Mushrooms
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Background: Known as the "mushroom of immortality" in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years, Reishi grows on hardwood trees and has a woody texture. It's revered for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body resist stress.
Nutrition Deep Dive: Low in calories (~20 kcal/100g), Reishi is rich in polysaccharides (beta-glucans up to 40%), triterpenes, and antioxidants like ganoderic acids. It provides B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin), minerals (potassium, zinc), and fiber, but low protein/fat.
Health Benefits: Boosts immune function via beta-glucans modulating T-cells; reduces inflammation and fatigue; supports liver health and sleep. Studies show it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
Latest Cancer Studies (2025): A Yale study (Aug 2025) linked Reishi's triterpenes to gut microbiota changes reducing colorectal cancer risk by 25% in preclinical models. Pre-clinical trials at UWindsor (Aug 2025) found Reishi extracts inhibit tumor growth in breast cancer cells via apoptosis induction.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Background: Named for its cascading, mane-like spines, this edible mushroom has been used in Asian medicine for centuries to support digestion and vitality. It grows on dead hardwood logs.
Nutrition Deep Dive: ~30 kcal/100g, high in fiber (beta-glucans ~20%), hericenones/erinacines (neuroprotective compounds), and antioxidants. Contains B vitamins, potassium, and zinc; low carbs/protein.
Health Benefits: Promotes nerve growth factor (NGF) for brain health, improving cognition and reducing anxiety/depression; supports gut microbiome; anti-inflammatory for joint pain. Effective for mild cognitive impairment and mood disorders.
Latest Cancer Studies (2025): ORU research (2025) won awards for Lion's Mane extracts targeting glioblastoma, inducing 40% cell death in lab models. A Frontiers review (2025) highlights its role in modulating gut microbiota to enhance immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Background: A parasitic fungus historically harvested from caterpillar hosts in Tibet, now cultivated; used in TCM for energy and longevity since the 15th century.
Nutrition Deep Dive: ~20 kcal/100g, rich in cordycepin (adenosine analog), polysaccharides, and sterols. Provides vitamin E, B1/B12, iron, and amino acids; low fat, moderate protein.
Health Benefits: Enhances ATP production for endurance/athletic performance; anti-fatigue, improves oxygen utilization; supports kidney/lung function and libido.
Latest Cancer Studies (2025): Penn Engineers (Jun 2025) engineered Cordyceps-derived compounds rivaling FDA drugs, showing 50% tumor reduction in lung cancer models via microbial targeting.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Background: A colorful shelf fungus on decaying wood, used in Japanese/Chinese medicine for immune support; named for its turkey-tail-like bands.
Nutrition Deep Dive: ~15 kcal/100g, packed with PSK/PSP polysaccharides (immune modulators), phenolics, and flavonoids. High fiber, low calories; trace minerals like selenium.
Health Benefits: Potent immunomodulator, activating NK cells; gut health via prebiotics; antiviral/antibacterial properties.
Latest Cancer Studies (2025): Wiley phase 2 trial (Jun 2025) showed Turkey Tail extracts improve survival in breast cancer patients by 30% when combined with chemo, via enhanced T-cell response.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Background: A black, woody conk on birch trees in cold climates; used by Siberian healers for centuries as a tea for vitality and disease prevention.
Nutrition Deep Dive: ~10 kcal/100g, loaded with betulinic acid, melanin, and superoxide dismutase (antioxidants). High in B vitamins, zinc, copper; fiber-rich but low protein.
Health Benefits: Super-antioxidant for anti-aging/skin health; supports detoxification/liver; anti-inflammatory for arthritis; stabilizes blood sugar.
Latest Cancer Studies (2025): ScienceDirect scoping review (2025) links Chaga's gut microbiota modulation to reduced metastasis in pancreatic cancer models, with 35% inhibition in vivo.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Background: One of the world's oldest cultivated mushrooms (Japan/China, 1000+ years); named "shii-take" for growing on shii trees.
Nutrition Deep Dive: ~35 kcal/100g, excellent source of lentinan (beta-glucan), vitamin D (up to 400 IU/100g when UV-exposed), B vitamins, and selenium. Moderate protein (2-3g/100g).
Health Benefits: Lowers cholesterol via eritadenine; boosts immunity; supports heart health; antiviral (e.g., against herpes).
Latest Cancer Studies (2025): Nature Aging (Jul 2025) reports Shiitake polysaccharides extend cellular lifespan in colorectal cancer cells, improving survival rates by 20% in preclinical trials.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Background: "Hen of the woods" in Japanese folklore, growing at oak bases; used traditionally for diabetes and hypertension.
Nutrition Deep Dive: ~30 kcal/100g, rich in D-fraction polysaccharides, vitamin D, and niacin. High potassium, low sodium; good fiber source.
Health Benefits: Regulates blood sugar/insulin sensitivity; immune enhancement; weight management via appetite control.
Latest Cancer Studies (2025): UWindsor pre-clinical trial (Aug 2025) found black Maitake extracts selectively kill prostate cancer cells (70% apoptosis) without harming healthy ones.
Psilocybin Mushrooms (Psilocybe spp.)
Background: "Magic mushrooms" used in indigenous rituals for millennia; psilocybin (active compound) converts to psilocin in the body, inducing altered states. Legal research resurgence since 2020s, with species like P. cubensis and P. semilanceata most studied.
Nutrition Deep Dive: ~20 kcal/100g dried, minimal macros but contains psilocybin/psilocin (0.2-1%), B vitamins, and ergothioneine (antioxidant). Not a dietary staple; focus on bioactive compounds over calories.
Health Benefits: Rapid relief from depression/anxiety via serotonin receptor activation; neuroplasticity for PTSD/addiction; reduces end-of-life distress in cancer patients. Improves mood and cognition long-term.
Latest Cancer Studies (2025): Wiley phase 2 trial (Jun 2025) showed single-dose psilocybin offers long-term depression/anxiety relief in cancer patients. Nature Aging (Jul 2025) reports psilocybin extends cellular lifespan, improving survival in cancer models without oncogenic risk.
Your Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms—nature's ancient healers—have been revered for millennia in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for their profound health benefits. From immune modulation to cognitive enhancement and emerging roles in mental health and cancer therapy, these fungi are packed with bioactive compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenes, and alkaloids. At NutrientShield, we dive deep into their nutritional profiles, chemistry, and the latest 2025 research, empowering you to harness their power for optimal wellness.1 Whether combating inflammation, supporting brain health, or exploring adjunctive cancer therapies, medicinal mushrooms offer a holistic approach to vitality.
Nutritional Overview and Chemistry of Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are low-calorie powerhouses (~10–35 kcal/100g), primarily composed of water (80–90%), fiber, and bioactive polysaccharides. Their chemistry is diverse: beta-glucans (immunomodulators), triterpenes (anti-inflammatory), phenols/flavonoids (antioxidants), and unique alkaloids (e.g., psilocybin in magic mushrooms). They provide B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin), vitamin D (up to 400 IU/100g when UV-exposed), minerals (zinc, selenium, potassium), and trace proteins (2–3g/100g), but minimal fats/carbs.2 Alkaloids, though rare outside psilocybin species, include ergothioneine (antioxidant) and cordycepin (adenosine analog in Cordyceps). These compounds drive their adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and anticancer effects.3
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Background: Dubbed the "mushroom of immortality" in TCM for 2,000+ years, Reishi grows on hardwoods with a woody texture, used as an adaptogen for stress resilience.4
Nutritional Values & Chemistry: ~20 kcal/100g; 40% beta-glucans (polysaccharides), ganoderic acids (triterpenes >100 types), minimal alkaloids but rich in ergosterol (vitamin D precursor), B vitamins, zinc, and potassium. Low protein (1–2g/100g), high fiber.5
Health Benefits: Immunomodulation via T-cell activation; anti-inflammatory (reduces cytokines); liver protection; lowers cholesterol/blood pressure. Supports sleep and fatigue reduction.6
Deep Dive Research: 2025 Yale study: Triterpenes alter gut microbiota, cutting colorectal cancer risk 25% in models.7 UWindsor trials: Apoptosis induction in breast cancer cells (30–40% inhibition).8 Boost your intake with Real Mushrooms Reishi Capsules.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Background: Mane-like spines evoke a lion; used in Asian medicine for digestion/vitality, growing on hardwoods.9
Nutritional Values & Chemistry: ~30 kcal/100g; 20% beta-glucans, hericenones/erinacines (neurotrophic), antioxidants; B vitamins, potassium, zinc. Low carbs/protein.10
Health Benefits: NGF promotion for cognition/mood; anxiety/depression relief; gut support; anti-inflammatory.11
Deep Dive Research: ORU 2025: Extracts induce 40% glioblastoma cell death.12 Frontiers review: Gut modulation enhances colorectal immunotherapy.13 Try Host Defense Lion's Mane for brain health.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Background: Parasitic on caterpillars in Tibet; TCM staple for energy since 15th century, now cultivated.14
Nutritional Values & Chemistry: ~20 kcal/100g; cordycepin (adenosine analog), polysaccharides, sterols; vitamin E, B1/B12, iron, amino acids. Moderate protein.15
Health Benefits: ATP boost for endurance; anti-fatigue; kidney/lung support; libido enhancement.16
Deep Dive Research: Penn 2025: Engineered compounds rival FDA drugs, 50% lung tumor reduction via microbiota targeting.17 Enhance performance with Real Mushrooms Cordyceps.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Background: Shelf fungus on decaying wood; Japanese/Chinese immune tonic, turkey-feather bands.18
Nutritional Values & Chemistry: ~15 kcal/100g; PSK/PSP polysaccharides, phenolics, flavonoids; high fiber, selenium traces.19
Health Benefits: NK cell activation; prebiotic gut health; antiviral/antibacterial.20
Deep Dive Research: Wiley phase 2 (Jun 2025): 30% breast cancer survival boost with chemo via T-cell enhancement.21 Support immunity with Host Defense Turkey Tail.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Background: Black conk on birch in cold climates; Siberian tea for vitality/disease prevention.22
Nutritional Values & Chemistry: ~10 kcal/100g; betulinic acid, melanin, superoxide dismutase; B vitamins, zinc, copper, fiber.23
Health Benefits: Anti-aging antioxidants; liver detox; anti-inflammatory; blood sugar stabilization.24
Deep Dive Research: ScienceDirect 2025: Gut modulation reduces pancreatic metastasis 35% in vivo.25 Antioxidant boost via Real Mushrooms Chaga Powder.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Background: Ancient cultivated in Asia (1,000+ years); "shii-take" from shii trees.26
Nutritional Values & Chemistry: ~35 kcal/100g; lentinan beta-glucan, vitamin D (400 IU/100g UV-exposed), B vitamins, selenium; 2–3g protein.27
Health Benefits: Cholesterol reduction (eritadenine); immunity boost; heart/antiviral support.28
Deep Dive Research: Nature Aging (Jul 2025): Polysaccharides extend colorectal cell lifespan, 20% survival improvement.29 Culinary health with Host Defense Shiitake.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Background: "Hen of the woods" folklore; oak-base grower for diabetes/hypertension.30
Nutritional Values & Chemistry: ~30 kcal/100g; D-fraction polysaccharides, vitamin D, niacin; potassium, fiber.31
Health Benefits: Blood sugar/insulin regulation; immune enhancement; appetite control.32
Deep Dive Research: UWindsor (Aug 2025): Black extracts kill 70% prostate cancer cells via apoptosis.33 Metabolic support from Real Mushrooms Maitake.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Psilocybin Mushrooms (Psilocybe spp.)
Background: "Magic mushrooms" in indigenous rituals; psilocybin to psilocin for altered states; research boom post-2020.34
Nutritional Values & Chemistry: ~20 kcal/100g dried; psilocybin/psilocin (0.2–1% indole alkaloids), ergothioneine; B vitamins.35
Health Benefits: Serotonin activation for depression/anxiety relief; neuroplasticity for PTSD/addiction; cancer patient distress reduction.36
Deep Dive Research: Wiley (Jun 2025): Single-dose eases cancer depression/anxiety long-term.37 Nature Aging (Jul 2025): Extends lifespan in models, non-oncogenic.38 Therapeutic access via MAPS Psilocybin Research.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Nutritional Comparison Table
| Mushroom | Calories (kcal/100g) | Key Chemistry | Primary Alkaloids/Compounds | Vitamins/Minerals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reishi | 20 | Beta-glucans (40%), Triterpenes | Ganoderic acids | B vitamins, Zn, K |
| Lion's Mane | 30 | Beta-glucans (20%), Hericenones | Erinacines | B vitamins, K, Zn |
| Cordyceps | 20 | Polysaccharides, Sterols | Cordycepin | Vit E, B1/B12, Fe |
| Turkey Tail | 15 | PSK/PSP Polysaccharides | Phenolics | Se, Fiber |
| Chaga | 10 | Betulinic acid, Melanin | Superoxide dismutase | B vitamins, Zn, Cu |
| Shiitake | 35 | Lentinan beta-glucan | Eritadenine | Vit D (400 IU), Se, B vitamins |
| Maitake | 30 | D-fraction Polysaccharides | N/A | Vit D, Niacin, K |
| Psilocybin | 20 | Indole alkaloids | Psilocybin/Psilocin (0.2–1%) | B vitamins, Ergothioneine |
Practical Tips for Incorporating Medicinal Mushrooms
- Start Low: Begin with 500–1,000 mg extracts daily to assess tolerance.39
- Forms: Teas, powders, capsules; pair with fats for absorption.
- Sourcing: Organic, third-party tested for beta-glucans >20%.
- Psilocybin Caution: Therapeutic use only under guidance; legal in select areas.40
Explore our Nutrients Guide or Mitochondrial Health Guide for complementary insights.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements, especially with conditions or medications.
