 2. A meta-analysis of 8,009 gastric cancer patients showed better survival rates with PSK added to chemotherapy. 15. The overall survival hazard ratio was 0.88, that indicates a meaningful improvement.


A 1994 study found PSK improved both 5-year disease-free survival (70.7% vs. 59.4%) and 5-year survival rate (73.0% vs. 60.0%) in gastric cancer patients 2. A meta-analysis of three trials with 1,094 colorectal cancer patients showed improved disease-free survival with PSK 15.


Gut health and SCFA production in in vitro models


Lab tests of colon simulations show that functional mushrooms boost short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, especially acetate, propionate, and butyrate 16. These fatty acids provide energy to colon's epithelial cells and play vital roles in cell renewal and recovery 17. Cordyceps and mixed mushroom preparations boosted beneficial bacteria growth and improved intestinal barrier function in lab models 14.


Cognitive improvement in mild Alzheimer's patients


A double-blind trial of 49 patients with mild Alzheimer's disease showed Lion's Mane mycelia supplementation for 49 weeks improved Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scores compared to placebo. In spite of that, the study found no effects on cognitive functions 3.


A trial of 30 people with mild cognitive impairment showed 16 weeks of Lion's Mane treatment (3g daily) increased cognitive function scores. The benefits decreased after stopping the treatment 3.


Fatigue and quality of life improvements in IBD


IBD patients often face severe fatigue, affecting up to 50% even during remission 4. A randomised placebo-controlled study of 50 Crohn's disease patients showed Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom extract improved symptom scores after 21 days 18. A trial with ulcerative colitis patients showed better symptoms and lower total fatigue scores with mushroom supplements 19. These improvements included physical ability, less fatigue, better mood, and fewer bowel problems 20.


Practical Use, Safety, and Supplement Considerations


Whole mushroom vs. mycelium extracts


The main difference between fruiting body and mycelium extracts lies in their bioactive compounds. Fruiting bodies (the visible mushroom part) have much higher beta-glucan concentrations (30-40%) than mycelium grown on grain (5-7%). Many products with labels like "full-spectrum" or "complete fungus" mix both components without revealing the exact ratios 22. The EU has strict regulations for mycelium products as novel foods. The US has labelling rules too, but they don't enforce them much 22.


Dosing inconsistencies across products


Different studies and products recommend varying doses. Most clinical research uses 2-5 grammes daily of dried mushrooms or similar extracts. A study showed that 2 grams of H. erinaceus in "mushroom cookies" affected various health markers 23. Concentrated extracts might need much smaller doses - some products claim to work at just 200mg daily when they contain ≥70% beta-glucans 24.


Reported side effects: nausea, rash, GI discomfort


Healthy adults usually tolerate functional mushrooms well 25. Notwithstanding that, some people experience stomach discomfort, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and skin rashes 26. Reishi can interact with blood-thinning medications, blood pressure medications, and diabetes treatments 27. Research has documented both allergic reactions to Lion's Mane and rare cases of liver toxicity from Reishi powder 25.


Regulatory status in UK and EU markets


The European Novel Food Regulation makes a clear distinction between traditional cooking mushrooms and newer functional varieties 28. Some mushroom components need approval before companies can sell them. For example, Lion's Mane and Reishi fruiting bodies and water extracts do not need authorisation while their mycelium powders do 28. Turkey Tail needs complete novel food authorisation before it can enter the market28.


Key Takeaways


Functional mushrooms offer scientifically-backed health benefits beyond basic nutrition, with the global market projected to reach £62.18 billion by 2032 as consumer interest surges.


  • Lion's Mane enhances cognitive function through compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier, showing measurable improvements in mild cognitive impairment patients.

  • Turkey Tail's PSK and PSP compounds boost immune function and improve survival rates when used alongside cancer chemotherapy treatments.

  • Reishi demonstrates powerful anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing neuroinflammation through multiple pathways.

  • Choose fruiting body extracts over mycelium products for higher beta-glucan content (30-40% vs 5-7%) and better therapeutic potential.

  • Consult healthcare providers before use, as mushrooms can interact with blood-thinning, blood pressure, and diabetes medications despite generally good safety profiles.


Clinical evidence supports dosages of 2-5 grams daily for whole mushrooms, though concentrated extracts may require smaller amounts. While side effects are typically mild (nausea, GI discomfort), regulatory status varies between UK/EU and US markets, with some mushroom types requiring novel food authorisation in Europe.



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