Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide. For centuries, they have been used for their health benefits, which include boosting the immune system, supporting heart health, helping with weight management, fighting cancer, and supporting healthy skin. 

The mushrooms originally only grew in the wild on fallen trees, specifically the Shii tree, in the forests of Japan. The wild mushrooms were so highly prized that only Samurai warriors were allowed to collect them.[1]

High in choline, copper, potassium, vitamin D, and zinc, Shiitake mushrooms also boast all eight essential amino acids found in meat. They also host a wealth of compounds that contribute to their medicinal benefits.[2]

Shiitake mushrooms possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antiviral qualities that promote a healthy immune system. The lentinan in Shiitakes defends against a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The centinamycins in Shiitake mushrooms enhance antibacterial benefits, and the eritadenine possesses antiviral properties.[3]

The mushrooms help improve cardiovascular health. They contain eritadenine, which is a compound that decreases cholesterol in the blood. They also contain beta-glucans which diminishes inflammation and prevents intestinal cholesterol absorption. These compounds not only support heart health but also are responsible for maintaining a healthy weight. Even combating obesity-related conditions like high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome.[4]

Research shows that Shiitake mushrooms help fight cancer cells, and the lentinan in the mushroom helps heal chromosome damage caused by chemotherapy.

Shiitake mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and selenium, which can help reduce acne and eczema. Selenium is a natural anti-acne treatment. The mushrooms are also high in vitamin D, which can help protect against environmental-related problems such as sun damage and wrinkles. They are also high in zinc which can improve the skin’s ability to heal.[5]

Interactions – There are no known interactions with Shiitake.

[1]https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1982/leath82a.pdf
[2]https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168437/nutrients
[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942920/
[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6278646/
[5]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271125450_Effects_of_silymarin_N-acetylcysteine_and_selenium_in_the_treatment_of_papulopustular_acne 

The Maitake mushroom, also known as Hen-of-the-Woods, is a polypore mushroom native to Japan, Europe, and North America and grows at the base of oak and maple trees. 

The Maitake mushroom has been celebrated for its medicinal purposes for centuries. The mushrooms enhance immune function, regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, protect the liver, treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and help with the treatment of cancer. 

The key component in Maitake mushrooms responsible for its many health benefits is beta-glucan, a type of polysaccharide. Beta-glucans increase host immune defense by activating the complement system, enhancing macrophages and natural killer cell function. Another important compound in Maitake mushrooms is called D-fraction and has been proven to support the immune system.[1]

The beta-glucan in Maitake is responsible for reducing LDL cholesterol in the body, which helps maintain cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. They also help to regulate blood sugar levels, acting similarly to insulin. Maitake also increased the ability of insulin to bind to liver cells and improved pancreatic function.[2]

Early research shows that taking maitake mushroom extract can improve ovulation in women whose periods have stopped due to PCOS. However, Maitake mushrooms do not appear to be as effective as clomiphene for PCOS. Still, combining these two agents seems to be more effective than either agent alone for improving ovulation.[3]

The D-fraction in Maitake may inhibit cancer development and spread and also make chemotherapy drugs more effective.[4]

Interactions – Antidiabetic drugs

Maitake mushrooms might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Maitake mushrooms along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202470/
[2]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11520942/
[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21034160/
[4]https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109662003772519949

Cordyceps mushrooms, also known as a Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, are among the most commonly used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The principal active component in Cordyceps is Polysaccharide which has a broad range of biological and pharmacological properties. 

Cordyceps are an important medical ingredient with many health benefits. From reducing fatigue and boosting strength and treating diabetes and kidney disease to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and even treating cancer, these mushrooms are a powerhouse when it comes to their medicinal potential.

Cordyceps increase the body’s production of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule. This molecule is responsible for delivering energy to the muscles. They also increase blood flow and act as an antioxidant, improving athletic performance and reviving tired muscles.[1][2]

Cordyceps are used to treat liver disease and diabetes. They contain a particular type of sugar that may help treat diabetes. By mimicking the actions of insulin, cordyceps keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Animal studies suggest that cordyceps can stimulate progesterone production and reduce kidney toxicity from harsh medications. Studies also indicate that Cordyceps can also help improve kidney function.[3][4]

Research has shown that Cordyceps decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol. This helps protect the heart against disease caused by the buildup of cholesterol in arteries. In China, Cordyceps are approved as a treatment for arrhythmia, helping maintain a regular heartbeat.[5]

It is even suggested that Cordyceps may have the potential to treat cancer and some side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.[6]

Interactions – Cyclophosphamide, Immunosuppressants, Prednisolone

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) is used to decrease the immune system. Cordyceps seems to increase the immune system. Taking cordyceps along with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) might decrease the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar).

Cordyceps might increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, cordyceps might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system. Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Prednisolone is sometimes used to decrease the immune system. Taking cordyceps might make prednisolone less effective for decreasing the immune system.

[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/
[2]https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jspfsm/55/Supplement/55_S145/_pdf/-char/en
[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15050427/
[4]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25519252/
[5]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20724804/
[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6088102/

The Reishi mushroom is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. For centuries, it has been a staple in Eastern medicine. Reishi mushrooms have a number of health benefits. They boost the immune system, fight inflammation, assist with blood pressure and cholesterol, support healthy liver function, battle fatigue, ease depression, and even fight cancer. 

Reishi mushrooms are highly antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals such as air pollution, radiation, and bacteria. They also enhance the function of the immune system by increasing the activity of white blood cells, which help fight infection in the body. 

Chronic inflammation is responsible for many health issues. Well known for its anti-inflammatory effects, Reishi can be applied orally or topically to help the body battle inflammation. Topically, it is as effective as the hormone cortisol, found in many topical medications, to treat skin conditions.[1]

Reishi is used to control blood pressure and cholesterol. The mushrooms have a natural ability to lower blood pressure because they increase blood flow. Reishi is also known to lower bad cholesterol and boost good cholesterol. These effects help prevent strokes, clogged arteries, and other heart problems. Studies show that Reishi  can even reverse the effects of heart disease. [2]

Reishi  can fight harmful immune responses that can slow down liver function. In addition, the adaptogenic properties of Reishi help get rid of toxins and waste from the body, helping the liver do its job. 

Reishi is even beneficial for fighting cancer. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi improves stamina, increases strength, and prolongs life in cancer patients. Its immune-boosting properties help weakened cancer patients. The mushrooms also ease the side effects of chemotherapy.[3]

Interactions – Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs, Antihypertensive drugs

High doses of Reishi mushrooms might slow blood clotting. Taking Reishi mushrooms along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil,

Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Reishi mushrooms might decrease blood pressure. Taking Reishi mushrooms along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

[1]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19651243/
[2]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21801467/
[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3585368/