Medicinal mushrooms and their effects

Medicinal mushrooms, also called vital mushrooms, are a group of fungi that have been used for centuries in traditional health systems, especially in Chinese and Japanese tradition. These are not ordinary culinary mushrooms, but species rich in bioactive compounds that modern research is now exploring.

Unlike medicines, medicinal mushrooms are not intended to treat or prevent disease. They belong among food supplements and have traditionally been used to support overall vitality, resilience and balance. It is important to stay honest about the limits of the evidence, part of what we know comes from long experience and part from laboratory and clinical studies that are still ongoing.

People most often come to them looking for natural support during times of stress, fatigue or increased demands. That is precisely why vital mushrooms are earning a firm place among those who prefer a measured, considered path.

The potential of medicinal mushrooms is linked mainly to three groups of compounds.

• Beta-glucans (1,3/1,6) – polysaccharides that form the cell wall of mushrooms. It is their 1,3/1,6 structure that is most often studied in the context of immunomodulation. Their content is also a key indicator of extract quality.
• Triterpenes – for example the ganoderic acids in reishi. They give the fruiting body its characteristic bitter taste and are studied for various biological activities.
• Antioxidants – polyphenols, melanin or ergothioneine, which help the body cope with oxidative stress and free radicals.

The amount of these compounds varies greatly between products. That is why it makes sense to check whether the producer states the beta-glucan content and which part of the mushroom the extract comes from.

One of the most important distinctions on the market is between the fruiting body and mycelium grown on grain.

The fruiting body is the mushroom itself, the visible part you picture when you hear the word mushroom. It contains the highest share of beta-glucans and triterpenes. Mycelium on grain is the root network grown through a cereal grain, most often rice or oats. At harvest the mycelium is not separated from the grain, so the final powder contains a lot of grain starch and only a little of the mushroom's real active compounds.

That is why at Tradicína we rely on the fruiting body and on extracts with a verified beta-glucan content. For some compounds a dual extraction also helps, hot water releases the polysaccharides and beta-glucans, while alcohol releases the fat-soluble triterpenes. The result is a fuller profile of active compounds than a simple powder.

Each species has its own character and traditional use. Here is a brief overview of the best known ones.

• Reishi – called the mushroom of immortality in Chinese tradition, associated with calm, sleep and balance.
• Chaga – grows on birch trees in cold regions and is among the foods with the highest antioxidant content.
• Hericium, lion's mane – a coral-like mushroom traditionally associated with support for focus and memory.
• Cordyceps – Tibetan herders noticed its effect on the vitality of their animals, and today it is sought out by people interested in energy and performance.
• Maitake – the dancing mushroom, traditionally associated with support for metabolism and immunity.
• Oyster mushroom – common in our forests too, it naturally contains beta-glucans.
• Shiitake – both a culinary and a vital mushroom with a long tradition in Asia.

Medicinal mushrooms can be taken in several forms, each with its own advantages.

• In honey – the combination of mushrooms and raw organic honey tastes pleasant and makes an easy daily ritual. This is how our products work, ELIX with hericium and SHILAJIX with shilajit and cordyceps.
• Capsules – practical, precisely dosed and tasteless.
• Tincture – a dual extract in liquid form, with quick dosing by drops.
• Powder – versatile, easy to add to a drink.

Important for products with raw honey, never heat the honey above 40 °C. Higher temperatures destroy its enzymes and sensitive compounds. So add both ELIX and SHILAJIX to lukewarm water or lukewarm tea, or take them straight from the spoon. Never into hot coffee or boiling tea.

Medicinal mushrooms suit adults who are looking for natural support during periods of stress, fatigue or increased demands. They are not a replacement for a varied diet or for medicines.

A few things to keep in mind.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – the data are limited, so consult your doctor before use.
• Medications – especially with blood thinners, immunosuppressants or diabetes medication, consult your doctor in advance, as some mushrooms may affect how they work.
• Planned surgery – some mushrooms are best stopped a few weeks before a procedure.
• Mushroom allergy – in that case be cautious.

If you have any doubts, consulting a doctor is always the right step. We see medicinal mushrooms as a complement to a considered lifestyle, not as a miracle solution.