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Mushrooms that Boost Immune Function

3639 Views Posted on: 2024-06-14
Posted by: Matylda Bestyńska

Mushrooms that Boost Immune FunctionMushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years.1

Modern science has pinpointed a primary reason:

They contain beneficial compounds called beta glucans that boost immune function.2-5

On their own, beta glucans deliver antiviral and immunity-strengthening properties.2-5

In human studies, taking beta glucans reduces the length and severity of upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold and flu.6-11

Combining beta glucans with medicinal mushrooms may supercharge a variety of immune functions.

What Are Beta Glucans?

Beta glucans are a group of polysaccharides found in the cell walls of mushrooms, seaweed, and whole grains.7

Beta glucans derived from yeast and fungi are known for their immunomodulating properties.7

They also help nourish the gut microbiota and augment the action of immune cells.3,12-15

Key Immune-Supportive Mushrooms

There are hundreds of strains of mushrooms. Three that most effectively support the immune system are shiitake, maitake, and chaga.

Shiitake

Mushrooms that Boost Immune FunctionShiitake mushrooms have long been used in traditional Asian medicine.16 They increase the number of immune cells, including T-cells, which fight specific kinds of viruses, and NK (natural killer) cells, which kill a variety of virally infected cells and tumors.17

In cell studies shiitake extract was able to directly inactivate several types of viruses and block viral replication.18-20

In an animal model of severe bacterial lung infection, shiitake mushrooms significantly decreased the number of bacteria in the lungs and improved the animals’ condition.21

Shiitake also boosts secretion of antibodies that protect the digestive tract and reduces C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.17

Maitake

Mushrooms that Boost Immune FunctionCommonly used in cuisine, maitake mushrooms were shown in preclinical studies to activate some of the first immune cells to fight an infection, including NK cells and macrophages.22,23

Extracts of maitake also induce the secretion of interferons, proteins that improve the body’s ability to defend against infection.23

Chaga

Mushrooms that Boost Immune FunctionChaga mushrooms, which grow on alder, beech, birch, and various other hardwood trees, are powerful immuno-modulators.

When scientists treated mice with a drug that inhibits immune system activity, chaga extract returned levels of immune cells almost back to normal. It also kept down levels of tumor necrosis factor, a marker of inflammation.24

In preclinical studies, chaga demonstrated antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including influenza, herpes, hepatitis C, HIV, and others.25

Activating the Immune System

Activating the Immune SystemMushrooms contain numerous health-promoting compounds. But perhaps the most powerful and bioactive immune supporters are beta glucans.

Beta glucans bind to receptors found on an assortment of cells important for immunity.3,26 This boosts the function of these cells, helping them defend against infection and other threats.

Immune responses can be divided into two types:27

  • Innate immunity, which forms the body’s first line of defense, is accomplished by immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, and NK cells.
  • Adaptive immunity cells include lymphocytes, such as B-cells and T-cells. These are the specialists brought in later to fight off specific threats, like a particular bacteria or virus. Adaptive immunity helps the body develop long-term immunity to a pathogen.

Beta glucans activate and stimulate both systems.3,4,17,28,29

What you need to know: Mushrooms and Beta Glucans Boost Immunity

  • ImmuneMushrooms have long been used for medicinal properties. Shiitake, maitake, and chaga mushrooms help support the immune system, activating immune cells.
  • Beta glucans, compounds found in the cell walls of mushrooms, contribute to these immune benefits.
  • Oral intake of beta glucans can boost the immune system’s ability to prevent and fend off infections (including the common cold and flu), and support a healthy gut microbiota, and it may reverse age-related weakening of the immune system.
  • Blending beta glucans with shiitake, maitake, and chaga mushrooms may help optimize healthy immune function.

Results of Human Tests

Results of Human TestsTo validate these benefits in humans, scientists conducted a number of different trials. Volunteers were randomized to receive either a placebo or beta glucans. Most of these studies used a 250 mg dose of beta-glucans.6-11

Beta glucans demonstrated infection-fighting effects, particularly in upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold and flu.

Participants who received beta glucans had:6-11

  • Fewer symptomatic days,
  • Less severe infection symptoms,
  • Fewer workdays lost to illness,
  • Increased numbers of immune cells in the blood,
  • Higher levels of interferon secretion, and
  • Increased secretion of antibodies in the saliva, a defense against digestive tract and respiratory tract infections.

Higher Mushroom Intake Associated with Reduced Mortality

Higher Mushroom Intake Associated with Reduced MortalityIn September 2021, scientists with the College of Medicine at Pennsylvania State University published results from a meta-analysis of prospective studies that included over 600,000 individuals, on the relationship between mushroom intake and mortality.34

They found that higher mushroom consumption correlated with a lower risk of death from any cause.

This study had several major strengths, including the facts that it involved a very comprehensive meta-analysis and it employed a sample that was nationally representative of the American adult population.

An earlier study by the same team, with 15,546 participants followed for an average of nearly 20 years, from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), found an even stronger correlation between mushroom intake and lower all-cause mortality.35

In a different meta-analysis, researchers found that higher mushroom consumption was associated with a lower risk of cancer.36

When site-specific cancer was studied, a significant association was observed with reduced breast cancer risk and greater mushroom consumption.36

Beta glucans can improve immune responses to other challenges as well. One study looked at ragweed allergy sufferers who received either a placebo or 250 mg of beta glucans.30

After four weeks, those receiving beta glucans had significant reductions in total allergy symptoms and severity. Measures of mood, energy, vigor, sleep, and overall quality of life were all improved.30

Reversing Immune Senescence

The elderly become more susceptible to infectious diseases and cancer due to a deterioration of immune function known as immunosenescence.31

In animal models of aging, intake of beta glucans can help prevent or even reverse this weakening of the immune system.28,32

In one mouse study, beta glucans boosted the numbers of immune cells, and improved their function, which had a rejuvenating effect on immune system responses.32

Stronger Gut Defenses

Stronger Gut DefensesThe gut microbiota is made up of the trillions of microorganisms in the digestive tract. Beneficial populations of these microorganisms are critical to fighting infections and maintaining optimal overall health.

Both mushrooms and isolated beta glucans encourage the growth of healthy microbiota.3,13-15

The benefits don’t stop there. When beneficial bacteria consume beta glucans, they produce short-chain fatty acids as a byproduct.13,15 Among other benefits, these fatty acids:33

  • Reduce harmful inflammation,
  • Support a healthy gut lining,
  • Defend against cancer, and
  • Help regulate appetite and metabolism.

Combining beta glucans with immune-supporting mushrooms may help maximize the function of the immune system.

Summary

SummaryMushrooms have wide-ranging medicinal properties, including powerful support for the function of the immune system.

Beta glucans are compounds found in the cell walls of mushrooms, and in yeast, seaweed, and some grains that are also known to help the immune system.

Beta-glucans have been shown to improve immune responses, helping to:

  • Prevent and fight infections like the common cold and flu,
  • Prevent or reverse immune senescence, and
  • Support a healthy gut microbiota.

A carefully formulated blend of beta glucans from yeast as well as shiitake, maitake, and chaga mushrooms can help support healthy immune function.

Material used with permission of Life Extension. All rights reserved.

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  5. Zhang M, Zhang Y, Zhang L, et al. Chapter Thirteen - Mushroom polysaccharide lentinan for treating different types of cancers: A review of 12 years clinical studies in China. In: Zhang L, ed. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. Vol 163: Academic Press; 2019:297-328.
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Scientific Sources

What are medicinal mushrooms and how do they support immune function?

Medicinal mushrooms are fungi species used therapeutically for centuries in traditional medicine, now validated by modern research. Key species include Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), and Cordyceps. These mushrooms contain bioactive polysaccharides (especially beta-glucans), triterpenes, and other compounds that modulate immune function, acting as immunomodulators that both stimulate weak immunity and regulate overactive responses.

What are beta-glucans and how do they work as immunoadjuvants?

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in medicinal mushrooms that act as biological response modifiers, enhancing immune function. They bind to specific receptors on immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells) activating innate immunity. Beta-glucans enhance phagocytosis, cytokine production, and antimicrobial activity. Structure matters - beta-1,3/1,6-glucans from mushrooms show strongest immunomodulatory effects. Research supports beta-glucans as potential immunoadjuvants boosting vaccine responses and general immunity.

Which medicinal mushrooms have the strongest research support?

Turkey Tail has extensive research including clinical trials showing immune benefits in cancer patients. Reishi has broad traditional use and modern studies supporting immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects. Shiitake contains lentinan, a beta-glucan with documented immune-enhancing and anti-cancer properties. Maitake shows promise for immune support and metabolic health. Cordyceps has traditional use for vitality and modern research on immune and exercise benefits. All show immunomodulatory properties with slightly different profiles.

Can medicinal mushrooms help with cancer treatment?

Medicinal mushroom polysaccharides, particularly lentinan from shiitake and PSK/PSP from turkey tail, have been used as complementary cancer treatments primarily in Asia. Research shows they may enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, reduce side effects, improve quality of life, and support immune function during cancer treatment. Not standalone cancer treatments but potentially valuable adjuncts. Some mushroom compounds are approved cancer therapies in Japan. Always discuss with oncologist before using during cancer treatment.

How should medicinal mushrooms be taken and what's the dosage?

Medicinal mushrooms come as extracts (concentrated active compounds), powders (whole mushroom), or tinctures. Extracts standardized for beta-glucan content (typically 20-40%) offer consistent dosing. Typical doses: 1-3g extract daily or 3-9g powder. Multi-mushroom formulas combining several species may provide broader benefits. Take with meals to enhance absorption. Benefits typically require consistent use for weeks to months. Quality varies greatly - choose reputable brands with testing for active compounds and contaminants.

  • Medicinal mushrooms have ancient traditional use now validated by modern scientific research
  • Beta-glucans from mushrooms act as immunoadjuvants enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity
  • Mushroom polysaccharides activate immune cells including macrophages, NK cells, and neutrophils
  • Turkey Tail (PSK/PSP) has clinical trial evidence supporting use as complementary cancer treatment
  • Lentinan from shiitake shows immune-enhancing and anti-cancer properties in research studies
  • Medicinal mushrooms act as immunomodulators - strengthen weak immunity while regulating overactive responses
  • Multiple mushroom species show complementary effects when combined in formulas
  • Mushroom compounds are approved complementary cancer therapies in Japan with extensive clinical use
  1. Choose quality products: Select extracts standardized for beta-glucans (20-40%) or polysaccharides from reputable manufacturers
  2. Extract vs. powder: Extracts provide concentrated active compounds; powders offer whole mushroom benefits
  3. Single species dosing: Take 1-3g extract or 3-9g powder daily of individual mushroom species
  4. Multi-mushroom formulas: Combination products offer synergistic effects from multiple species
  5. Timing: Take with meals to enhance absorption; consistency more important than exact timing
  6. Start gradually: Begin with lower doses, increase over 1-2 weeks to assess tolerance
  7. Long-term use: Immune benefits require consistent daily use for weeks to months; safe for extended supplementation
  8. Cycling optional: Some practitioners recommend 5 days on, 2 days off, though continuous use also acceptable
  9. With vitamin D and zinc: Can combine with other immune-supporting nutrients for comprehensive approach
  10. Quality testing: Choose brands testing for active compounds and screening for heavy metals/contaminants
  11. Medical supervision: If using for serious conditions like cancer or autoimmune disease, work with healthcare provider
  • People with weakened immune function experiencing frequent infections
  • Individuals seeking immune support during cold/flu season or high-stress periods
  • Those with chronic viral infections wanting immune modulation support
  • Cancer patients (under oncologist supervision) seeking complementary immune support during treatment
  • People with autoimmune conditions seeking immune regulation (requires medical supervision)
  • Older adults experiencing age-related immune decline
  • Individuals interested in evidence-based traditional medicine with modern research validation
  • Those wanting natural immune support without pharmaceutical side effects
  • People with mushroom allergies - avoid medicinal mushroom products
  • Those on immunosuppressant medications - mushrooms may counteract immunosuppression; requires medical supervision
  • Individuals awaiting organ transplant or with transplanted organs on immunosuppressants
  • People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners - some mushrooms may have antiplatelet effects
  • Those scheduled for surgery within 2 weeks - discontinue medicinal mushrooms
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women - insufficient safety data for concentrated extracts
  • Anyone on chemotherapy - discuss with oncologist before adding; may interact with certain cancer treatments

Results: Review shows medicinal mushrooms represent ancient remedies now validated by modern science. Research demonstrates immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, and other therapeutic properties of various mushroom species.

Citation: Stamets P, Zwickey H. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1) [Medicinal Mushrooms: Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Science]

Results: Research demonstrates medicinal mushrooms are attractive natural source of compounds for therapeutic applications. Studies show immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, and metabolic benefits.

Citation: Blagodatski A, et al. [Medicinal mushrooms as new source of natural compounds for therapy]

Results: Review shows beta-glucans have important nutraceutical functions in human nutrition including immune modulation, cardiovascular protection, and metabolic benefits.

Citation: Ciecierska A, et al. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig [Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans]

Results: Research reviews beta-glucans as potential immunoadjuvants. Studies examine adjuvanticity, structure-activity relationships, and immunological mechanisms of mushroom beta-glucans.

Citation: Jin Y, et al. [Beta-glucans as potential immunoadjuvants: review on adjuvanticity and structure-activity]