• Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake is an edible mushroom native to Asia that has been cultivated as both a food and health tonic for many centuries. Both α- and β-glucans derived from shiitake are well-studied bioactive compounds. In Japan, alpha glucans isolated from shiitake are commonly used as supplements. These alpha glucans have been found to modulate immune function by enhancing the immune responses of both CD4 and CD8 T cells.
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushroom is one of the most widely used mushrooms in the world with a 2000-year-long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, and it is referred to as ling zhi, or the “mushroom of immortality.” Research on mice has found reishi extract maintains normal inflammatory balance. Reishi mushroom polysaccharide extract supplementation also demonstrated enhanced immune status with increases in NK cell activity and Th1 and Th2 balancing properties.
• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga has been used as a folk medicine in Russia and Western Siberia since the 16th century. Chaga grows as a conk (knob-like mass) on the side of birch trees. It contains both betulin and betulinic acid that it metabolizes from the birch tree bark on which it grows. These compounds are effective free radical scavengers that can induce apoptosis in damaged cells. Chaga grown on birch displayed activity against a number of human and animal intracellular microbes, which is attributed mainly to betulin, lupeol and sterol content.
• Cordyceps militaris
Cordyceps sinensis grows as a parasitic fungus on caterpillars in the wild. The main bioactive constituent in Cordyceps is cordycepin, an adenosine derivative with immunoregulatory properties.Cordyceps militaris can be more easily mass-cultivated and has higher levels of cordycepin than Cordyceps sinensis. Over 200 clinical studies show Cordyceps mushrooms improve performance by increasing blood flow, boosting ATP synthesis for more natural energy, and acting as a potent antioxidant to decrease oxidative stress and fatigue.
• Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Pearl oyster mushroom is an edible mushroom that is cultivated globally as a vegetarian protein source. Oyster mushrooms are also a source of B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D and several minerals. They are also a source of glutathione and the fungal antioxidant ergothioneine. Oyster mushroom has also been found to support turnover of cholesterol in the plasma and liver and help maintain normal cholesterol levels.
• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Turkey tail is one of the best documented mushrooms and the most common polypore mushroom to grow on hardwood. PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharopeptide), two protein-bound polysaccharides isolated from turkey tail mushroom mycelia, have been used in clinical trials in Japan since 1970. As a biological response modifier, PSP has been found to positively modulate the immune system and increase T cell proliferation.
