What Are Functional Mushrooms?

What are Functional Mushrooms? 

Mushrooms have played a significant role in human civilization for thousands of years, with references to them found in ancient literature from the beginning of recorded history. Although the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms were recognized by ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations, the fungi had a bad reputation in Europe during the medieval and middle ages.

Many people viewed mushrooms with fear and associated them with witchcraft, believing they were poisonous and dangerous to consume.¹ However, as more people learned about mushrooms, their acceptance spread throughout Europe. This trend increased in the seventeenth century as mushroom cultivation techniques became more advanced and the use of mushrooms in cooking became more widespread.

Mushrooms play an important role in the environment by decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients, aerating soils, increasing the moisture-holding capacity of soils, and helping to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels with long-term sequestration of carbon in the soil. Mushrooms are commonly associated with the button mushroom's classic cap and stem structure (Agaricus bisporus). The agarics are by far the most familiar group of fleshy fungi.² However, mushrooms come in diverse shapes and sizes, including morels, chanterelles, coral fungi, and puffballs. 

As a basic illustration, the most well-known shape of a mushroom has distinct parts such as the fruiting body with a round cap (pileus) that grows above ground, gills that release reproductive spores located under the cap, and a stem (or stipe). A root-like structure known as mycelium grows beneath the ground.

 

Mushrooms, unlike plants, lack chlorophyll and are unable to synthesize their food by photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain their nutrients from decomposing organic matter in the soil and in above-ground plant and animal debris. Due to their unique ability to decompose cellulose and lignin, vital components of wood and other plant material, fungi play an important role in breaking down plant debris.³   Some species have evolved to have mutually beneficial relationships with plants.  Mycorrhizal mushroom species have a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants. In this relationship, the plant supplies the mushrooms with sugars and carbon from above-ground photosynthetic processes while the mushrooms extend the ability of the plant roots to uptake water and nutrients. 

Mycelium, the vegetative stage of the mushroom’s life cycle, is made up of thin, cotton-like threads called hyphae, which secrete enzymes that break down organic matter into simpler compounds that the fungus can absorb. The mycelium's delicate structure acts as a conduit for nutrients, drawing them from faraway sources to fuel the rapid growth of mushrooms. These structures exhibit constant expansion, capable of traveling across landscapes at a rate of several inches per day, weaving an intricate network over the terrain.⁴

Functional Mushrooms Explained

The term "functional mushrooms" refers to mushrooms that are both edible and possess medicinal properties. Many functional mushroom species have a long history of therapeutic use in traditional medical systems such as Chinese medicine. However, it wasn't until the mid-to-late 19th century that scientific research on mushrooms gained traction.⁴

Early studies on mushrooms focused on identifying and describing their physical characteristics. This is exemplified by the research conducted by the resident botanist John L. E. W. Shecut in his work on Flora Carolinaeensis in 1806.⁵ And it wasn’t long before researchers turned their attention towards investigating the chemistry and pharmacology of mushroom compounds such as beta glucans, terpenoids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, and their many health-supporting benefits.^‡  

Functional mushroom species, such as Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake, and Cordyceps contain these potent immune-modulating and health-promoting natural, organic compounds.^‡ As a result, there is a growing  interest among researchers and in modern medicine on investigating the potential medicinal uses of functional mushrooms and the bioactive compounds that they contain.

The Health-Supportive Benefits of Functional Mushrooms

There has been a surge of interest in functional mushrooms as a natural way to support overall health and wellness in recent years. Several functional mushroom species have gained more attention for their antioxidant and immune-modulating properties.^‡

M2 Ingredients, Inc., the parent company of the Mushroom Matrix retail brands, grows10 mushroom species, including Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, King Trumpet, Antrodia, Shiitake, Maitake, and Himematsutake (also known as the Royal Sun Agaricus). The mushrooms are grown in an indoor facility located in southern California that optimizes the growing conditions for each species. At maturity, the mycelial biomass and fruiting bodies of these functional mushroom species are processed into powders that are easily stored and administered.  The growing and processing the functional mushroom products under done under the strictest of international food safety standards and are tested by third-party, accredited labs prior to release. 

Lion’s Mane

 

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a well-known culinary and functional mushroom with an aesthetically pleasing appearance similar to that of a lion’s mane or a sea anemone. This mushroom commonly grows in temperate forests on the hardwood surfaces of sycamore, oak, birch, and walnut trees in Asia, Europe, and North America generally feeding on dead trees but sometimes living as a parasite on living trees. Its long, hair-like spines will emerge from the tree when it reaches the reproductive stage. These edible mushrooms have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and texture that is similar to shellfish. They are a source of immunomodulating beta glucan polysaccharides and are known for their ability to support cognitive function and nerve regeneration.^‡ Hericenone compounds in the fruiting bodies and erinacine compounds in the mycelium are thought to be the compounds primarily responsible for the effects on cognition and nerve health. 

Reishi

 

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as the “mushroom of immortality,” grows on the stumps or logs of deciduous trees such as oak, plum, maple, and elm throughout the world, in temperate, subtropical, and tropical environments. Its high-luster fruiting body may be shaped like a fan or have antler-like shapes. Reishi can be reddish brown, purple, white, yellow, blue, or black in color. This mushroom species contains a variety of bioactive compounds such as triterpenes, antioxidants, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans and is considered to be an adaptogen that supports healthy reactions to stress and that promotes healthy aging and longevity.  Reishi is also reported to down-regulate histamine reactions to allergen triggers^‡ 

Cordyceps

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) are a species of parasitic mushroom with significant functional qualities. In the wild, these mushrooms grow as parasites on insects, and other Arthropods. Tibetans have used a closely related species of Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), also known as “yartsa gunbu,” for at least two millennia as a natural remedy to restore energy levels. This mushroom is known to have significant antioxidant and immune-modulating properties. It also has been shown to reduce fatigue, increase endurance, and help in recovery from strenuous activity^‡ 

Chaga

 

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), also known as “the king of the medicinal mushrooms,” grows on white and yellow birch trees in cold climates such as northern Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. Chaga is a polypore fungus characterized by having numerous pores instead of a typical laminar gill structure. The mycelium of this species forms a sclerotium, also known as a sterile conk; a hard, blackish mass that protrudes from the bark of living trees where the tree has been wounded. The sterile conks have a hard, black, and crusty exterior that looks like burnt charcoal, while the inside is a rusty-brown color. Approximately 90% of the conks consists of the woody material that is the tree’s reaction to the infection and 10% consists of mycelium and contains betulinic acid and melanin. Wildcrafted Chaga has an earthy, bitter flavor and a very hard, fibrous texture. Cultivated Chaga mycelium does not have the betulinic acid or melanin content of wild Chaga conks and has a milder, less bitter, nutty flavor. Cultivated Chaga mycelium provides a safe and sustainable alternative to the wildcraft harvesting of Chaga conks that is thought to be unstainable due to overharvesting resulting from the increasing popularity of this species. Cultivated Chaga mushroom mycelium contains significant amounts of an array of antioxidants beta glucan compounds and is used to support the immune system and treat a variety of health concerns.^‡ 

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a fungus that typically grows on decomposing trees in forests across North America, Europe, and Asia, deriving nutrients from decaying wood. In doing so, they help recycle this organic matter and clear the forest floor, promoting new growth. Turkey Tail is being used industrially in “mycoremediation” processes to detoxify waste streams from industries such as textile dying and wood pulping. Their name is inspired by its fan-like shape and multicolored bands of brown, orange, and green, which resemble a turkey's feathers. Turkey Tail mushrooms hav a bitter taste and chewy texture. They are well-regarded for their immune-boosting capabilities, support of liver function and detoxification processes, and their ability to support digestive health.^‡    Turkey Tail is arguably the most extensively researched of all the functional mushroom species.  It is interesting to note that almost all of the clinical research has been done using the mycelium of this species rather than the fruiting body.

King Trumpet 

 King Trumpet mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) have caps that can reach up to eight inches long. Also referred to as “king oyster mushrooms,” these fungi originated from the Mediterranean regions of Europe but are now cultivated globally. Due to its thick flesh, delicious taste, and medicinal properties, the King Trumpet mushroom is regarded as one of the most valuable edible mushroom species in China and other Asian countries.⁸ Their firm and chewy texture and delicate nutty taste make them highly sought after for use in many cuisines. They are high in ergothioneine, a unique amino acid compound with strong antioxidant properties. This mushroom has been shown to support bone health and to help with cholesterol management.^‡

Antrodia

Antrodia (Antrodia camphorata or Antrodia cinnamomea), is a rare, parasitic fungus that lives in Taiwan’s forests inside the inner cavity of the Cinnamomum kanehirai tree. Significant conservation efforts are currently underway to protect their natural habitat and promote sustainable harvesting practices. Antrodia mushrooms have a very  bitter flavor. These functional mushrooms contain several bioactive compounds that are that have been shown to have potent antioxidant and immounomodulating properties and the ability to support liver function.^‡

Shiitake

 

The Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) was most likely the first mushroom that humans cultivated.²This mushroom, which is native to Japan, is grown worldwide and commonly used in a variety of recipes. It grows on the hardwood surfaces of oak, maple, and ironwood trees and can range in color from light to dark brown. This useful mushroom has an earthy, smoky flavor and a soft, meaty texture. It is high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, is rich in Lentinan, a beta glucan polysaccharide, and has powerful therapeutic qualities that support the liver, cardiovascular system, and immune system.^‡

Maitake

 

Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa), also called “hen of the woods” and the “dancing mushroom,” are highly valued for their large size, rich, woodsy flavor, and meaty texture. They are native to Japan but can also be found in other parts of the world growing on oak and other hardwood tree species. They are difficult to locate in the wild but can be commercially cultivated and grown indoors. Maitake mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties and ability to support healthy blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. They are rich in nutritional content and contain unique, immunomodulating beta glucan compounds as well as vitamins B and C, and minerals like potassium, copper, and zinc.^‡

Himematsutake

 

The Himematsutake Mushroom (Agaricus blazei or Agaricus subrufescens), also known as “Cogumelo do Sol” (Mushroom of the Sun) and the “Royal Sun Agaricus” in Brazil, or “Himematsutake” in Japan.⁹ Currently, Agaricus blazei  is cultivated in many locations throughout the world. They grow well in hot temperatures and are known for their slightly sweet, almond-like flavor, and crunchy texture. They’re rich in polysaccharides, fiber, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium and are valued for their immune-boosting and healthy-aging properties.^‡ This mushroom has also been reported to be useful in weight management programs.^‡

Medicinal Mushrooms as Daily Supplements

Unfortunately, not all mushroom supplements are created equal. That's why choosing a high-quality supplement made with organic mushrooms grown under strict safety and purity standards is crucial. By selecting a pure, high-quality supplement, you'll experience the most rewarding results possible. Carefully look for a brand that controls the cultivation and manufacturing process from start to finish and submits its products for third-party testing and certification.

At Mushroom Matrix, we emphasize the pure whole-food, organic nature of functional mushrooms for use as supplements to support the health of our animal friends. Our entire line of mushroom powder supplements is designed to promote immunity, vitality, cognitive health, and energy,^‡ Dosing recommendations for cats, dogs, and horses is based upon the body weight of the animal. Please see product pages for recommended servings.

 

^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Resources:

1. Landsberg, S. (1995). The medieval garden. Thames and Hudson. 
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3. Mushrooms of The National Forests of Alaska, United States Department of Agriculture
4. Stamets, P. (2005). Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World. Ten Speed Press.
5. Cook, L. (2013). The mushroom hunters: On the trail of an underground America. Ballantine Books.
6. A Brief History of Mycology in North America, The Mycological Society of America, 
7. Smith, D. (2023). Scientific Research & Medicinal Fungi, North American Mycological Association (NAMA) website, 
8. Zhao, C.; Bao, Z.; Feng, H.; Chen, L.; Li, Q. Nitric oxide enhances resistance of Pleurotus eryngii to cadmium stress by alleviating oxidative damage and regulating of short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2022, 29, 53036–53049.
9. Firenzuoli F, Gori L, Lombardo G. The Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill: Review of Literature and Pharmaco-Toxicological Problems. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 Mar;5(1):3-15. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nem007. PMID: 18317543; PMCID: PMC2249742.
10. Chang, S.T. and Miles, P.G. (2004). Mushrooms: Cultivation, Nutritional Value, Medicinal Effect, and Environmental Impact. Boca Raton: CRC Press, pp. 3-4.