Mushrooms have been utilized in traditional medicine for thousands of years, but in recent times, there has been an increase in the prevalence of mushroom-based products. The functional mushroom market, which includes food, drinks, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals, was valued at nearly $26.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $65.8 billion by 2030. As interest in fungi continues to grow, there are questions surrounding the actual health benefits of these products. While some experts praise the therapeutic powers of mushrooms, others express skepticism and concern about the widespread claims. Christopher Hobbs, a herbalist, mycologist, and author, attributes the surge in interest to the growing scientific literature about the healing properties of mushrooms. Research has focused on specific mushrooms such as reishi, known as the “mushroom of immortality,” which has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years to promote health and longevity. New research has centered on reishi-derived beta-glucans, which have shown the potential to upregulate immune response and inhibit tumor growth. Similarly, shiitake mushrooms contain a beta-glucan called lentinan, which is heralded for its potential in treating diabetes and enhancing immune response in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chaga, another prominent player in the functional mushroom market, has been utilized for medicinal purposes since the 12th century in Europe. Recent studies have shown that a bioactive chaga extract has the potential to reduce blood sugar levels in mice and inhibit the growth of human cancer cells in vitro. However, some experts caution that existing research does not offer sufficient evidence of health benefits and emphasize the need for more long-term clinical trials. While lab studies have shown promising results, they do not necessarily translate to practical use in humans, and there is a lack of substantial evidence from human clinical trials. Lion’s mane, for example, contains biologically active compounds that impact the growth of nerve cells and has shown potential for cognitive function. Turkey tail, which has been extensively studied for its role in cancer treatment, is also of great interest. However, while some practitioners recommend mushroom supplements as a supplementary treatment, there are concerns about self-prescription without medical approval. The majority of studies are not double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies, which are the standard in drug-approval processes. Furthermore, the regulation of mushroom supplements is limited, and some products have been found to be mislabeled or lack the promised ingredients. While mushroom supplements are generally considered harmless, studies have indicated potential for auto-immune flare-ups and toxicity. Overall, there is a need for more comprehensive research and regulation of mushroom supplements to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
