4 Best Medicinal Mushrooms For Brain Health

When it comes to brain health, mushrooms probably aren't the first food you think of. In this article, we explore why you might want to consider adding them to your routine. We will focus on four popular functional mushrooms often discussed in the context of brain health:

1. Reishi (Ganoderma)
2. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
3. Cordyceps
4. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Functional Mushrooms On The Rise

Fungi are becoming increasingly popular as a star food ingredient in the wellness community. Many different health and wellness enthusiasts consider these “functional” mushrooms a favorite addition to their routine. Not only are they packed with flavor and easy to incorporate, they also contain vitamins and nutrients.

Mushroom extracts contain polysaccharide β-glucans, which researchers have studied for a variety of properties; you can read more on PubMed (1). New studies are also exploring these adaptogenic mushrooms in the context of brain health.

1. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms have been used traditionally for over 2,000 years. It is a large, dark mushroom with a glossy exterior and a woody texture (2). Native to the hot and humid regions of Asia, it is considered a rare find. Reishi is popular among those looking to support immune function, manage everyday stress, and support cognitive wellness as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Researchers have studied Reishi mushrooms in animal models in the context of brain and memory function.

Three separate studies conducted on rats and mice explored how Reishi mushroom interacts with oxidative stress in the brain; you can read more on PubMed (3), (4), (5).

A fourth study explored similar topics, including measures of memory and learning in the test subjects (6).

While we would love to start seeing more human research, these animal studies have explored topics related to memory and cognitive function.

2. Lion’s Mane

Native to North America, Asia and Europe, this unique mushroom is identified by its shaggy, globe-like appearance. Also known as Hericium erinaceus, Lion’s Mane is commonly used to support energy and mental performance. It is a popular choice for those looking to support a positive mood and focus as part of a balanced lifestyle. It has been studied in animal models in the context of nerve and memory function.

One animal study explored Lion’s Mane mushrooms and memory, noting measures in both the perirhinal cortex and hippocampus (7).

Another study examined Lion’s Mane and its neurotrophic properties. These are involved in the growth and differentiation of neurons. Researchers also looked at nerve growth factor (NGF), which is involved in the maintenance of the basal forebrain cholinergic system (8).

A third animal study explored Lion’s Mane in the context of brain health (9).

Finally, a double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial looked at cognitive measures in 50- to 80-year-old Japanese men and women; you can read more on PubMed (10).

Overall, animal studies have explored lion’s mane extract in the context of the nervous system, memory, and cognitive function. We would still like to see more human research conducted.

3. Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps are a mushroom found all over the world. However, they are most commonly found in Asia. This mushroom is popular for its reputation of supporting stamina and focus. It is also a favorite among those looking to support healthy blood sugar already within a normal range and immune function as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Researchers have studied Cordyceps in the context of memory and the hippocampus; you can read more on PubMed (11), (12), (13).

More animal studies have explored Cordyceps in the context of memory and brain function (14), (15).

Finally, another animal study explored Cordyceps in the context of cerebral health (16).

In short, Cordyceps mushroom is widely studied in the context of brain and cognitive function, including memory and focus. Again, more human research is needed, but what researchers have explored through animal studies thus far is interesting.

4. Chaga Mushroom

Chaga mushrooms grow on the bark of birch trees in cold climates. They’re most commonly found in Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada and Alaska. They are rough in appearance and look like a large, blackened mass protruding from the trunk of the tree.

It’s a well-rounded mushroom that is popular for its nootropic reputation and is often enjoyed by those looking to support endurance. It has been studied for its antioxidant properties and in the context of acetylcholine, which is involved in learning and memory.

A study on rats explored cognitive measures and antioxidant activities. The findings looked at the role of Chaga in relation to brain functions like learning and memory (17).

Two more animal studies explored Chaga mushroom in the context of brain health (18), (19).

More human studies would be ideal; however, animal research has explored Chaga mushroom in the context of brain wellness, antioxidant properties, and measures of learning and memory.

How To Consume Functional Mushrooms

When it comes to adding functional mushrooms into your wellness journey, there are a few different routes you could take. You can simply cook and eat them, but if you’re like me and mushrooms aren’t your favorite texture in the world, you can try using mushroom supplements. These come in various forms including powders, capsules, or tinctures. Powders are a crowd favorite as they can be added to tea, soup, or even mushroom coffee. Whichever direction you choose, be prepared to enjoy what mushrooms can bring to the overall picture of your wellness routine.

Conclusion

In short, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi mushrooms are popular subjects of research in the context of brain health. More research is still needed. However, because they are widely available today for personal use, you can explore these popular mushrooms yourself as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Medical Disclaimer

Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including functional mushrooms. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. The purpose of this article is simply to highlight relevant research for those curious about functional mushrooms.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.