Top 8 adaptogenic mushrooms for good health

Let's start by saying that medicinal mushrooms are true gifts of nature. Revered for thousands of years in ancient Asian cultures, they are recognized for their powers on our health. Their benefits affect our immune and nervous systems, as well as our liver, kidneys and so on..^{4, 9, 10 ,12}

These medicinal mushrooms are known as adaptogens. Medicinal mushrooms : "adaptogens that help the body adapt to stress and regain balance". Medicinal mushrooms are said to be adaptogens because they are known to help the body and mind during periods of stress.

Generally speaking, an adaptogen helps the body adapt to various environmental factors (such as stress) and consequently avoid the damage they may cause. They also help the body to maintain or regain its homeostasis, i.e. its equilibrium..^{5, 6, 9}

Medicinal mushrooms and our immune system

Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, lion's mane and maitake, are packed with complex molecules that give them unique properties, essential for the immune system in particular. These same active molecules help eliminate pathogens that threaten our defense system. These include our white blood cells, which stimulate the production of NK cells (capable of killing tumor cells and infected cells), phagocytes (capable of ingesting and destroying particles such as bacteria), as well as B lymphocytes (antibody producers) and T lymphocytes (responsible for eliminating pathogens and tumor cells)..¹

Defending against what or whom?

Our enemies are viruses, bacteria, fungi (fungal infections), protozoa (such as amoebas), worms or parasites (pinworms, taenia, roundworms, etc.). And let's not forget foreign bodies like a thorn, a grain of sand and/or a bit of soil in a wound, etc. All this keeps the immune system on alert 24 hours a day..¹

Medicinal mushrooms and their active compounds

These natural wonders contain mainly antioxidant phenolic compounds (which fight free radicals), anti-inflammatory terpenoids, immunomodulating polysaccharides (ISPs) which increase white blood cell production, and beta-glucans which stimulate the body's defense mechanisms, as well as proteins, fibers, vitamins (particularly B-group), minerals and ergosterol (a precursor of vitamin D)..^{9, 10, 12}

Unfortunately, the polysaccharides (antioxidants) present in these medicinal mushrooms are imprisoned in a tough, indigestible fiber (chitin) that hinders access to these powerful active ingredients and even prevents their absorption by the intestinal mucosa..⁸

The power of fermentation to obtain assimilable nutrients

The foundations of the Canadian company Living Alchemy is based on the use of fermentation. Through fermentation, this company adds a new dimension to food, making it more powerful and improved.

The fermentation process initiates a transformation that optimizes the active principles of the living plants it uses. Millions of years of a plant's nutrients and active ingredients can be used as natural medicine.^{4, 8, 9}

Why choose fermented mushroom supplements?

MycoSynergy™ products from Living Alchemy create functional mushrooms optimized by fermentation thanks to an exclusive process called Symbio® using a living culture of kefir-kombucha, composed of 45 diversified strains of micro-organisms (yeasts and bacteria) from plants targeted for therapeutic purposes.^{4, 8, 9}

The potential benefits of fermentation-activated medicinal mushrooms:

• Complete bioavailability
• Increase in key therapeutic nutrients
• Benefit from essential enzymes

Living Alchemy's Symbio® fermentation process begins with the choice of the finest ingredients, certified organic and GMO-free, selected for their freshness and vitality.

What's more, Living Alchemy sources whole mushrooms with fruiting bodies that are traditionally grown and harvested in their native Asia.^{4, 8, 9, 12}

Amplifying the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms

Living Alchemy harnesses the traditional art of fermentation to transform mushrooms into superior quality. The fermentation process used facilitates pre-digestion of the mushrooms' fruiting bodies, breaks down their cell membranes, enriches their nutritional value and improves their bioavailability.

The ingredients used undergo a controlled freeze-drying process to capture the full nutrient profile. After a long fermentation period, a low-temperature drying process preserves nutrients and post-biotics at their highest potency.

Nothing is forgotten, as they use a slow automatic encapsulator to avoid using fillers or binders. This process preserves mushroom nutrients and post biotics at their highest potency.

The end product is a work of nature and science, as clean, powerful and alive as possible.^{4, 8, 9, 12}

Living Alchemy's MycoSynergie range: the Top 8 adaptogenic mushrooms

1) Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane mushroom grows mainly on old deciduous trees (maple, beech, oak) in North America, Europe and Asia. Its distinctive shape is a globular mass from which long, mane-like white filaments emerge.^{4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14}

Mood balance

Lion's mane is said to have a beneficial impact on mood in cases of mild stress or anxiety. Some of its compounds appear to have an adaptogenic effect, modulating the response to stress.^{4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14}

Cognitive health and its active molecules

Lion's mane mushrooms contain active molecules such as hericenone and erinacin (a diterpene), which promote the development of nerve cells.^{4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14}

The memory mushroom

These compounds increase the production of nerve growth factors, improving neurogenesis (the process by which new neurons are produced). Consumption of this mushroom helps prevent loss of spatial memory, which is responsible for recording information about the surrounding space and an individual's spatial orientation.

Lion's mane supplementation improves cognitive functions such as memory and concentration, particularly in the elderly. Lion's mane champi-gnon can prevent or limit the damage caused by dementia.^{4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14}

Anti-inflammatory health

The antioxidant activity of lion's mane is very powerful. It is said to be 17% more potent than quercetin, which is renowned for its properties against cellular oxidation. It is therefore a major ally in the fight against cellular aging, including chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers.^{4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14}

Liver health

In traditional Chinese medicine, hericium is used as a liver tonic. It is a hepatoprotector that helps detoxification and maintains liver health.^{4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14}

Digestive health

The fibers and polysaccharides in lion's mane mushrooms promote intestinal transit and digestion. It also relieves mild digestive disorders such as bloating and abdominal pain.^{4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14}

Immune system health

The polysaccharides and beta-glucans contained in Lion's mane mushrooms stimulate immune cell activity. They increase the production of white blood cells, strengthening the body's defenses against infection.^{4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14}

2) Turkey Tail

Turkey tail, The name of this mushroom comes from its resemblance to an unfurled turkey tail, with brown, blue, orange and white stripes.

Not only is it an aesthetically remarkable mushroom, it is also highly regarded for its medicinal properties. Acknowledged for centuries by traditional Asian medicine, today it is still the talk of modern science, which continues to take an interest in it.^{13, 15}

Its habitat

It is generally found on the trunks and stumps of dead trees, especially hardwoods such as oak, beech and maple.^{13, 15}

Immune system health

Turkey tail is traditionally recognized for its immune-modulating action, thanks to the presence of immune-boosting compounds such as poly-saccharopeptide (PSP), Krestin polysaccharide (PSK) and antioxidants.

This mushroom is reputed to optimally stimulate the immune system and inhibit the multiplication of cancer cells specifically lodged in the digestive system.^{13, 15}

• Strengthens the innate immune system
• Fights free radical damage
• Promotes intestinal digestive health
• Provides prebiotics^{13, 15}

3) Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), "the mushroom of immortality", has been used in Asia for over 2,000 years.

This mushroom is prized for its rarity in the wild. It thrives only in dense high mountain forests in humid areas.^{3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

Its many health benefits

Reishi has been shown to be adaptogenic, improving adrenal gland function in times of stress. It can promote sleep, is considered a vital energy tonic, stimulates the immune system, helps fight fatigue, helps prevent cancer and liver disorders, etc.^{3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

Immune system health

Reishi, a mushroom containing substances (polysaccharides and triterpenes) capable of inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.

Research shows that reishi extract may fortify an immune system weakened by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and may also promote a better quality of life during treatment.

What's more, reishi contains germanium, which oxygenates cells and soothes pain during the advanced stages of cancer.^{3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

Cardiovascular health

Preliminary clinical trials suggest that reishi may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Observations include reductions in heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, cholesterol levels and diastolic blood pressure.^{3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

Reishi, a source of antioxidants

Reishi contains antioxidants, a combination of active ingredients that help protect cells against the oxidative effects of free radicals. It contains polysaccharides, peptidoglycans and triterpenes with anti-oxidant and immunostimulant properties. It is used to boost vitality and combat ageing.^{3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

4) Maitake

For centuries, the Maitake mushroom mushroom has been used in traditional Japanese medicine for its many therapeutic virtues. It's nicknamed the "dancing mushroom", because it's said that discovering it while picking brings joy and dance.^{4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

Adaptogenic mushroom

It has been identified as an adaptogenic mushroom, i.e. capable of strengthening the body's resistance to stress, as well as offering a multitude of health benefits.

Known for its longevity and vigor, maitake is also renowned for its tonic properties, which make it the ideal anti-fatigue mushroom.^{4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

Immune system health

Maitake is particularly rich in beta-glucans, polysaccharides with immunostimulant properties. In addition, these polysaccharides activate the reaction and ac-tion of immune cells.

The presence of these active compounds protects against various immune system disorders, including chronic fatigue syndrome, and strengthens the body during cancer chemotherapy.^{4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, C and D) and minerals (iron, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium) are essential for the body's proper functioning.^{4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

Maitake and blood sugar

Maitake has hypoglycemic properties, promoting insulin sensitivity in cases of metabolic syndrome such as type II diabetes.

Neuroprotective

This mushroom is also said to have neuroprotective properties, promoting regeneration of the neuronal transmission network.^{4, 8, 9, 10, 13}

5) Shiitake

Cultivated in China and Japan for 1000 years, shiitake was once reserved exclusively for the Emperor and his loyal servants. This mushroom is nicknamed "the samurai mushroom".

As well as being identified as an adaptogenic mushroom, for its invigorating and fortifying properties, it plays an effective role on the cognitive level, helping to keep the mind alert and awake.

This mushroom (Lentinula edodes) contains a beta-glucan called lentinan. Research has shown it to have anti-tumor properties for certain cancers, as well as anti-diabetic and immunomodulatory effects.^{4, 9, 10, 13}

6) Cordyceps

Cordyceps has been extensively studied for its so-called adaptogenic properties. It is a fungus whose mycelium develops in a caterpillar (Hepialus fabricius) and/or butterfly (Lepidoptera). It is the visible aerial part, called the carpophore, which develops after the caterpillar has died.

Cordyceps, a mushroom with many virtues, has been valued for centuries in traditional Asian medicine for its various health-giving properties.

Renowned for its stimulating and adaptogenic properties, it is generally used to improve energy, boost the immune system and optimize physical performance. These properties can be attributed to its ability to enhance the body's use of oxygen and stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy molecule that powers the vital processes of our cells.^{3, 4, 9, 10}

Cordyceps and the respiratory system

What's more, cordyceps is said to have a breath-enhancing effect, strengthening lung energy. It therefore helps to combat chronic dry coughs, wheezing, chronic or allergic asthma, hay fever and so on. It helps the lungs following pneumonia. People who supplement with cordyceps find that their endurance and breath performance increase significantly.^{3, 4, 9, 10}

7) Chaga 

Chaga has a very good reputation, which is why it's known by many different names: Mushroom of Immortality, Diamond of the Forests and Gift of God. Chaga can be found in Quebec and northern regions.

It is an indigenous polypore mushroom that looks like a large black growth and grows only on mature white and yellow birch trees. It contains a multitude of antioxidants (such as betulin, betulinic acid, beta-glucans, polyphenols, melanin, superoxide dismutases, etc.), a large number of minerals (potassium, zinc and barium) and immunomodulating phytosterols.

It stimulates the immune system. It is anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral.

Thanks to its multiple benefits, it is also recognized as one of the so-called adaptogenic mushrooms. It helps combat gastritis and ulcers, and regulates cholesterol levels and hormonal functions.^{2, 4, 6, 8, 9 ,13}

8) Himematsutake Agaricus Blazei

In Brazil, it's known as the sun mushroom or the mushroom of God, because it thrives in warm climates or partially sunny areas. And depending on its exposure to the sun, it can be golden, brown or light brown in color.

According to Japanese scientists, the virtues of this Brazilian mushroom come mainly from a specific ingredient: beta-glucans.

Action of beta-glucans

Beta-glucans are complex sugars, also known as polysaccharides, with immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties.

Beta-glucans promote the production of substances called cytokines, which activate the immune response as well as macrophages (white blood cells). The presence of beta-glucans helps fight pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and infections. It is a good ally during the winter months against the flu.

Action against cancer

Himematsutake agaricus blazei in supplementation can be a valuable aid against cancer, as it stimulates the immune system via beta-glucans and increases the effectiveness of natural killer (NK) cells, which have the capacity to eliminate diseased cells.

Agaricus Blazei is useful against a variety of diseases such as cancer, tumors, chronic hepatitis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, etc.

In Brazil, Himematsutake Agaricus Blazei is part of the traditional pharmacopoeia and is perceived as a mushroom promoting long life.^{17, 18}

Adaptogenic mushrooms: nature's treasures bursting with health benefits!

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

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References

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3. Vastel Anne, Chagnon Sylvie, Médecine Traditionnelle Chinoise Plantes Médecines Occidentales, Guy Trédaniel, 2020, 2022, 2023,512 pages

magazine

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18. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3833359/