Damien Bové, Chief Regulatory Officer, Scientific Advisor, and Founder of ADACT Medical, reveals the science behind the fungal superfood of the future – mushrooms – and their associated health benefits, specifically those of Cordyceps and Maitake mushrooms.
Mushrooms – Escalating in Popularity
Mushrooms are continuing to grow in popularity, particularly speciality varieties like Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps. Mushrooms, as a whole, align well with the growing interest in plant-rich diets and sustainability as consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious.
Their increased availability and versatility in cooking, coupled with a growing awareness of their health benefits, is contributing to their popularity. And the Chelsea Flower Show this year included a mushroom in its Plant of the Year shortlist for the first time.[1]
Several health benefits associated with various speciality mushrooms are emerging – from heart health and blood glucose control to anti-inflammatory effects and immune health. Mushrooms may also function as prebiotics in the gut, enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and maintaining gut microbial balance.[2]
Walk into your local health store or pharmacy, and you will likely see a large section dedicated to speciality mushrooms. Sold as dietary supplements, they come in a range of formats, including capsules, powders, liquids, tinctures, and gummies. They are formulated into lattes and protein powders, sometimes mixed with spices and other plant-based compounds. The market for functional mushroom supplements is massive, estimated to be $31.09 billion in 2024, and is projected to more than double to $62.18 billion by 2033.[3]
Cordyceps and Maitake Mushrooms
Cordyceps Mushrooms
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on the larvae of insects. When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body. The remains of the insect and fungi have been hand-collected, dried and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to help treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease and low sex drive.
More than 400 species of Cordyceps have been discovered, and two of these have become the focus of health research: Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. Much of this emerging research has been conducted in laboratories, and clinical studies are required to reach firm conclusions about the effects in humans. However, their potential health benefits are promising.
Boost Exercise Performance
Cordyceps may help boost exercise performance and reduce fatigue[4] by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule essential for energy production.
A 6-week placebo-controlled study in healthy older adults using a stationary bike found that participants taking 3 grams per day of a synthetic strain of Cordyceps showed a 7% increase in VO2 max (a measure of fitness), while those given the placebo pill showed no change.[5]
In a 12-week study in healthy older adults, Cordyceps given at 1g daily improved measures of exercise performance.[6] An exercise performance study in younger adults found that after 3 weeks of taking Cordyceps, V02 increased by 11%.[7] More research is needed.
Heart Health
Emerging evidence suggests that Cordyceps may offer benefits for heart health. In fact, Cordyceps is approved in China for cardiac arrhythmia (a condition where the heartbeat may be erratic and either too slow or too fast).[8]
In laboratory studies, Cordyceps has been shown to help reduce blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides[9] and prevent hyperlipidemia in the context of a high-fat diet.[10] Clinical studies in humans are needed to confirm these findings.
Anti-inflammatory
Some inflammation is beneficial, but excessive inflammation in the body can lead to diseases such as heart disease. Laboratory research has shown that when human cells are exposed to Cordyceps, special proteins that increase inflammation in the body become suppressed. [11],[12],[13] This is likely due to an anti-inflammatory compound in Cordyceps called cordycepin. These findings, yet to be confirmed in clinical studies, are encouraging research into the use of Cordyceps as an anti-inflammatory medicine.[14]
A scientific review suggested that cordycepin exerts protective effects in asthma, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and atopic eczema.[15]
Diabetes
Cordyceps may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels by mimicking the action of insulin. In several laboratory studies, Cordyceps have been shown to decrease blood sugar levels. [16],[17] A recent laboratory study found that Cordyceps reduced glucose and lipid measures as well as dampened down inflammatory mediators and improved the balance of healthy bacteria (increasing the abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes bacteria).[18]
These studies are encouraging clinical research into the potential use of Cordyceps for regulating blood sugar.
Supplements
Cordyceps supplements are often grown in labs due to the high costs associated with wild-harvesting Cordyceps sinensis. Dosages used in studies range from 1,000 to 3,000 mg, but doses in humans have not been established yet. Cordyceps supplements come in several different forms, including powders, tinctures and capsules.
Maitake Mushrooms
The Maitake mushroom grows wild in parts of Japan, China, and North America. Maitake mushroom means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. Its distinctive shape, resembling a fan-like tail, has earned it the nickname “hen-of-the-woods”. It grows in a circular cluster of wavy, grey-brown caps with white cream undersides containing one to three pores.
These mushrooms grow in shelf-like formations at the bottom of oaks, elms and maple trees. Maitakes can grow up to three feet wide and can weigh as much as 20kg, although most average about 5kg.
Like other mushrooms, maitake is the subject of extensive laboratory research to evaluate its health benefits; however, studies in humans are lacking. They have been used in traditional medicine in Japan and China for thousands of years, promising health, vitality, and longevity. Maitake is now gaining popularity in Western countries.
Rich in vitamin D, Maitake is being taken to support bone health, immune health, and to support overall health in cancer. Maitake also contains antioxidants, beta-glucans, vitamins B and C, copper, potassium, fibre and amino acids.
During recent decades, Maitake ingredients, particularly beta-glucans, have been shown to have various bioactivities, including antitumor and immunomodulation, anti-oxidation and anti-hyperglycaemia.[19]
Type 2 diabetes
A 2015 laboratory study[20] showed that maitake mushrooms can have a positive effect on type 2 diabetes. During the study, maitake mushroom consumption had a positive effect on glucose levels. This points to the need to evaluate the maitake mushroom’s potential to help treat type 2 diabetes in humans.
Heart health
Laboratory research has shown that beta-glucan in maitake can help reduce LDL cholesterol[21], improving overall cardiovascular health.
FACT: Maitake can be found in supplement form, as a powder, liquid extract or capsule.
Ask the GP
Generally, Maitake and Cordyceps mushrooms are safe to take; however, if you are taking other medications, it’s best to check with your GP first. Although allergic reactions and upset stomach are uncommon, it is possible.
If you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor before ingestion. Maitake may affect your blood sugar levels. It may also lower your blood pressure, so be sure to discuss your options with your doctor if you have low blood pressure.
You shouldn’t ingest maitake mushrooms within two weeks of surgery or if you have a bleeding disorder. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an autoimmune disease, check with your doctor before use.
For more information on ADACT Medical, visit www.adactmedical.com.
References:
[1] https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/gardens/2024/planet-good-earth
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464621001870
[3] https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/functional-mushrooms-market-101511
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28094746/
[5] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02836405
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3110835/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92758/
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21882527/
[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20724804/
[11] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12413710/
[12] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12831777/
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4371127/
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4371127/
[15] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33090621/
[16] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15050427/
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4519550/
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10033974/
[19] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28366857/
[20] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26349512/
[21] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jos/62/12/62_1049/_article
You must be logged in to post a comment.